Comparison: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer

Family-sized crossover SUVs rule the road here in the US of A. Look at the sales figures for any major automaker and you’ll see that’s an undisputable fact. If you’re considering buying a new vehicle, your debate must revolve around which crossover you should be looking at.

Allow us to make a suggestion by way of comparison.

In one corner, with a starting MSRP of $32,600, the base 2015 Ford Explorer. In the red, white, and blue corner, starting at $31,995, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×4.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Raleigh

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2015 Ford Explorer

We’ll start with the interior, where the Jeep’s dedication to versatility and comfort give it a leg up over the Ford right away. The Grand Cherokee’s standard leather-wrapped steering wheel is a clear trump to the Explorer’s vinyl one, and the Jeep alone offers a standard fold-flat front passenger seat, perfect for loading in extra-long cargo. Furthermore, the Laredo offers a graphic sound equalizer, cargo net, and illuminated cup holders, which is much more than the base Ford can say for itself.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior Raleigh

Moving outside, the Grand Cherokee’s stunning array of standard equipment continues putting the Explorer to shame. Standard LED taillamps? Check. Standard fully automatic headlamps? Check. Standard fog lamps? Check. Standard aluminum wheels? Check. Standard heated exterior mirrors? Double check. The Explorer can only muster the standard taillamps, falling short on the needs of adventurers in every other case.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee headlamps Raleigh

We haven’t even gotten to capability yet. Compared to the Explorer’s six-speed transmission, the Grand Cherokee boasts a class-exclusive eight-speed automatic for greater efficiency and seamless transfer of energy. The Jeep also has a 1200 pound towing capacity advantage, capable of towing up to 6200 pounds compared to just 5000 for the Ford. Finally, while the Explorer is available with four-wheel drive, it just can’t hope to match the durability and simplicity of Jeep’s Quadra-Trac I 4×4 System. Learn more about Quadra-Trac I and Brake Lock Differential in this video:

As the finishing blow, only the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Jeep is a family that takes care of its own, no matter how far you might go.

To see how the 2015 Grand Cherokee stacks up to other competitors or to explore other trim levels, visit the comparison page on the official Jeep website. If you’re interested in test driving this model or any other new Jeep vehicles, call or visit us at Leith Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Comparison: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer was last modified: June 11th, 2015 by Leith Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Wendell

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