Head-to-head
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Ford Explorer wins clearly, 93.9 to 77.2, on safety, tech & comfort, space & cargo.
F
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer RWD, is EPA-rated at 24 …
vs
F2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas large SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Grand Ch…
More Ford Explorer head-to-heads More Jeep Grand Cherokee head-to-heads Every Explorer vs Grand Cherokee model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Ford Explorer
Clear winThe Ford Explorer wins clearly, 93.9 to 77.2, on safety, tech & comfort, space & cargo.
Safety 2025 Ford Explorer leads by 21.9
Tech & comfort 2025 Ford Explorer leads by 27.9
Space & cargo 2025 Ford Explorer leads by 20.5
| Category · weight | 2025 Ford Exploreroverall 93.9 | 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokeeoverall 77.2 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 96.3 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 78.6 | 56.7 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 79.5 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 94.6 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 72.1 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 93.9 | 77.2 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Jeep Grand Cherokee: open park-outside / do-not-drive advisory (−25)
Ford Explorer: base trim Active RWD · Jeep Grand Cherokee: base trim Laredo FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Ford Explorer wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (34 points against 24.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It seats 7 against 5.
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (109 against 122 filed with NHTSA).
Where the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee answers
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 58 against 43).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
53 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 2,261 cc | 3,604 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 | 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 variable-valve timing |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 293 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 19 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 22 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 26 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.58 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic hybrid |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in | 8.4 in |
| Overall height | 69.6 in | 70.8 in |
| Overall length | 199 in | 194 in |
| Overall width | 78.9 in | 77.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 117 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 85.8 cu-ft | 70.8 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 46 cu-ft | 37.7 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 16.3 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 153 cu-ft | 145 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.7 in | 39.9 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.5 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.9 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 43 in | 41.3 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39 in | 38.2 in |
| Third-row legroom | 32.2 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 4,238 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,303 lbs | 4,238 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 6,050 lbs |
| Payload capacity | — | 1,280 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | independent | Multi-link independent, coil springs, gas-charged twin-tube coilover shock absorbers |
| Rear suspension type | independent | Multi-link, coil spring, twin tube shocks |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power-Assisted Steering | Electric rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 38 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 354 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | vented disc |
| Parking brake type | electric | Drum-in-hat |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 350 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | vented disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | aluminum | Painted cast aluminum |
| Wheel width | — | 8 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P255/65R18 | 245/70R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.9 gal | 23 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | FordPass Connect | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 62.1 in | 59.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61.9 in | 58 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 54.6 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
134 features · differences first, then sharedSafety21 differ · 40 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Evasive Steering Assist | std | — |
| LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist | — | std |
| Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines | std | — |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ – Driver Alert | std | — |
| Hill-descent Control (4x4 models only) | std | — |
| Active Lane Management | — | std |
| Advanced Brake Assist | — | std |
| Curve Control | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Electric-park brake with safe hold | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ (standard ADAS suite including Intersection Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Dynamic Brake Support) | std | — |
| ParkView rear backup camera — includes ParkSense rear park assist system | — | std |
