2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer took a classic yet modern approach to its design, sticking to the “E” naming family with its siblings like the Edge and Expedition. This made the Explorer instantly recognizable as a Ford SUV. From the outside, the Explorer had a sleek, sporty look with its raked belt lines and squinted front visages. However, discerning between an Edge and an Explorer at a glance could be tricky.

The Explorer’s exterior varied greatly depending on the trim level. Buyers could opt for versions ranging from a more understated black grille to a lavish full-chrome grille. The six trim levels—Base, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and Platinum—offered a broad price spectrum from $32,925 to $52,730, with each step up the ladder bringing more luxurious exterior and interior features.

Inside, the Explorer offered a standard three-row seating arrangement across all trims. The base model seats were covered in cloth upholstery, but even these were quite comfortable. The dashboard was clean and well-organized, with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and large, tactile buttons for audio and climate controls. The center console was spacious, thanks to the rotary gearshift design, which also housed storage bins and cupholders.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L exuded elegance and trademark Jeep ruggedness from every angle. The "L" denoted its longer body, adding 11.4 inches to the standard two-row Grand Cherokee to incorporate a third row of seats. The wheelbase also extended by five inches to improve second-row legroom and rear door width. Its design enhancements made the regular Grand Cherokee seem truncated by comparison.

The Grand Cherokee L boasted Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, coupled with modern, slimmer lighting features. Higher trims such as the Summit and Summit Reserve featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome accents, adding a luxurious flair. For 2022, Jeep introduced new exterior paint options like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky, further expanding customization choices.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L’s cabin was a masterpiece of luxury. With options for dual high-resolution screens, real wood and aluminum finishes, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof, it felt every bit as premium as a high-end Mercedes. The overall interior layout was considered luxurious and plush, especially in lighter tan leather, though it required cleanliness to maintain its upscale appearance.

When it came to performance, the 2021 Ford Explorer had several powertrain options. At its lightest, it weighed 4,345 pounds and was powered by a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generated 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This exceeded the Kia Telluride’s V6 engine figures, despite being heavier. Across all trims, the Explorer featured a 10-speed automatic transmission.

For those seeking more power, the Limited Hybrid trim combined a V6 engine with electric support, producing 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims had a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, with the Explorer ST pushing those numbers to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. Towing capacity varied from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds depending on the setup, which was competent but not exceptional in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque but struggled under the Grand Cherokee L’s weight, resulting in a less than optimal drive. The V8, on the other hand, with its 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, provided a much more satisfying drive but was only available on higher trims and in 4WD configurations.

Jeep also offered the innovative 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Grand Cherokee L, which combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 375 horsepower and a robust 470 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy stood at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined for the V6, whereas the V8 lagged at 14/22/17 mpg. The air suspension system in the Grand Cherokee L was another highlight, providing five adjustable ride heights and superior ride quality.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided practical space for up to seven passengers in the base trim, while higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the seating capacity to six. With 39 inches of legroom in the second row, it comfortably surpassed the Nissan Murano and Buick Enclave but fell short of the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Explorer offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 81 cubic feet with the seats folded down, although this was still less than some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also excelled in interior space, offering ample room in all three rows. The third row was spacious enough to accommodate average adults comfortably. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, but a 60/40 split bench could be added for an extra $695 to increase seating to seven. A large panoramic roof, numerous USB ports, and thoughtful storage solutions like a central bin for wireless charging were practical enhancements. Despite its roomy interior, the air conditioning’s weak airflow to the cabin was a notable drawback.

Both vehicles had their own storage and space perks, but the Grand Cherokee L slightly edged out with its thoughtful interior layout and better utilization of space even for third-row passengers.

The 2021 Ford Explorer’s base trim came well-equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with voice recognition. Higher trims boasted a Bang & Olufsen audio system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and up to 14 speakers. With multiple USB ports and power outlets spread throughout the cabin, it provided easy access for all passengers.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a more luxurious array of tech features on its upper trims. The 16-way power-adjustable front seats featured massage modes, a head-up display, and a night vision system. The Grand Cherokee L's updated Uconnect 5 infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New for 2022, the optional 10.3-inch touchscreen ahead of the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch rear-seat touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV expanded the technological appeal. Safety and driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a comprehensive camera system reinforced its tech-forward stance.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was lauded for its safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS with stellar crash test scores and an “Acceptable” rating for adaptive headlights. All models came with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included a suite of features like auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but it included standard airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. Driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were standard, with advanced features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition on higher trims.