2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim test vehicle, loaded with features, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the overall design, technology, and real wood trim were impressive.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a wide range of models, from the base trim to the luxurious King Ranch, with prices between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The King Ranch trim, tested with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, brought the MSRP to $59,880. Visually, the King Ranch was distinguished by its emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a sleek, athletic design with a long hood and tapering roofline. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating and King Ranch branding. While the cabin had a mix of quality materials, it mostly felt worthy of its price point, though some elements reminded of the base trim.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy, which averaged 17.8 mpg during testing. The Grand Cherokee L featured various driving modes, including Sport and off-road settings, and the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, making it easy to park and comfortable on the highway.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or 4WD. This engine had a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The Limited trim also offered a hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and up to 27 mpg combined. The top trims, including the King Ranch, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The King Ranch felt athletic and engaging to drive, with the sport-tuned ST trim offering even more performance features.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided comfort with its Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third-row seat was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows providing a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants but had a useful storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort for families of four, with the King Ranch trim featuring triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also had a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional tech included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen looked like an afterthought. The test vehicle had the full menu of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch also featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system had limitations, particularly with voice recognition and operating features using spoken commands. The King Ranch also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the Explorer.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system worked well but felt artificial in the driver's hands. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's ratings.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all versions. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the 2021 model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The Co-Pilot360 system worked well, though it sometimes lacked steering wheel sensitivity to the driver's hands.