2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, more handsome than the Land Rover Discovery, which had mimicked Ford's style years after the previous-generation Explorer debuted in 2011. The 2020 model refined its upscale, utilitarian design by slimming down the body panels and giving the SUV a lower, more athletic appearance. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood created a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and rough-grained plastic dominating the cabin. The switchgear felt solid, but the overall interior quality did not match the vehicle's exterior appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable since its debut. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were initially polarizing, they had grown on many over the years. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding looked much more refined. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a strong resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis, which provided better weight distribution than the previous front-wheel-drive platform. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered smooth, addictive power and impressive handling, with precise steering and flat cornering. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, as well as a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. The hybrid, however, did not offer significant fuel economy benefits. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The vehicle also featured seven drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The V6 and turbo-four provided decent acceleration, with 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All Cherokee models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had proven to be a capable and fuel-efficient choice. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in front-wheel drive to keep prices competitive, but most buyers preferred the all-wheel-drive versions for better performance and capability.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, making it a comfortable choice for long trips. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, a center console, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a first-class feel. The third row was more spacious than in previous models, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. The Explorer's cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it one of the largest in its class. The vehicle also featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, although the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a niche between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than many competitors. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with higher trims offering more upscale materials like suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin was cleanly designed, focusing on functionality rather than luxury or technology.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Factory navigation was standard on all models except the base XLT. Other standard features included keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the touchscreen was high-resolution and well-organized, the instrument panel felt unfinished, with wasted screen space and limited customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was also less effective than competitors' systems.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with minimal latency issues. The Cherokee supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only in wired form, and offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience for drivers in various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar and reliable interface for Cherokee buyers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, though the latter could be overly sensitive. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it "Acceptable" in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in all crashworthiness categories and a G+ score for LATCH child seat anchors. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was only available on higher trims.