The 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee have a lot in common, including sporty rear-wheel-drive performance and impressive towing capabilities. You’ll also love how spacious and comfortable these models are! But which should you choose? Our comparison guide has the details you need to make the right decision for you and your family.
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer provides extra passenger space, though the Grand Cherokee provides the bigger cargo hold.
- The Ford Explorer is our choice for interior luxury. Not only does this Ford SUV come standard with more creature comforts, but you’ll also appreciate its list of upgrades!
- Both SUVs deliver powerful engine options, but the Explorer ultimately provides the stronger, smoother ride.
- For drivers who want to tow max loads, the Grand Cherokee is the better option!
More Passenger Space: 2023 Ford Explorer
The three-row Explorer is the best choice for families and friends! With the standard second-row bench seat, the Explorer seats up to seven passengers. If you decide you want second-row captain’s chairs, then your SUV will seat six.
The Grand Cherokee has two rows of seating, with space for up to five passengers. Although it’s not the right choice for especially big families, this Jeep SUV does offer greater cargo space, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Explorer’s cargo hold offers 18.2 cubic feet for your stuff. For a three-row version of this SUV, check out the Grand Cherokee L.
Tech and Luxury Options: 2023 Ford Explorer
Although both SUVs deliver a range of luxury upgrades and modern tech features, the Explorer has the edge here. For starters, it comes standard with coveted features like tri-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And moving up the Explorer’s list of eight trim models only creates an even classier cruise, with available features that include leather upholstery and a premium B&O sound system.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and a similar infotainment setup. And, like the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee is home to a long list of driver safety aids, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. If you want power-adjustable front seats, however, you’re going to have to move up to a higher trim model. The Grand Cherokee is also available with optional upgrades, including heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Sporty Performance: 2023 Ford Explorer
The Explorer takes the lead here, giving you more power with its available turbocharged V6 engine! Even the Explorer’s base engine delivers greater power than the Grand Cherokee counterpart.
The 2023 Explorer engine options:
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 3.3L V6 hybrid (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Like the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee delivers a sporty rear-wheel drive platform. Compared to front-wheel-drive SUVs, rear-wheel drive improves each models’ handling and towing capabilities. However, the Grand Cherokee doesn’t deliver quite as much horsepower, in spite of its available V8 engine.
The 2023 Grand Cherokee engine options:
- 3.6L V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft)
- 2.0L four-cylinder 4xe plug-in hybrid engine (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)
- 5.7L V8 (357 hp, 390 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Max Towing: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
In the midsize SUV segment, it’s tough to find a model that can tow more than the Grand Cherokee. With its 5.7-liter V8 engine, this SUV can tow a trailer that weighs up to 7,600 pounds!
However, with its powerful V6 engine, the Ford Explorer also pulls pretty big figures for this segment. Properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
Your New SUV
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow a heavy trailer, but it’s the 2023 Ford Explorer that delivers the best overall performance, passenger space, and luxury upgrades!