2025 Grand Cherokee vs. 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are both great examples of American midsize SUVs, packed with comfort, muscle, and tons of cool features. Jeep’s offering comes in both two- and three-row versions with a plug-in hybrid option, while Ford sticks with a three-row setup and skips the plug-in tech. In this article, our team at Chris Nikel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) explores both in detail, so you can figure out which is right for you.

Trims

Jeep offers a variety of trims for its gas Grand Cherokees, featuring nine options for the two-row model and eight for the three-row Grand Cherokee L. The lineup starts with the base Laredo A (available only in the two-row version) and goes up to the premium Summit Reserve. In addition, the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe is offered in six trims: the 4xe, Anniversary 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe, Overland 4xe, Summit 4xe, and Summit Reserve 4xe. In contrast, the Ford Explorer has a more limited selection, offering just four trims: the Active, ST Line, Platinum, and ST.

Powertrains

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in 4xe has a 375-horsepower turbo-four powertrain with 470 lb-ft of torque and standard four-wheel drive.

Most Ford Explorer trims (Active, ST-Line, and Platinum) have a turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, but the ST has a turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that offers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Every Explorer engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Towing and Hauling Capacities

The Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds (or 6,000 pounds for the 4xe), which is perfect if you’re taking a boat out to Lake Eufaula or heading to a campsite in Sequoyah State Park. The Explorer will manage a maximum of 5,000 pounds when fitted with the Class III towing package, which is still plenty for Jet Skis or a small camper. Both SUVs come with tech, such as sway control and backup cameras, to make towing easier, but the Jeep will give you that extra muscle when you need it.

If you need to haul stuff, the Explorer Active trim has 87.8 cubic feet of cargo room with all the rear seats folded, versus the Grand Cherokee L’s 84.6 cubic feet.

Fuel Efficiency

The standard Grand Cherokee (nonhybrid) gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good for its size. The plug-in hybrid 4xe option, however, will let you run errands around Broken Arrow with 25 miles of all-electric range and an impressive 56 MPGe.

The Explorer with the four-cylinder and rear-wheel drive gets 24 mpg combined, and even the powerful V-6 manages 21 mpg combined, making both engines impressive options for weekend trips to Tulsa or longer adventures across Oklahoma.

Driving Experience

Both SUVs look good on the road, but they’re also built for action. The Grand Cherokee stays true to its Jeep DNA with a rear limited-slip differential, two transfer cases, and optional air suspension that lifts the body for extra clearance. You can tackle everything from muddy farm roads to rocky trails in the Ouachitas with confidence, knowing that the Grand Cherokee is always ready for an off-road adventure.

The Explorer might look like an urban vehicle, and it’s nimble and refined on city streets, but all trims have Ford’s Terrain Management System with up to seven drive modes. At the touch of a button, it’ll adapt to snow, sand, mud, or whatever Oklahoma throws your way.

Technology and Safety

The Grand Cherokee has Jeep’s super-intuitive Uconnect 5 system with a responsive touch screen and available navigation. Ford counters with its Digital Experience system, allowing you to stream videos, play games, or surf the web while you wait for the kids’ soccer practice to end. The Explorer also offers BlueCruise hands-free driving for those long, boring stretches of highway. Both SUVs pack all the safety gear you’d expect from a modern vehicle, including collision warnings, automatic braking, lane-keeping, and more.

Schedule a Test-Drive at Chris Nikel CDJR

So, which SUV deserves a spot on your driveway? While the Explorer might appeal to bigger families with its standard three rows and slightly larger cargo hold, the Grand Cherokee stands out for its flexible seating options, plug-in hybrid version, 6,200-pound towing capacity, and serious off-roading credentials. Contact us at Chris Nikel CDJR to take the Grand Cherokee for a test-drive around Broken Arrow. Nothing beats experiencing how it handles your daily routes and discovering just how enjoyable your commute can be.

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