2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2023 Ford Explorer

Drivers who want a vehicle that offers them better performance and more interesting styling than the average selection often find themselves drawn to Jeep and Ford models. Both automakers have made names for themselves for creating strong and capable vehicles that also have unique styling and a formidable presence. 

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2023 Ford Explorer often find themselves going to head to head in their segments. If you're looking for a new vehicle, here's a closer look at how these popular SUVs to give you a better understanding of what they offer:

Exterior Styling

You'll see some noticeable differences to the exterior styling of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, though both stick to some of the conventions of their SUV class. They are designed to look like they're ready for everything from off-road explorations to comfortable drives across town. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the most impressive styling. It blends the iconic Jeep styling with the sophistication for which the Grand Cherokee is known. The classic seven-slot grille spans the front end, but it has been minimized for a more elegant look, and it flows seamlessly into the headlights, which remain firmly at the front, rather than wrapped around the sides like on many vehicles. As you move through the profile, you see careful placement of details and tailored styling that contribute to an upscale and elegant look. It has geometrical lines and angles that make for an interesting style.

The Explorer has a similar overall look, but it has more rounded-off angles and larger accents. For example, the grille takes up most of the front end, and it ties into headlights that flank the sides. Some might prefer this flashier style, but some may find it gaudy next to the tailored sophistication of the Grand Cherokee. The Explorer has more angles, for a more aerodynamic look, and there are more grooves in the body panels. 

Interior Styling and Capacity

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes as a two- or three-row configuration, seating up to six passengers. Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford Explorer can seat up to seven passengers. While the Explorer can fit up to one more person, those passengers are not likely to find the seating as comfortable as they would in the Grand Cherokee, where they'll have more room to spread out. 

The Grand Cherokee also has a much more upscale interior than what you'll find in the Explorer. Every detail is thoughtfully designed, The center console features an elegant infotainment display, topped by slim vents, and flanked by sleek details. A delicate row of controls sits below the infotainment screen and just above a shifter knob. Gorgeous tailoring, metal accents, and other details are seen throughout the interior, giving it an intentional and luxurious look. 

The layout inside the Explorer is a bit more cluttered. There are two large screens taking up most of the dash, and there is an uninspired bit of paneling between a row of simple controls. The seats are well-tailored, but the design doesn't stand out. Overall, it looks a bit lackluster compared to the Grand Cherokee.

Power and Performance

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2023 Ford Explorer are similarly matched when it comes to power and performance. The Grand Cherokee comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 293 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. It also has a second option of a 5.7-liter V8 engine that puts out 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive is standard.

Meanwhile, the Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Two other options are available: a 3.3-liter V6 engine that puts out 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that puts out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive is standard. 

Comfort and Convenience Features

Of course, as modern SUVs, both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer come loaded with plenty of amenities that make driving comfortable and fun. 

Some of the standard features on the 2023 Grand Cherokee include an 8.4-inch multimedia display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, a wi-fi hotspot, satellite radio, duali-zone climate control, keyless entry, heated mirrors, push button start, a 10.25-inch driver information display, and more. Many more features are available on higher trim levels and in options packages, as well, including heated and ventilated seats, navigation, and a premium sound system. 

The Ford Explorer comes with many of these features, as well, but you have to go up to the higher trim levels to get them. The base model comes with pretty basic features.

Safety Features

The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with many safety features, including traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assistance, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear seat alert. 

Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer comes standard with safety features such as a collision warning system, blind-spot alert, driver attention assistance monitoring, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and rear parking sensors. 

Visit Bournival Jeep Today to Learn More about the Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee beats out the 2023 Ford Explorer when you consider all that it has to offer. We're confident that if you visit Bournival Jeep and take a test drive of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll fall in love. Visit us today to learn more about this exciting new SUV and to explore financing options. Our associates will help you find the perfect configuration to meet your needs and the right financing to fit your budget. We'll help you drive home with your new dream SUV today! Visit us and learn more.