2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2024 Ford Explorer

For buyers who want an off-road capable vehicle for adventurous weekends away but also need daily family transportation, both of these US-brand midsize SUVs may be just the ticket.

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the iconic and highly awarded Jeep brand and the equally iconic Ford brand's Explorer SUV are two solid choices.

So which one to buy? That decision is yours, but we can share with you exactly what each of these models has to offer buyers looking for an all-around vehicle to match your and your family's active lifestyles.

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2024 Grand Cherokee makes a strong case for itself in the mid-size family SUV segment.

Jeep having taken to heart the old saying "no need to fix what's not broken" with Jeep making  little in the way of changes for the two row, five seater 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee aside from a few wheel upgrades to trims. 

Eight trim levels are on offer for the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup:

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

2024 Ford Explorer

Certainly not a newbie to the US buying public, and now a sixth generation model, the mid-size Ford Explorer crossover SUV still continues to please buyers by offering a good all round and  trusted value package.

For the 2024 model year the Explorer also sees little in the way of change after having been the recipient of some refreshes in 2023. 

Buyers wanting the absolute latest Ford Explorer will need to hang onto their money a little while longer as the recently revealed facelifted Explorer will only be available as the 2025 model.

The Ford Explorer is also available in a lineup of eight trims for 2024:

• Explorer Base
• Explorer XT
• Explorer ST line
• Explore Timberline
• Explorer Limited
• Explorer ST
• Explorer King Ranch
• Explorer Platinum

Powertrains and Performance

The 2024 Grand Cherokee is available with a 3.6 liter V6 making 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque fitted to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive, and as is expected on a Jeep product the Grand Cherokee offers some hardcore 4x4 options.

Several all-wheel-drive systems with the option of electronically controlled locking limited-slip differentials are on offer for those drivers needing enhanced off-road capabilities.

For 2024 the Ford Explorer is fitted with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in the Base, XLT and Limited trims. A second engine is available in the form of a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop technology that is fitted in the King Ranch, Platinum, or ST trims offering some more spirited performance.

The Ford  Explorer sends power to the rear wheels as standard, with an all-wheel drive system an available option.

All 2024 Ford Explorer trims are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The towing capacity of Ford Explorer models fitted with the 2.3-liter powertrain is a maximum of 5,300 pounds, while the heavy-hitting 400-horsepower V6 models can tow up to a maximum of 5,600 pounds.

Exterior Design

Key exterior highlights on the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee are a body constructed of rust-resistant galvanized steel and aluminum, a chrome grill, LED headlights with auto function, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights on upper trim levels, LED brake lights and standard roof rails.

Stylish finishes such as the body-colored front and rear bumpers, power exterior wing mirrors, rear lip spoiler and an integrated roof antenna work together to make for a stylish family SUV.

The 2024 Ford Explorer SUV sports rugged and strong exterior design with its bold body lines  fitted with standout exterior highlights which include the recognisable Ford hexagonal front grille and standard automatic LED high and low-beam headlamps and LED taillights. 

Convenience items like the power liftgate are found on all trims plus privacy glass is fitted on all rear glass as well as the liftgate.

Luxury features like a dual-panel moonroof  is standard on all trims besides the entry level  Base trim, with upper trims getting plenty of options of niceties such as cargo boxes and bike holders. 

All Ford Explorers roll on alloy wheels. The lower trims get attractive 18-inch five-spoke Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels fitted, while the rest of the lineup gets to ride on bigger wheel sizes that go up to 21 inches.

A selection of eight exterior paint colors is on offer for the 2024 Ford Explorer lineup.

Interior

The modern cabin of the Grand Cherokee's offers all of the basics that  family needs with upper trims like the Summit and Overland fitted with some upscale luxury features such as the quilted leather upholstery finish, open-pore wood trim, and the high-tech digital gauge cluster and infotainment displays.

The Grand Cherokee is fitted standard with an 8.4 -inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. In-dash navigation is an option. 

Befitting of its all-around utility, The Ford Explorer's interior is a comfortable place to be, with seating up to eight passengers in the three rows of seating. Access to the last row of seating is made easier thanks to some innovative design featuring a mechanism that moves the second-row seat out of the way simply by pushing a button.

Key highlights include an automatic climate control system, large door map pockets and power windows.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Cargo Space

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee has an available 37.7 cubic feet of load space in the cargo area growing up to 70.8 cubic feet of cargo volume once the second-row seats are folded down.

Buyers of the Ford will get 18 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands to 47.9 cubic feet of space once the third-row seat is folded down, and a generous 87.8 cubic feet once all rear seats are down.

Safety 

The Grand Cherokee has been named a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick thanks to the standard fitment of the latest driver-assistance technology plus a comprehensive arsenal of standard safety and security features.

Some such features are Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Lane Management, ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, and ParkSense Rear Park Assist. 

The Explorer is well equipped with safety equipment like the four wheel disc brakes and anti skid braking plus plentiful standard driver aids. 

All trims are standard with features such as automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, cross-traffic and blind-spot warning alerts, and automatic high beams.

Find Your 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee at Bournival Jeep

Discover more on the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee at Bournival Jeep in Portsmouth, NH, where our passionate sales team will gladly assist you in your next Jeep purchase.

An extensive selection of new and pre-owned Jeeps will guarantee finding the perfect iconic Jeep just right for you.