The New 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2024 Ford Explorer

Choosing Your Path: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2024 Ford Explorer

2024 brings new and updated Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer models. These two ever-popular mid-sized SUVs have comparable specs and prices. Both deliver an appealing blend of rugged capability and refined luxury that meets the requirements of comfortable commuting as much as active family life. If you’re looking for a new SUV that stands apart from the crowd, our insightful comparison of the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus the 2024 Ford Explorer will help you decide which model best meets your needs.

Performance and Capability

Both vehicles have comparable 300 horsepower performance delivered by markedly different powertrains. The 2024 Ford Explorer is equipped with a proprietary fuel-efficient 2.3L EcoBoost Engine that features in many of Ford’s compact and midsized vehicles. It delivers 310 lb-ft of torque with an impressive 10-speed transmission. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine is built for reliability and performance. It delivers 260 lb-ft of torque and has an eight-speed transmission with near-instant pickup and power delivery. 

Fuel efficiency for both vehicles is typical of their class with the Grand Cherokee’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway fuel efficiency versus 21 mpg for city driving and 28 mpg on the highway for a Ford Explorer. The Grand Cherokee has a 23-gallon fuel tank, while the Explorer has a 20.2-gallon fuel capacity. 

Off-Road Prowess vs. Urban Agility

These capable vehicles perform best in different settings. Understandably, the more rugged, Jeep Grand Cherokee takes you off-road easily, thanks to confident all-weather, off-road handling that is Trail Rated for water fording, traction, articulation, and ground clearance. Towing camping gear or work equipment is no problem for the Grand Cherokee, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. This muscular 4×4 is tirelessly responsive with Jeep’s Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System, which lifts the entire chassis over 10 inches clear of trail obstacles, only lowering the vehicle once you are moving at highway speeds. 

The 2024 Ford Explorer is a smart three-row SUV that works well for commuting and family outings, but it can also get you out into the hills when necessary. Its underbody protection and ground clearance don’t match the Grand Cherokee, but its impressive towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds makes it a solid choice for getting you to a campground or state park. 

Interior Comfort 

These SUVs offer essential comfort, space utility, and connectivity for the modern vehicle owner. The Ford Explorer offers practical seating arrangements for up to seven, with available PowerFold third-row seats that you won’t need to struggle with. With the third row folded down, the Explore proves itself a comfortable SUV with ample cargo space. Choose from smart Ebony Active synthetic seating or opulent full-leather upholstery with lasso-perforate inserts, depending on the vehicle trim. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers a luxurious interior that balances its rugged capabilities. This SUV steps things up with comfortable two- or three-row seating configurations including a power-folding third row and Best-In-Class second-row legroom. The seating is deeply upholstered and highly adjustable with tasteful finishes like Wicker Beige or Global Black in cloth or leatherette. The cockpit seating has 16-way power adjustments with presets and optional massage. 

Technology

Both vehicles have state-of-the-art connectivity and in-vehicle infotainment, adding to their longevity. 2024’s Ford Explorer has an 8-inch touch-screen equipped with Ford’s SUV technology. In addition, there is an onboard hotspot and a 12-speaker B&O sound system that driver and passenger devices can use. The Explorer also boasts a range of driver assistance solutions, including Pilot360 navigation and easy integration with Apply CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. 

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee has an impressive suite of technologies that add comfort and convenience to your journeys. Notable Jeep Grand Cherokee tech features include a 10.1-inch Uconnect touch-screen, a McIntosh 19-speaker audio system, a rear seat monitoring camera, and optional rear-seat entertainment that includes Amazon Fire TV. 

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both vehicles have insightful automotive safety technologies that protect you, your passengers, and other road users. Alongside popular driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, sensors, camera-based parking assistance, and forward collision warning, these SUVs have several proprietary technologies worth investigating further. Jeep’s 2024 Grand Cherokee has taken a big step toward vehicle automation with its hands-free active driving assist that automatically centers your vehicle in the lane, adjusts speed for curves, maintains distance, and provides driver alerts when cruising on compatible roadways.  

The Ford Explorer’s safety tech is less ambitious than the Grand Cherokee, but solutions like auto high-beam headlights, a blind spot information system, and a lane-keeping system will impart confidence on the most unpredictable roadways.

Pricing and Value

Starting MSRPs are comparable for these leading SUVs, with the 2024 Ford Explorer starting at $36,860 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee starting at $36,495. Both models are available with a range of trims that take the prices up to $54,770 and $67,040, respectively. 

Trim Levels

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in the following trims:

• Laredo A.
• Laredo.
• Laredo X.
• Altitude.
• Altitude X.
• Limited.
• Overland.
• Summit.
• Summit Reserve.

The 2024 Ford Explorer has an impressive lineup of trims:

• Base.
• XLT.
• ST-Line.
• Limited.
• Timberline.
• ST.
• King Ranch.
• Platinum.

Warranty and Ownership Costs

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a basic three-year warranty covering up to 36,000 miles and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Typical ownership costs for the Grand Cherokee are approximately $30,000 over five years and comprise fuel costs, insurance, interest, and vehicle maintenance. Ford’s basic warranty is also 36,000 miles over three years, with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Running costs for the Explorer are a little lower, averaging $25,000 over five years.  

Find Your Perfect SUV Match at Chris Nikel CJDRF

Take a closer look at our impressive lineup of new-model SUVs in our showroom, like the rugged 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We are Broken Arrow’s dealership for the new-release Jeep Grand Cherokee, enabling you to get behind the wheel and master the open road with this acclaimed SUV. Schedule a test drive today to feel the power of this exceptional mid-size SUV.

Tags: Jeep, Jeep Grand Cherokee, New Jeep
Posted in Jeep Model Features, Jeep Model Research | No Comments »