Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Ford Explorer presented a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. New for 2022 was the Explorer ST-Line, which introduced a sporty look to the Explorer XLT. Our test vehicle was the Explorer King Ranch, equipped with 4WD, extra-cost Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof. This configuration brought the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to $59,880, including the destination charge.

Visually, the King Ranch carried King Ranch emblems on the doors and liftgate, shiny 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. However, these features did not significantly differentiate the top-trim Explorer from other models. Despite this, the Explorer’s exterior design was striking, featuring a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapering greenhouse for an athletic appearance. The blacked-out roof pillars enhanced a “floating roof” visual effect, maintaining the Explorer’s familiar aesthetic.

Inside, the King Ranch trim offered exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. Though the interior exhibited a blend of quality and questionable materials, it mostly aligned with its $60,000 price tag.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, by comparison, maintained familiar Jeep design elements while splitting its lineage with the introduction of the Grand Cherokee L in 2021. The two-row Grand Cherokee, priced from $37,390 to $63,365 (plus $1,795 destination charge), offered trims ranging from Laredo to Summit Reserve.

Visually, the new Grand Cherokee borrowed cues from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and tapered rear roof pillars. Higher trim levels provided premium quilted and stitched leather, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced features like a McIntosh high-end audio system.

Overall, while both vehicles offered distinct visual appeals, the Grand Cherokee stood out for its adherence to classic Jeep design traditions blended with modern touches, whereas the Explorer exuded a sporty and rugged charm.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic, it provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and could tow up to 5,300 pounds.

For more efficiency, a hybrid option based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine was available for the Limited trim, delivering 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a combined 27 mpg and towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The most powerful option was the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, standard in the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims. With 4WD, it offered up to 5,600 lbs of towing capacity and a combined 21 mpg.

Our King Ranch test vehicle, equipped with the twin-turbo V6, averaged 20.6 mpg and provided satisfying power and acceleration. The Explorer's ride quality combined traditional SUV robustness with a comfortable sensation, handling driving situations with aplomb. The Trail setting and 7.9 inches of ground clearance made it capable on moderate off-road terrains, though the Explorer Timberline offered better off-roading abilities with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered RWD or 4WD, with options for a V6 or a V8 engine, though excluding turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, offering a 6,200-pound towing capacity. The 5.7-liter V8 engine, available in higher trims, provided 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case, and Quadra-Drive II with more extensive off-roading capabilities. The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk featured 18-inch wheels, Goodyear all-terrain tires, and up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance, with advanced off-roading tools like Selec-Terrain driving modes and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control.

The Grand Cherokee's ride and handling were more nimble and athletic than the larger Grand Cherokee L, with superior road-feel and compliance. The V6 engine, lighter and more efficient, was our preferred choice, offering balanced performance without the added heft of the V8, though the V8 provided a thrilling sound and power.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered ample comfort for families, especially in the King Ranch trim, with features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats with massage, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to limited access and legroom.

Interior storage space was somewhat limited, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The cargo space included 18.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

In the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, comfort levels varied across trims, but even the base Laredo provided quality seating. Higher trims offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, seat massagers, and more. Rear-seat room was tight for adults, with plastic seatback trim being uncomfortable for taller passengers.

Given its design, the Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seat down. The Grand Cherokee L, by comparison, offered a bit more space.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, available with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Our King Ranch test vehicle included Sync 3, FordPass Connect services, wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. While the system included features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the older Sync 3 showed limitations in voice recognition and commands.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with the next-generation Uconnect 5 system. This advanced system included a configurable home display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and multiple touchscreen options up to 10.1 inches. Premium models included features like a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision, and a McIntosh audio system, along with a unique front passenger interactive display for added convenience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not published complete ratings at the time. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and post-collision braking. The Explorer's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. While effective, the lane-centering system occasionally disengaged on sharp curves.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee incorporated aluminum and high-strength steel in its design for improved safety, with 27% mild-grade steel. It featured advanced driver assistance systems like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Future updates promised a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist for approved roads, enhancing the overall safety and convenience.