2023 Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

1. Introduction

Since 2023 has yet to come, no new details or features have been mentioned about the safety of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Although the standard safety features of most Jeep vehicles, such as airbags or seat belts, are likely to remain the same with minor adjustments. This assumption is made because introducing new safety features that haven't been considered in the global market can impact the safety expectations of drivers and passengers. This is not a risk the Jeep Company wants to take, as the company is looking to make the next Jeep Grand Cherokee a top contender in the SUV market. With the sales potential of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, it is likely we would see some sort of new safety technology to help influence the safety decision of a consumer. But for now, safety features are what give the edge between the Ford Explorer and the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, where Ford has already introduced new safety technology and will continue to expand their offering of safety features.

Both the Ford and Jeep companies are well known for their attention to safety. Ford has made a recent breakthrough by introducing their inflatable rear seat belts for your family's safety. The idea of the inflatable airbag inside the seat belt is to help reduce the risk of injury from the force an airbag can create. Not only is this new safety feature innovative, but it can also help lower the insurance on the vehicle. This same technology is used on emergency personnel to protect them in the event of a front crash, like the Ford Motor Company. Ford has always been at the forefront of innovative safety features, and these inflatable seat belts are just one example. Along with this innovative technology, the Ford Explorer comes with a modern safety feature, the blind spot information system. This is a radar sensor designed to help you monitor another vehicle in your blind spot and alerts you with an indicator light in the outside mirror.

Ford and Jeep are two of the world's top car companies looking to be the top-selling car of 2023. Both of these cars seat up to seven passengers comfortably. The Ford Explorer is mighty and ready to take on the world, while the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is luxurious and looks to provide comfort. With both of these car companies aiming to be the top-selling car of 2023, it is essential to take an in-depth look at the specifications of the two cars to help you decide which car is worth your time and money.

2. Exterior Features

Compared to its predecessor, the new Explorer is about 10 cm longer in both overall length and wheelbase, but the Grand Cherokee L remains about 20 cm shorter than the Ford. This means the Explorer has the advantage in general passenger and cargo space, as well as potential for those who will step up to the utility's 7-passenger seating option. So, the Grand Cherokee L is a senior competitor in size to the 5-passenger/still 2-row Ford. Both models equip a variety of wheel sizes and styles, running from the base model all the way up to 21" rollers with the Explorer receiving a unique offering of aero-optimized 20-inch wheels with Hankook tires to improve fuel economy. Step-in height is 8 cm lower for the Jeep, and it goes without saying that in Trailhawk trim, any serious endeavors off pavement are better attempted in the Grand Cherokee than in the Ford.

Design: The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will come with a mostly new body that is a far cry from the aging model being phased out. The new fifth-gen model (WL platform) looks to the GMC Acadia/Ford Explorer end of the three-row crossover market with a more aerodynamic shape and a longer hood. A rugged Trailhawk version will accompany more road-oriented models. The Explorer is fresh from a complete redesign for the 2020 model year. It's no radical departure in the styling department, but the overall look is an agreeable and balanced evolution of the previous model while adding more aerodynamic front-end detailing and bringing the greenhouse back to a more conventional two-box design.

2.1. Design

At the other end, the Grand Cherokee has gone for a more trim yet overtly rugged look with much more detailing. Although it's still a crossover, and a very on-road oriented one at that, Jeep hasn't shied away from suggesting some off-road ability. The grille has changed to a seven-slot look, the wheel wells are more squared-off, and there's plenty of cladding and a twin-exhaust design to add to the appearance. Inside, the Grand Cherokee retains the upright feel of the previous version, though again the aim is more carlike refinement this time. A new one-piece soft-touch instrument panel has a more fluid, organic look, and wood trim and metal accents are lavished throughout. Like the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee also gets a new Sony audio system with 506 watts of power. It can also be equipped with a new Summit package that adds more upscale features and two-tone leather.

