2021 Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: Standard Engine Power

Both the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee come with a nice selection of engines to choose from. If you're looking to stick with the standard trim level and base engine for either SUV, you'll have more power to work with in the Explorer.

A 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder powerplant is the base offering in the Explorer and reaches 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee actually offers a larger engine at the base level: a 3.6L V6. However, it doesn't have the same oomph as the Explorer, registering just 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Passenger & Cargo Space

There are some vast differences between the Explorer and Grand Cherokee when it comes to their interior proportions.

To start, the Explorer has 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space, complete with three rows of seating to fit up to seven people. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, only has 105 cubic feet of space and can fit a maximum of five passengers with two rows of seating.

• In the front row, the Explorer offers 40.7 inches of headroom and 43 inches of legroom, while the Grand Cherokee has 39.9 inches of headroom and 40.3 inches of legroom.
• The second row of the Ford Explorer includes 40.5 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee includes 39.2 inches of headroom and 38.6 inches of legroom.
• There's 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row in the Explorer that expands to 47.9 cubic feet with the row folded or 87.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, but only 68.3 cubic feet when that row is folded flat.

SUV In-Cabin Technology

Both the Ford and Jeep brands understand the importance of offering up-to-date technology within their most popular models. If you look at the 2021 versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, there are a host of systems in place that will help make your daily travels easier, more enjoyable, and more connective.

The two models offer Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration systems, for instance. What these systems do is link your smartphone to the vehicle. After you've properly linked up, many of the applications you have on your phone can be accessed on the touchscreen of your SUV.

There's a difference between the respective touchscreens of the two SUVs, though. For Ford, you can enjoy a screen measuring 10.1 inches. The Ford screen also touts swipe and pinch-to-zoom capabilities, making it all the easier to use.

While not small, the largest screen of the Jeep Grand Cherokee measures just 8.4 inches.

Opening Your Roof to the World

In many modern vehicles, the option to enjoy a sunroof is present. These sunroofs have changed over time, becoming more advanced, larger, and more enthralling for those in both the first and second rows.

In the 2021 Ford Explorer, you can enjoy one of the largest twin-panel moonroofs seen on the market. The size of the Explorer means the moonroof had to match proportionally, resulting in a large and stunning view of the sky through your open roof.

Meanwhile, an available dual-pane panoramic sunroof makes its way into the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The setup is charming, as well, yet the cramped proportions of the cabin relative to the size of the Cherokee diminishes the overall effect of the sliding roof.

For those long car rides with the family, your children will appreciate the vast openness of the Ford moonroof more than the comparative offering of Jeep.

Choosing Your SUV Size

While the 2020 Ford Explorer is larger than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the two must be close to the same size as they compete in similar segments, right? The discrepancy between the two SUVs isn't jarring, but Ford gives the Explorer a couple of extra inches where it matters most. If you want a stable, spacious vehicle, those inches begin to add up quickly.

Here are a few key size differences between the 2021 Explorer and Grand Cherokee:

• The wheelbase of the Ford Explorer measures 119.1 inches compared to the Grand Cherokee wheelbase of 114.8 inches.
• The height of the Explorer and Grand Cherokee are close, with the Ford SUV measuring 69.9 inches and the Jeep SUV measuring 69.3 inches.
• The width of the Explorer for 2021 measures 78.9 inches (excluding the mirrors), while that same measurement for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is 76.5 inches.