2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Ford Explorer

In 2021, Ford continued to follow its long-standing tradition of producing SUVs with a family resemblance, ranging from the Escape to the Expedition. The Explorer, very much a part of this lineage, offered an exterior that was both appealing and sporty. It was tricky to differentiate between the Edge and the Explorer at a first glance, but Ford’s distinct lines and unmistakable raked belt lines set them apart from SUVs of other brands. Buyers of the Explorer had a range of choices, including six distinct trim levels, each offering varied aesthetics such as black grilles, chrome accents, or even black grilles with red stripes, depending on the model.

Inside, all Explorer trims came standard with three rows of seats. While the base model featured cloth upholstery, higher trims provided more luxurious touches like leather. XLT was the most popular trim, offering enhanced features such as a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen. However, those seeking leather upholstery had to opt for the higher trims like Limited or Platinum.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L aimed to impress from the get-go with its fresh design, standing apart from its predecessor, the two-row Grand Cherokee. This new model, identifiable by its signature seven-slot grille and familiar Jeep styling cues like the trapezoidal wheel arches, presented no wrong lines or awkward proportions. Offered in trims ranging from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L's style was durable and unmistakably Jeep, capturing attention regardless of the chosen trim.

Our test model in Summit trim came loaded with luxury, like quilted and perforated leather seats and real wood trim. Yet, some materials questioned their worthiness at higher price points. Still, Jeep's attention to detail in the Grand Cherokee L was clearly more focused on offering a superior visual and tactile experience compared to the outgoing model.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing in at a minimum of 4,345 pounds, presented an interesting array of powertrain options. It began with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight, this base engine managed to hold its own, outpowering competitors like the Kia Telluride. All Explorer trims shared a 10-speed automatic transmission, which ensured smooth transitions across various driving scenarios. Higher trims boasted a more potent 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, culminating in the ST trim with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, enabling a more engaging drive. The Explorer’s towing capacity varied between 5,000 and 5,600 pounds based on the chosen trim and engine, which was competent but not class-leading.

Meanwhile, every 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L started with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Offering both rear-wheel drive and three 4WD systems, it boasted a solid max tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7-liter V8, available in higher trims, enhanced power to 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel efficiency.

Our Grand Cherokee L test model, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, performed well, though brisk acceleration was marred by loud revs and occasional reluctance in downshifts in Auto mode. The Sport mode improved ride control, while the off-road modes ensured the Jeep tackled rugged terrain gracefully. Comfort and stability on highways and tight parking maneuvers were other notable strengths. Though it delivered satisfactory performance, its handling and fuel efficiency needed improvement.

The base Ford Explorer accommodated seven passengers, while higher trims with captain’s chairs in the second row reduced seating to six. Second-row passengers enjoyed a generous 39 inches of legroom, which was competitive within its class, surpassing the Nissan Murano and Buick Enclave, but slightly behind the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Explorer excelled in maintaining a useful 21 cubic feet of cargo space even with the third row in place. However, total cargo volume maxed out at 81 cubic feet, which was less impressive compared to more spacious rivals.

The Grand Cherokee L's interior comfort was marked by its Summit trim’s luxurious appointments, including heated, ventilated, massaging front seats, and a four-zone climate control system. While the front vents were somewhat underwhelming in cooling effectiveness, second-row captain’s chairs offered ample legroom and side window sunshades. A commendable feature was the ability to tip and slide the second-row seats for easy access without removing child safety seats, enhancing third-row usability. Cargo capacity started at 17.2 cubic feet behind the third-row, extending to 46.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats down and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet, outperforming the Explorer in total cargo volume.

Technology in the 2021 Ford Explorer reflected Ford’s commitment to integrating user-friendly features across all trims. The base model included an 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices powered by the Sync 3 infotainment system. Stepping up to the Limited trim introduced a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with HD radio, whereas higher trims offered further upgrades like a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 14-speaker sound system, complemented by additional USB ports and power outlets.

Jeep’s Grand Cherokee L incorporated its latest Uconnect 5 system, promising faster and more responsive operation. Available in both 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch touchscreen sizes, our Summit trim test vehicle featured the larger screen, which ensured a seamless integration with the dashboard. Notable features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Additionally, the vehicle included a premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, digital instrumentation, rearview mirror, and innovative options like a thermal-imaging night vision system and the Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, thanks to its stellar performance in crash tests and the availability of adaptive headlights. Ford Co-Pilot360, standard on all trims, encompassed advanced safety features like auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims offered more sophisticated features with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and speed sign recognition.

On the safety front, the Grand Cherokee L premiered Jeep's Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, though it felt somewhat artificial. Intersection Collision Assist was a sophisticated addition, detecting threats at intersections and applying brakes as necessary. The package also included parking assist features and plans for a hands-free system in future models. However, crash-test ratings were pending at the time of the review.