The Explorer's front end has taken a markedly carlike stance, with a simple, wide grille and sleek headlamps. From the back and the side, it's not as easy to discern the Explorer from other car-based crossovers, although Ford has tried to add SUV cues like blacked out C-pillars and a step-down at the back. Inside, the Explorer is significantly different than before, with a low, carlike instrument panel and dramatically upgraded materials, trims, and details. With an available MyFord Touch system, the automaker's in-car connectivity and media control interface, and a ten-speaker Sony audio system, the Explorer is definitely pushing the tech envelope.

Both the 2023 Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee have distinct styling that carries through to their interior designs and has a significant impact on their utility. The Explorer uses softer lines and a more rounded shape for a conservative look with a minimum of sculpting. It's much less aggressive than previous versions, and much less truck-like than the current Grand Cherokee. Both models look somewhat tall and narrow, but the five-passenger Grand Cherokee has a somewhat more adventurous stance.

2.2. Size and Dimensions

Explorer and the Grand Cherokee are similar in size, but the Explorer is marginally larger. Both are five-passenger vehicles. Explorer is 2.3 inches longer than Grand Cherokee, with a 4.6-inch longer wheelbase. The Explorer is 2.7 inches wider and 10.1 inches taller than Grand Cherokee. Ground clearance is similar, with the Explorer offering 0.8 inches more ground clearance. Interior dimensions are similar, with the Ford providing fractionally more front headroom and legroom and the Jeep offering slightly more rear headroom and legroom. The Ford has a slight edge in total passenger volume and cargo volume. Weight is comparable; Explorer weighs about 100 pounds more than the Jeep. Carrying capacity is about 1500 pounds with either vehicle. Jeep sticks with the traditional body-on-frame truck design for Grand Cherokee, while Ford uses a unibody platform for the Explorer. It's worth noting that the 2022 Grand Cherokee is somewhat of an "in-betweener" vehicle, as the redesigned 2023 model will offer a three-row design that's more comparable to the Explorer.

2.3. Lighting

Convenience The Ford Explorer offers several key features in terms of lighting that the Jeep Grand Cherokee does not. The Explorer comes standard with a security approach lamp, which is a small light on the bottom of the side view mirrors. This light turns on when a person carrying the key fob is within 9 feet of the vehicle and will provide better visibility to avoid any hazards on the ground around the vehicle at night. The Jeep Grand Cherokee does not offer a feature like this. The Ford Explorer also offers a foot-activated liftgate, which comes with a delay feature and utilizes the turn signals as a means to notify the driver once the liftgate is fully opened or closed. The delay feature is essential when unloading or packing items at night as it will maintain the rear liftgate and cargo area illuminated for an extra period of time. The Jeep Grand Cherokee does not offer this feature either. The Ford Explorer has an ambient lighting system which allows the driver to select from seven different color options that illuminate the front and rear footwells, as well as front console cupholders. This feature is not available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Illumination The 2023 Ford Explorer comes with LED low and high-beam headlights on all trims, while the base, XLT, and Limited trims come with reflector high beam headlights and the platinum trim equipped with projector high beam headlights. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlamps on the SRT8 and limited trims, and standard reflector high beam headlights on all other trims. The Explorer's LED lights offer a significantly greater beam distance and a whiter, more aesthetically pleasing light compared to the standard headlamps and reflector headlights found on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is especially useful with the Explorer's higher on-road capability and safety. Both the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are equipped with standard LED taillamps and LED daytime running lamps.

