To combine sporty strength with cushy, family-style comfort, the 2025 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are the go-to models! But how do you choose between these popular three-row SUVs? Our comparison guide has the answers you seek.
Key Takeaways
- Check out the Grand Cherokee for the lowest price on a three-row midsize SUV.
- For more space and greater luxury, you need the newly revised Ford Explorer!
- With its all-new infotainment system and hands-free driving capabilities, the Explorer is the high-tech choice.
- The Explorer delivers a unique blend of explosive power, sharp steering, and rugged capabilities!
Friendliest Starting Price: 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Whether you’re looking at the two-row version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (from $36,495*) or the three-row Grand Cherokee L (from $39,035*), these SUVs deliver the lowest starting price! Plus, the entry-level model offers lots of features for your money, including three-zone automatic climate control and smartphone-friendly infotainment.
Then again, the new Explorer (from $40,050*) doesn’t cost much more than the three-row Grand Cherokee L! Better still, Ford’s midsize SUV entices you to spend a little extra money with a more robust list of standard features. The base Explorer comes standard with more features than the competition, adding to the aforementioned items with heated front seats and a power liftgate!
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Road-Trip-Ready Cabin: 2025 Ford Explorer
Your family deserves a spacious, comfortable road trip! And that’s just one reason to choose the Explorer, which delivers extra wiggle room in all three rows. Ford’s three-row SUV even provides a little extra space for your luggage, with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. And like we said earlier, the Explorer also comes standard with more comfort features, winter-proofing your ride with power-adjustable, heated front seats. Climb the four trim levels (Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum) for more to love, including leather seating and front-seat ventilation.
Compared to the Explorer, the three-row Cherokee L shorts each passenger a few inches of passenger space. Behind the rear seats, there are 17.2 cubic feet for your hiking gear and tailgating supplies. Even the base Grand Cherokee includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat and three-zone automatic climate control. And you can always climb the four trim models (Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit) for a cushier ride. Available comfort upgrades include four-zone automatic climate control and heated and ventilated seats!
High-Tech Driving: 2025 Ford Explorer
The revised Explorer dazzles you with its tech features, including an all-new infotainment system, the Ford Digital Experience. This standard equipment keeps you connected with a 13.2-inch central touchscreen, Google navigation and voice controls, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Plus, every trim model comes with a digital instrument cluster. The new Explorer also expands its list of driver safety aids, adding to the lineup with advanced features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and intersection collision mitigation.
By comparison, Jeep’s infotainment features are a little dated. The Grand Cherokee’s standard lineup is less expansive, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. On the other hand, every Grand Cherokee features an excellent list of safety aids, including blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist.
Both of these models are available with all kinds of tech upgrades, from wireless smartphone charging to hands-free driving systems.
Best Performance: 2025 Ford Explorer
When it comes to power, how do the Explorer and Grand Cherokee really compare? While both midsize SUVs are known for their sporty performance, you’ll find that the Grand Cherokee has trouble keeping up with the Explorer. And if the entry-level EcoBoost engine out-powers the competition, and the optional turbo V6 leaves it way behind! But Ford’s midsize SUV is also known for its sharp steering and sporty handling. Combined with potent power, these characteristics make the Explorer more fun to drive than segment rivals.
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Specs
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.0L turbo V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
With only one engine available, the Grand Cherokee isn’t quite as configurable. And it’s not nearly as quick as the Explorer, going from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. With its 400-horsepower V6, the Explorer gets up to speed in a mere 5.6 seconds! On the other hand, the Grand Cherokee’s rear-wheel-drive platform helps it compete with the Explorer’s rugged capabilities. Most models in this segment come with car-like front-wheel drive, but these SUVs take strength, handling, and towing capabilities to the next level!
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain Specs
- 3.6L V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Make the Right Choice
While the Jeep Grand Cherokee talks the talk, the Ford Explorer walks the walk. Ford’s three-row midsize SUV delivers more muscle, sportier handling, and cutting-edge technology. Come see why the Explorer is built for your adventures — visit us at Lafayette Ford for a test-drive!