2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

When it comes to buying a new SUV, you want the best, but with so many makes and models out there, finding which one is best for you and your family can be a tall task. We here at Shively Motors of Shippensburg want to help, which is why we have taken two of the more impressive SUVs on the market in the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer and compared their engine options and features so you will have a better sense of which one is the better option. Continue reading to see which one comes out on top!

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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Power & Handling

For drivers looking to blast down the open road, the Grand Cherokee is your best bet. Most trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that pumps out a tremendous 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Trailhawk, Summit, and Overland trims have the option of a 5.7-liter V8 that produces a whopping 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. When you get to the SRT trim, you get a solid 6.4-liter V8 that produces an incredible 470 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The king of the hill is the Trackhawk which comes with a pavement-scorching supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that pumps out 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. All of these powerhouse engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear or four-wheel-drive. If you get the SRT or Trackhawk, it will come standard with a performance-oriented four-wheel-drive system.

2021 Ford Explorer Power & Handling

Only two engine options are available for the 2021 Explorer, but you do get a decent amount of power with each. Most people will drive home with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 303 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. When you get to the ST trim, you'll be greeted with a little more power in the form of a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that pumps out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive, though all-wheel-drive is available. We like a lot about these power numbers, but the Grand Cherokee's engines are a little more impressive. Plus, the Grand Cherokee has the option of four-wheel-drive, which beats the all-wheel-drive that the Explorer offers.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Features & Design

Seven trims are available for the Grand Cherokee, and each one delivers a large number of features. The Laredo trim starts us off with 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Building off this is the Limited, which comes with a sunroof, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Several off-road features are available for the Trailhawk trim as it comes with all-terrain tires, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, underbody skid plates, off-road-tuned air suspension, all-terrain drive modes, and ventilated front seats. Higher trims of the Grand Cherokee are dedicated to premium features such as xenon headlights, all-leather seating, a power-adjustable steering column, chrome exterior trim, Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, and black exterior trim.

2021 Ford Explorer Features & Design

There are two fewer trim levels available for the Explorer, and so there will be fewer features. The base trim comes with a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upping the ante is the XLT with roof rails, keyless ignition/entry, heated front seats, and second-row USB ports. The luxury items are on the Limited as it has interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer you paddle shifters, sport front seats, an automated parking system, adaptive headlights, a digital gauge cluster display, and a Class 3 Trailer Tow package.

Conclusion:

For us, this one is a no-brainer. The 2021 Grand Cherokee comes out on top with its superior engine options and superior features list. We highly recommend taking a test drive of this miraculous SUV by heading down to Shively Motors of Shippensburg and scheduling one with our knowledgeable sales team! We can even accompany you on the test drive, so you get the whole feel of the features and how the Grand Cherokee handles. You can even check out our complete Grand Cherokee inventory here on our website. We can't wait to see you behind the wheel of the legendary Jeep Grand Cherokee!