3. Interior Features

The Explorer and Grand Cherokee are conveyed in various sizes, however neither is a tremendous vehicle. The Explorer is truly greater than the Grand Cherokee, however the Chrysler-situated Jeep's critical inside reviving implies it could " in any case really feel greater for rearward sitting arrangement explorers and significantly more obliging for moving payload. For 2021, the Jeep gets to some degree bigger, on account of the late expansion of the Grand Cherokee 3-row, as well as the Explorer is similarly the cargo king beneath. The most fundamental Explorer is a six-seater with 2 bowl seat lines. The more eminent cut quantities give a discretionary table seat for that focus in the second column, delivering them a 7 or 8 seater, controlled by regardless of if the customer settles on next column pail seats. The rearward sitting arrangement Explorer's extra push situates more noteworthy than any kind of GVWR Senior Fellow's not propelled to search out and appreciate just as a discretionary push button setup switches on the force run third column from front side region. The dash style modestly restricted room back there before, this tends to make admittance to the heap region lethargic and adequately very convoluted. At the point when the Explorer's space for 3rd column inhabitants is just so subsequently, it is a monster compensating segment that makes loads of cargo space when those never really second and third line. The current Grand Cherokee is a 5 seater, albeit the new 3 column variety will car seat 6 or 7 based inside the seating design. The two genuine path and the provided next period wellbeing seat can by and large situate 2 firsthand and second column passengers. Because of the Chrysler Voyager/Pacifica, the approaching SUV is viewed as to obtain rebate on the present minivan based typically, so our organization is thinking about whether it could a rounded escape entryway, influencing the third column seat to wind up being a less disappointing activity straightforwardly into and advantageous for a huge number adults. As the genuine plan data for that 3 line Grand Cherokee haven't however been uncovered, it is a protected supposition that vehicle seating flexibility convenience and freight space will probably be an essential improvement throughout the existing 2 line rendition. This ought to be the Grand Cherokee's most prominent number of diminishing normally Explorer in but a solitary more space related arrangement. The present 2 line 2021 Grand Cherokee's tall rooftop extends a lot of headroom all through the two push arranges and a decent amount of legroom. Movable back vehicle seats are at the top of the priority list, permitting takeoff point changing and clear spot seat situations. Sliding and collapsing the second line is clear very much like that on the Explorer, furnishing decision between knee place for third column explorers and second line legroom. Despite the fact that the Jeep gets the Explorer on area flexibly it has by the by to guarantee concerning the uplifting news t the head out Cherokee shock. Consequently, round is much more tied on lodge space among the Explorer and two column Grand Cherokee than you'd suppose. The challenge defeats unequivocally in provisions, solace, and solace. Take part 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 to discover that with respect to the Explorer and Grand Cherokee's opposing specialized components.

3.1. Cabin Space

The size of a car isn't the first thing that a person usually looks at, but it is an important factor to take into consideration. The 2023 Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are two different vehicles that are very similar in purpose but different in design. The Ford Explorer being the larger of the two. The 2023 Ford Explorer has a passenger capacity of 7 people, a bit too large for the average family, but if that size is necessary, then this may be a good option. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, has a capacity of 5 passengers. Now the passenger capacity doesn't necessarily mean that all 7 passengers in the Ford Explorer will have a comfortable ride. The headroom and legroom of the 2nd and 3rd row Explorer passengers do not meet the standard for medium build adults, the 3rd row is very cramped and should be left for children. The Ford Explorer's cargo space is about 21 cubic feet, which increases to approximately 81 cubic feet when the third and second-row seats are folded down. This is an appropriate space for sports equipment, luggage, strollers, etc. The Grand Cherokee's passenger capacity isn't large, but the spacing for both the 1st and 2nd row is very comfortable. The cargo space is about 36.3 cubic feet and increases to 68 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This is more than sufficient for the average family trip. Both vehicles have a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, but when folded, the Explorer's second-row seats tilt and slide for easier access to the third row.

