2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Ford Explorer
Overview | |
MSRP$32,925 | MSRP$27,890 |
Listings574 | Listings261 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
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Cons
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2021 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThere was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | |
2021 Jeep Cherokee Reviews SummaryThe KL-generation Cherokee launched as a 2014 model and almost immediately began swirling in controversy. Jeep hadn’t offered a Cherokee in the United States since the 2001 model year, when the XJ Cherokee disappeared, replaced by two generations of the Jeep Liberty. There was great excitement for this all-new Jeep. Lots of fans were hoping for a redo of the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee that really helped to define the midsize SUV class with a unibody and legendary toughness. “The 2014 Cherokee feels planted on the road, more carlike than trucklike…” read an early review in Car and Driver. A separate review from the same publication read: “If you have eyes, you’ve noticed that this Cherokee, code-named KL, makes no design references, other than with the grille, to the iconic, rectilinear XJ Cherokee.” But the automotive industry isn’t necessarily in the business of fueling nostalgia. It’s interested in what it can sell in great numbers in the future, not what people liked 30 years ago. And what we’ve realized over the years is that the Cherokee is really good at what it does, and it’s capable of doing a lot more than you’d expect. Jeep sells these at a rate of 240,000 annually, in a good year. The best the Jeep Liberty it replaced ever managed was 166,883 units before dropping off the face of the Earth entirely. Clearly, Jeep knew something we didn’t when it released the Cherokee. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.4L 180 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower180 hp @ 6250 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.4L 180 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque171 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower180 hp @ 6250 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.2 cu ft | Cargo Space25.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight4345 lbs | Curb Weight3590 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height65.7 in |
Length198.8 in | Length183.1 in |
Width89.3 in | Width73.2 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase106.5 in |
Maximum Payload1425 lbs | Maximum Payload1000 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,925 | $27,890 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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Summary | There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | The KL-generation Cherokee launched as a 2014 model and almost immediately began swirling in controversy. Jeep hadn’t offered a Cherokee in the United States since the 2001 model year, when the XJ Cherokee disappeared, replaced by two generations of the Jeep Liberty. There was great excitement for this all-new Jeep. Lots of fans were hoping for a redo of the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee that really helped to define the midsize SUV class with a unibody and legendary toughness. “The 2014 Cherokee feels planted on the road, more carlike than trucklike…” read an early review in Car and Driver. A separate review from the same publication read: “If you have eyes, you’ve noticed that this Cherokee, code-named KL, makes no design references, other than with the grille, to the iconic, rectilinear XJ Cherokee.” But the automotive industry isn’t necessarily in the business of fueling nostalgia. It’s interested in what it can sell in great numbers in the future, not what people liked 30 years ago. And what we’ve realized over the years is that the Cherokee is really good at what it does, and it’s capable of doing a lot more than you’d expect. Jeep sells these at a rate of 240,000 annually, in a good year. The best the Jeep Liberty it replaced ever managed was 166,883 units before dropping off the face of the Earth entirely. Clearly, Jeep knew something we didn’t when it released the Cherokee. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.4L 180 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6250 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.4L 180 hp I4 |
Torque | 171 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6250 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.2 cu ft | 25.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4345 lbs | 3590 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 65.7 in |
Length | 198.8 in | 183.1 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 73.2 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 106.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1425 lbs | 1000 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs | 2000 lbs |
The 2021 Ford Explorer presented a cohesive design approach, reminiscent of Ford's historical branding strategy. It shared a familial resemblance with other Ford SUVs, characterized by sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive visages. The Explorer's exterior varied with trim levels, offering options from a black grille to full chrome, reflecting its six trim levels. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating as standard, with a clean dashboard and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The XLT trim was popular, offering enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen, while higher trims included leather upholstery.
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling evolved over time, becoming more proportionate since its debut. Its appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, resembling the larger Grand Cherokee from the front. Its interior was straightforward and businesslike, with variations in material quality across trims. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale finishes like suede inserts and Nappa leather upholstery.
The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing 4,345 pounds at its lightest, offered a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer ST. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration. All trims were equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a balance of power and efficiency.
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, known for its fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk trim excelled off-road, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, enhancing its trail capabilities.
The 2021 Ford Explorer offered seating for seven in the base model, with captain’s chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. It provided 39 inches of second-row legroom and 21 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use. With the rear seats folded, the Explorer offered 81 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with smaller SUVs.
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. It had 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, competitive within its class. The interior was simple and functional, with material quality improving with higher trims.
The 2021 Ford Explorer came with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 system. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a Bang & Olufsen audio system with up to 14 speakers. Charging options included USB ports and multiple power points, with a wireless charging pad available from the Limited trim.
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience in various climates.
The 2021 Ford Explorer was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. It included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features.
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick award but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness and a G+ for LATCH ease of use. It had standard safety features like lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Cherokee scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ford Explorer is recommended for its superior performance, safety features, and spacious interior.
Choose the 2021 Jeep Cherokee if:
- You seek a vehicle with off-road capabilities.
- You prefer a straightforward, user-friendly infotainment system.
- You want a compact SUV with a distinctive design.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
- You prioritize towing capacity and engine performance.
- You value advanced safety features as standard.
- You need a spacious interior with three rows of seating.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Cherokee scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ford Explorer is recommended for its superior performance, safety features, and spacious interior.
Choose the 2021 Jeep Cherokee if:
Shop Now- You seek a vehicle with off-road capabilities.
- You prefer a straightforward, user-friendly infotainment system.
- You want a compact SUV with a distinctive design.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize towing capacity and engine performance.
- You value advanced safety features as standard.
- You need a spacious interior with three rows of seating.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
