2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L scored slightly higher at 7.8 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L stands out marginally. It impresses with its refined, luxury-focused interior, advanced off-road capabilities, and superior cargo capacity. Though the Explorer offers commendable safety features and a variety of powertrains, the Grand Cherokee L's overall package caters better to consumers seeking an upscale and versatile family SUV.
Choose the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L if:
Shop Now- You value a luxurious interior with advanced seating comforts and climate control.
- Superior off-road capability and driving modes are essential for your lifestyle.
- You need a higher total cargo volume for larger family adventures.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a suite of standard safety features and high safety ratings.
- You seek a variety of powertrain options, including a high-performance variant.
- Cargo space is a significant consideration, especially with the third row deployed.
Overview | |
MSRP$32,925 | MSRP$37,580 |
Average price$31,423 | Average price$37,059 |
Listings5002 | Listings1601 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
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 Grand Cherokee L Reviews SummaryOver ten years ago, the last 2010 Jeep Commander rolled off a Detroit, Michigan, assembly line, leaving Jeep without a three-row SUV at a time when American families were switching their allegiance from sedans to SUVs in record numbers. While the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler have nevertheless proven popular, Jeep customers have made it clear that they want an SUV with a third-row seat. The redesigned 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies one, and much more. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine3.6L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name3.6L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | Torque257 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6400 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.2 cu ft | Cargo Space17.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight4345 lbs | Curb Weight4618 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height71.5 in |
Length198.8 in | Length204.9 in |
Width89.3 in | Width84.6 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase121.7 in |
Maximum Payload1425 lbs | Maximum Payload1380 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity6200 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L scored slightly higher at 7.8 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L stands out marginally. It impresses with its refined, luxury-focused interior, advanced off-road capabilities, and superior cargo capacity. Though the Explorer offers commendable safety features and a variety of powertrains, the Grand Cherokee L's overall package caters better to consumers seeking an upscale and versatile family SUV.
Choose the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L if:
Shop Now- You value a luxurious interior with advanced seating comforts and climate control.
- Superior off-road capability and driving modes are essential for your lifestyle.
- You need a higher total cargo volume for larger family adventures.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a suite of standard safety features and high safety ratings.
- You seek a variety of powertrain options, including a high-performance variant.
- Cargo space is a significant consideration, especially with the third row deployed.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,925 | $37,580 |
Average price | $31,423 | $37,059 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.9 |
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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? | Over ten years ago, the last 2010 Jeep Commander rolled off a Detroit, Michigan, assembly line, leaving Jeep without a three-row SUV at a time when American families were switching their allegiance from sedans to SUVs in record numbers. While the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler have nevertheless proven popular, Jeep customers have made it clear that they want an SUV with a third-row seat. The redesigned 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies one, and much more. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 3.6L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | RWD | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 3.6L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 257 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.2 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4345 lbs | 4618 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 71.5 in |
Length | 198.8 in | 204.9 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 84.6 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 121.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1425 lbs | 1380 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs | 6200 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.