3.2. Technology and Infotainment

The Ford Explorer is the winner in this category. The Explorer boasts the SYNC 3 system, which consumers and reviewers rave about for its quick response time and almost smartphone-like pinch and swipe capability. The Explorer's interface is user-friendly and SYNC 3 offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which the Grand Cherokee does not offer an a system. The Grand Cherokee's past UConnect systems have been considered past acceptable, but when Jeep tried to improve it by adding a new Siri Eyes Free feature and the Drive 'n Save fuel pricing app, the system was branded as too slow and cluttered. This year though, the Music service package includes new features like iHeart Radio and Pandora, and already unlimited data package UConnect Access, which is beneficial. Jeep still though, is behind in the game. In terms of available audio setup, both vehicles offer a standard six speakers but the Explorer offers three upgrade options including a premium 12-speaker Sony audio setup opposed to the Grand Cherokee which only offers a nine amplified speaker system with the option to upgrade to a Harman Kardon system. Both vehicles offer a combination of USBs, 12-volt and 110-volt power outlets, and integrated voice command systems. The Grand Cherokee however does offer an SD card slot, an auxiliary jack and a Wi-Fi Hotspot for passengers. Overall the Ford Explorer offers more hands-free conveniences and a more advanced system than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

3.3. Comfort and Convenience

A good long drive with the same comfort and stuff-up which you deserve in your home! For covering up that situation, extreme comfort factor is provided by having air conditioners, heaters, cooled and heated seats in Ford Explorer. The drivers who prefer short spins, preferring the SRT8 model gets additional newfangled options of having a leather-wrapped shift knob and having a robust audio system of 19 speakers will top up all the comfort measures. Talking about the seats of the Explorer, Ford provides 10-way power adjustable seats and heated steering wheels for drivers. On the other side, Jeep Grand Cherokee will be providing an ever good and adventurous comfort zone to the drivers and passengers. The drivers who stick to the steering and paddle all the time, they will get a worth comfort with an additional option of having a power tilt/telescope steering column. The temperature inside the Grand Cherokee can be adjustable by the drivers further providing comfort to them during the drive. Summarizing Jeep's comfort feature, the most exciting thing is the availability of a dual-pane sunroof by which drivers shall get a feel of driving in their predefined picturesque locations. Step back into the rear seat of the Jeep, and you're greeted with comfortable seats, plenty of room, and luxury.

3.4. Safety Features

Whether you are buying a new Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2023 model has what matters most when it comes to safety for you and your loved ones. Ford and Jeep received 5-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2023 model year. Ford Explorer SUV models named a Top Safety Pick and as a result they have a little more expensive. Ford Explorer comes standard with the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control feature, which uses sensors to detect and measure vehicle roll rate and will attempt to stability by applying the brakes when needed to help prevent roll over. The system also features the Safety Canopy System, a group of side curtain airbags designed to deploy in the event of a side impact collision or upon sensing a vehicle rollover. The airbags are designed to cushion the head of the front and rear outboard occupants in both side impact and rollover crashes.

4. Performance and Capability

The 2023 Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee deliver power and torque, providing responsive acceleration. The Explorer is equipped with a choice of a 4.0L SOHC V6, 4.6L 3V V8, or the all-new fuel-efficient 2.0L I4 EcoBoost engine. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine is in the works for the high-performance Explorer. Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, using paddle activation, allowing drivers to easily and quickly change gears using only their thumb without removing their hand from the steering wheel. The efficient and smooth six-speed transmission helps Explorer deliver excellent fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The availability of Ford's Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System is what differentiates the Ford Explorer in terms of off-road capability. The Terrain Management System is state-of-the-art technology that enhances 4WD performance on any terrain – snow, mud, or sand - at the turn of a dial. By automatically calibrating the vehicle's engine responsiveness, transmission gearing, and other 4WD system components to suit the terrain, it makes the vehicle highly capable and versatile. The 4WD system combined with Curve Control - a unique technology that uses the vehicle's brakes to reduce speeds when it detects the vehicle is going too fast into a particular curve – helps Explorer deliver the best possible traction and drivability on any surface. A class IV trailer tow package allowing up to 5,000-pound towing capacity is optional with the V6 and standard with the V8 engine. The 4.6L V8 Explorer offers outstanding towing capacity and is expected to be the preferred choice with customers intending regular towing with their Explorer. In short, Explorer's highly efficient 4WD system and various technologies provide superior off-road capability, traction, and stability at any speed. Explorer's tow capacity is highly competitive in the medium SUV segment and is second only to the Jeep Grand Cherokee in terms of vehicles compared in this article.

