Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer

The New Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. the New Ford Explorer: Which SUV Is More Capable?

If you want an SUV that's just as effective at traversing rugged trails as it is for commuting to Port Jervis, get the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Like most Jeep vehicles, the Grand Cherokee has terrific off-road capability, but it also has a comfy, upscale interior. The new Ford Explorer is also an energetic midsize SUV, but it's not as capable as the Grand Cherokee. The folks at Franklin Sussex Auto Mall have developed the following comparison for a more thorough explanation.

Off-Road Skill

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best off-roaders in its class, with up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and available four-wheel drive. Serious off-road enthusiasts in Warwick, NY will like its optional Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System, which has Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand modes for mastering almost any landscape.

The new Ford Explorer has just 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Four-wheel drive is available in the Explorer, but it doesn't have a terrain management system like that of the Grand Cherokee.

Towing Capacity

If you'd like to be able to pull a trailer to Camp Wyanokie near West Milford, go with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. It can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The new Ford Explorer can only tow up to 5,600 pounds in its most tow-friendly configuration.

Ride Quality

As talented as it is at going off the beaten path, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee also rides comfortably on paved roads in Newton, NJ. Both its standard suspension and available air suspension can absorb road imperfections with ease.

The new Ford Explorer dutifully handles most kinds of rough pavement, but larger bumps and imperfections are still felt in its cabin.

Cabin Design and Materials

You'll love spending time inside the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Base models come with cloth upholstery, but higher trims have authentic leather seats with contrast stitching and genuine wood dash inlays.

The new Ford Explorer has many hard plastics and other unremarkable materials throughout its cabin that make it less inviting to ride in.

Infotainment

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly units on the market. Its standard 8.4-inch touchscreen has sharp graphics, quick response times, and tons of features. Sussex drivers will appreciate that it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.

The new Ford Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.

Safety

People in Port Jervis will feel confident driving the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has over 110 standard and available safety and security features. Its standard adaptive cruise control feature maintains a driver-set distance between the Grand Cherokee and the vehicle in front of it.

The new Ford Explorer also has a wide array of driver aids, but adaptive cruise control is just optional, so you have to pay more to get it.

Test Drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee at Franklin Sussex Auto Mall

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV with tremendous off-road proficiency and a nicely appointed cabin. Franklin Sussex Auto Mall has a wide variety of Grand Cherokee trims for sale or lease near Warwick, NY. Stop by our dealership and test drive one today.