| Perimeter Alarm | std | — |
| Post-Collision Braking | std | — |
| Rain brake support | — | std |
| Ready Alert Braking | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| Security alarm | — | std |
| Side-Wind Stabilization | std | — |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | std | — |
| Switch-activated electric park brake | — | std |
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | std | std |
| Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian Detection | std | std |
| Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian Detection | std | std |
| Rear Cross Path detection | std | std |
| Advanced multistage, driver and front passenger | std | std |
| Advanced side-curtain | std | std |
| Advanced supplemental front-seat side air bags | std | std |
| LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist | std | std |
| Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH) | std | std |
| ParkSense rear park assist with reverse stop | std | std |
| Trailer-sway control | std | std |
| Auto high-beam headlamp control system | std | std |
| Blind-spot Monitoring | std | std |
| Driver's side inflatable knee bolster | std | std |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) — includes vehicle stability management system, Electronic Roll Mitigation, all-speed traction control, Brake Assist and four-channel antilock brake system | std | std |
| Four-wheel Antilock Brakes | std | std |
| Hill-start Assist | std | std |
| Sentry Key antitheft engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire-pressure monitoring | std | std |
Infotainment15 differ · 16 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start System | opt | — |
| 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (connects up to 10 devices) | std | — |
| FordPass Connect™ – Remotely start, lock and unlock vehicle | std | — |
| Audio – Six (6) Speakers | std | — |
| FordPass Connect™ – Locate parked vehicle | std | — |
| 911 Assist® | std | — |
| Electronic paddle shifters | — | std |
| Ford Digital Experience – 13.2" Color LCD Touchscreen in IP Center-Stack with Alexa Built-In, Google Assistant/Maps/Play, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Wireless Compatibility | std | — |
| Ford Power-Up Software Update Capability | std | — |
| SiriusXM Satellite Radio (included with Lux Tech Group) | — | opt |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month prepaid subscription) | std | — |
| Six speakers: two instrument panel-mounted with 2.5-in. tweeters, two front-door 6-in. by 9-in. full-range speakers and two rear-door 6.5-in. full-range speakers | — | std |
| Steering Wheel Mounted Audio and Cruise Controls | std | — |
| Uconnect 5 — includes 8.4-in. digital touchscreen, AM/FM, Aux/USB, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, voice text reply, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, HD radio, Amazon Alexa compatible, SiriusXM 360L, Firmware OTA and dual phone connectivity | — | std |
| Wireless charging pad (included in Lux Tech Group) | — | opt |
| Type A and Type C ports (six total) | std | std |
Convenience14 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start | std | — |
| Remote start system — control integrated into key fob, radio frequency system with 300-ft. range (included with Lux Tech Group) | — | opt |
| 115-volt auxiliary power outlet (packaged with Lux Tech Group) | — | opt |
| Battery Saver | std | — |
| Front power windows with driver one-touch up/down, front-passenger one-touch down | — | std |
| Passive Entry — two-door, front driver and passenger | — | std |
| Power Liftgate | std | — |
| Power liftgate with programmable height feature (packaged with Lux Tech Group) | — | opt |
| Power second-row windows | — | std |
| SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad | opt | — |
| Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO) | opt | — |
| Manual | — | std |
| 12-volt, two auxiliary power outlets (front console and cargo area) | — | std |
| Powerpoints (12V) – three (3) | std | — |
Climate3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | std | — |
| Premium air filtration system | — | std |
| Second Row HVAC Controls | opt | — |
| Dual-zone automatic front temperature control with single-zone rear | std | std |
Seating7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated front (included with Lux Tech Group) | std | opt |
| 8-Way Power Passenger Seat | opt | — |
| Cloth seats | — | std |
| Second Row Captain's Chairs with E-Z Entry and Armrests | std | — |
| Second-row folding seats | — | std |
| Third Row 50/50 Split-Fold-Flat (Manual) | std | — |
| Unique Cloth Seating | std | — |
| Power eight-way driver and manual front-passenger with driver lumbar adjuster | std | std |
Interior15 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3" Color LCD Productivity Screen in Instrument Panel Cluster | std | — |
| Compass | std | — |
| Full-color frameless 10.25-in. digital gauge cluster with customizable menus and memory | — | std |
| Full-length front-row floor console with two illuminated cup holders, two-tier armrest storage and front bin for storage of two wireless devices | — | std |
| Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® | std | — |
| Interior LED lighting with daytime/nighttime settings | — | std |
| Overhead front console with two LED map lamps, sunglasses storage bin, SOS emergency controls and power sunroof/sunshade controls (if equipped) | — | std |
| Rotary Gear Shift Dial | std | — |
| Steering wheel — Techno-leather wrapped with audio, speed, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, voice recognition and adaptive cruise control | — | std |