4.1. Engine Options

The most favorable option for the engine, of course, is the use of a turbo engine. With the development of EcoBoost technology that can provide fuel efficiency without reducing the power of the engine, the 2013 Ford Escape claims to be the most efficient in fuel consumption. The 1.6L EcoBoost GTDI I4 engine that can be used generates power equivalent to the 3.0L V6 engine but is still fuel efficient. This engine can produce up to 178 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. The turbo I4 engine has interesting specs, due to the use of GTDI technology. This engine has power and torque equivalent to a V6 engine but is still fuel efficient and eco-friendly. The power generated by this engine will then be sent to the front wheel or all wheel through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Turbine to the power production on the turbo engine will be experienced by the Ford Escape Titanium user because it will be powered by a 2.0L EcoBoost GTDI I4 engine. This engine can produce a very powerful output of 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. But still, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine has fuel consumption and an efficient turbo engine. Well, the use of advanced technology on the engine is indeed the best step to take into account the customer exchange of equipment.

2013 Ford Escape has three options for engines with advanced technology adaptation. The available engine options consist of I4, V6 engine, and hybrid. The basic model of 2013 Ford Escape will get the power from a 2.5L I4 engine. The power that can be produced is 168 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The torque will then be sent to the front wheel or all wheel through a 6-speed automatic transmission, which all of them have more gears and utilize new technology so it is more efficient in fuel consumption and supports performance. But the customer does not need to worry because the previous generation transmission, which is a 5-speed manual, is still available on the S model.

4.2. Towing Capacity

On the other hand, Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a massive 7400 pounds of towing capacity for the 4*2 and 4*4 models for its 5.7L engine, which is quite impressive and ample to cater different towing needs. V6 engine also comes with 6200 pounds of towing capacity, more than what Ford's V6 version is offering. This certainly gives an edge to Jeep over the Ford in the towing area and brings to the original reputation of the machines built in the past. Though the inline four version of Jeep comes at par with 3500 pounds of towing capacity with what Ford's inline four version tows. This margin of towing difference offers flexibility among the customers to choose the machine keeping in view their towing needs.

Towing capacity is another top area of concern among the customers who look a bit broader when buying the machines like Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both the vehicles are designed to cater different markets and therefore engine power varies in two machines. Ford Explorer comes with maximum 5000 pounds of towing capacity with its V6 engine and relatively lower 2000 pounds with the inline four engine. Ford tests conducted for the towing capacity were based on the maximum loaded weight of 5000 pounds.

4.3. Off-Road Capability

In terms of raw off-roading utilities, the Timberline has a more advanced all-wheel drive system. It features a dual-sport tuned independent front and rear suspension with a heavy-duty add-on to the rear. This Explorer also has a peak ground clearance of 8.7 inches and has Hill Descent Control and an AWD disconnect feature. On the other end of the spectrum, the Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk has Jeep's stellar Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system, with an Electronic Limited Slip Differential to get 100% torque to a single wheel. Combine this with a Quadra-Lift air suspension system that can clear up to 10.9 inches of hard ground, and you've immediately overshot the Timberline's capabilities. The Grand Cherokee L also has Selec-Terrain traction control, with 5 different settings to maximize grip under any condition, and Jeep's 'Trail Rated' badge signifies it's been tested to perform in 5 key off-roading areas, including water fording and articulation.

On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a clear advantage already, as it's a part of a heavily trail-oriented. It comes in the Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, and Summit models but has a Trail Rated package available for those who seek off-roading capability. This package is best used in the base Laredo, as this will cater to a budget-oriented off-roading experience. Moving up to the Trailhawk will give you everything you want and more, but it comes at a steep price increase.

The 2023 Ford Explorer has several features to help it when off-roading and is a welcome improvement over the 2022 Explorer. The model we will be focusing on is the Explorer Timberline, made specifically for more rugged terrain. The Timberline has a standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine designed to help fuel economy, which could be better for the trail, with some cost to fuel efficiency.