2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic styling, with circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. Its design was unmistakable and appealed to those seeking a rugged, toy-like vehicle. The Wrangler offered various trim levels, each with unique styling touches, but all retained the core elements that made it instantly recognizable. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized function over comfort, with upright seating and limited legroom. However, for many, this added to its charm rather than detracting from it.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and flat cornering. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a gas-electric hybrid option. Towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's powertrain lineup included a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler also introduced a plug-in hybrid and the Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, including Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, made it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the third row. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing passenger comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's physical controls were intuitive, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with cargo nets and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though wheel-wells and roll-bars limited space for larger items.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system was not as effective as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's Sport trim featured a basic 5-inch screen, with larger 7-inch and 8.4-inch Uconnect screens available on higher trims. These screens offered crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for trail visibility.

The 2020 Ford Explorer included Ford Co-Pilot 360 as standard, with features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking, though it occasionally activated falsely. The Explorer received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. A backup camera with dynamic guidelines was standard, but lane-departure warning was unavailable. The Wrangler also featured a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.