| Tilt/telescoping steering wheel/column, all manual | — | std |
| Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors (Driver and Front Passenger) | std | — |
| Steering Column – Manual Tilt/Telescoping | std | — |
| Floor Mats – Black Carpet, Front and Second Rows | std | — |
| Overhead Console with Sunglasses Storage | std | — |
| Trip Computer | std | — |
| Heated (included with Lux Tech Group on Laredo models) | opt | opt |
| Rearview, day/night setting | std | std |
Exterior20 differ · 23 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED Low and High Beam Headlamps with Courtesy Delay | std | — |
| Active Grille Shutters | std | — |
| Automatic headlamps | — | std |
| Door handles — body color | — | std |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler | std | — |
| Front wiper system — speed-sensitive, variable/intermittent | — | std |
| Front, rain-sensing automatic (included with Lux Tech Group) | — | opt |
| Fuel filler door — capless | — | std |
| LED Fog Lamps with Skid Plate Elements, Front – Silver-Painted | opt | — |
| LED Signature Lighting (Front Fascia) | opt | — |
| Liftgate spoiler — Gloss Black with LED center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) | — | std |
| Mirrors, Sideview – Power and Heated Glass | std | — |
| Rear wiper with fixed intermittent and continuous speeds and washer | — | std |
| Roof rack — MIC black rails with bright stainless insert | — | std |
| Roof-Rack Side Rails | std | — |
| Single exhaust system | — | std |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | std | — |
| Privacy Glass – Second Row, Third Row and Liftgate | std | — |
| Rear-Window Defroster and Washer | std | — |
| Body-Color Rear Spoiler | std | — |
| Single-pane power with express open/close and comfort-stop features | opt | opt |
| Premium LED reflector headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps (amber color) and LED taillamps | std | std |
| Premium LED reflector headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps (amber color) and LED taillamps | std | std |
Powertrain4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive | opt | — |
| Terrain Management System™ | std | — |
| Auto Start-Stop Technology | std | — |
| Quadra-Trac I full-time single-speed 4WD (4x4 models only) | — | std |
Chassis5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | std | — |
| Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars | std | — |
| Independent Front and Rear Suspension | std | — |
| Normal duty suspension | — | std |
| Rear load-leveling (included with Trailer-tow Group) | — | opt |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer-tow Group I — includes Class IV hitch receiver, four- and seven-pin wiring harness, rear load-leveling suspension and full-size spare tire | — | opt |
| Carpeted cargo area — includes storage tray and four cargo tie-down loops in floor, driver's side storage bin, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet | — | std |
| Class III Trailer Tow Package | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Explorer
Safety Signal 43 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 22 · 1 critical · 2 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 109 · 8 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (23), Service Brakes (20), Unspecified (19)
Top recalls
- critical Power Train 25V164000 · 269 vehicles
- high Seats 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 26V159000 · 561 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- high Trailer Hitches 25V687000 · 1,412 vehicles
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Safety Signal 58 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 5 · 2 critical · 1 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 122 · 14 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (47), Unspecified (33), Engine (32)
Park-outside advisory — open NHTSA recall with a consumer advisory.
Top recalls
- critical Engine 25V766000 · 117,904 vehicles · filed unfixed
- critical Electrical System 25V741000 · 320,068 vehicles
- high Air Bags 26V328000 · 419,035 vehicles
- high Electrical System 25V576000 · 91,787 vehicles
- moderate Tires 26V559000 · 201,975 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Jeep Grand CherokeeLaredo FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 8 trims | — 6 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | PHEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Explorer RWD | Grand Cherokee 4xe |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 24 | 23 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800 | $2,900 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Ford Explorer wins clearly, 93.9 to 77.2, on safety, tech & comfort, space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Ford Explorer scores 93.9 and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 77.2. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
2025 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 22 recalls (2 filed with no repair available). 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 5 recalls (1 filed with no repair available). Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Where the 2025 Ford Explorer wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (34 points against 24.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), seats 7 against 5, and has drawn fewer owner complaints (109 against 122 filed with NHTSA). Where the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee answers: it has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 58 against 43). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.