2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Granby Chrysler
2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Which SUV is better?
2021 Grand Cherokee TrailhawkWhat does a comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee tell us? These 2 mid-size SUVs are the talk of the town. Let's open the doors and hoods and see what they're all about.
A brief history of both SUVs
Derived from the Ranger pickup truck, the Ford Explorer was first marketed in 1990. This first edition of the Explorer was presented as an all-terrain family SUV.
The first Grand Cherokee, the ZJ, was unveiled at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show. It replaced the Jeep Wagoneer, the originator of the SUV segment. What was the mission of the first-generation Jeep Grand Wagoneer? To compete with the Ford Explorer! Since 1992, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has taken a few steps ahead of the Explorer!
Explorer vs Grand Cherokee: Looks
What do we see when we put the Explorer vs Grand Cherokee side by side? The 2021 Ford Explorer is a tame, almost anonymous SUV. Even the Explorer Timberline's design with its front fascia and big black wheels fails to convince us that it's an SUV made for the track. It really pales in comparison to the 2021 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk's rugged good looks, which proudly displays its Trail Rated certification.
2021 Grand Cherokee TrailhawkThe 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee you'll see at your Jeep dealer in Granby comes standard with fog lamps and LED daytime running lights. Bi-xenon High-Intensity Discharge Automatic headlamps with auto-levelling are standard on most 2021 Grand Cherokee models.
Stunning, the 2021 Grand Cherokee High Altitude adds a dual-pane panoramic sunroof that lets in the sunshine. And the near-pure music of its Alpine Premium Audio system turns this light into a true hymn to joy!
Grand Cherokee SummitExplorer vs Grand Cherokee: Interior
The exterior of the 2021 Grand Cherokee is also an invitation to open its doors and discover its interior! The Summit model of the 2021 Grand Cherokee surpasses the ordinary comfort of all 2021 Ford Explorer models with its open-pore wood interior inlays, Laguna leather seats with quilted diamond pattern bolsters and Harman Kardon Premium Sound system.
Explorer vs Grand Cherokee: Engines
The Ford Explorer offers only 2 engines. Its base engine, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost, produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
While the 2021 Explorer can tow up to 5,600 lb (2,540 kg), the 2021 Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity of 7,200 lb (3,265 kg).
HEMI V8
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers 4 powertrains:
- The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine generates 293 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque and a towing capacity of 2,812 kg (6,200 lb).
- The 5.7L HEMI V8 delivers 360 hp, 390 lb of torque and a towing capacity of 3,265 kg (7,200 lb).
- The 6.4L SRT HEMI V8 develops 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque (standard on SRT).
- The supercharged 6.2L V8 provides 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque (standard on Trackhawk).
The Grand Cherokee SRT and Grand Cherokee Trackhawk leave any of the 5 Ford Explorer models far behind!
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Drive Systems
It's in the jungles of the Pacific, the deserts of the Sahara and Death Valley, on the wild tracks of the Alaskan and Montana forests that the Jeep drive systems have been successfully put to the test for decades!
With this mechanical genetics, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 4x4 capabilities far exceed those of the Ford Explorer, which rely solely on all-wheel drive and a traction management system.
Depending on the model, the 2021 Grand Cherokee can be equipped with one of four Quadra-Trac 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Track II, Quadra-Drive II or Quadra-Trac SRT), which is complemented by the available Selec-Terrain Traction Management system.
Explorer vs Grand Cherokee: Pricing
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the base model of the 2021 Explorer is $45,669, while that of the entry-range 2021 Grand Cherokee, the Laredo, is only $44,399. As for the Grand Cherokee Summit, the equivalent of the Ford Explorer Platinum, its suggested retail price is only $63,299, while the Explorer Platinum's is $65,819.
A well-deserved Test Drive
Granby Chrysler, your Jeep dealer located in the MRC of Haute-Yamaska in the Eastern Townships, offers you the opportunity to test drive the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Simply make an appointment with one of our advisers to reserve your Grand Cherokee.