2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with an array of models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, not including a $1,495 destination charge. The new lineup featured the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, along with the sporty ST-Line addition to the XLT version. Our review focused on the King Ranch variant with 4WD, the high-end Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, boosting the MSRP to $59,880, including the destination fee.

Visually, the Explorer King Ranch displayed subtle distinctions like King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Despite these, it maintained a generic aesthetic that, if acceptable to buyers, translated to an overall appealing SUV. Designers used the rear-drive platform to give the Explorer a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic look. The “floating roof” visual effect, owing to blacked-out roof pillars, added to its popularity.

Inside, the King Ranch boasted Del Rio leather seating with unique lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding on the seats and center armrest pad in a chocolate brown over caramel color scheme. However, the interior exhibited a mix of quality and lesser materials, which sometimes revealed the Explorer’s base-trim roots. Still, it felt mostly worthy of its nearly $60,000 price tag.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler continued its legacy with a rugged and unmistakably boxy design. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, Wrangler owners could remove the doors or opt for the Dual-Door Group for half doors, enhancing visibility while maintaining some enclosure. The fold-down windshield and multiple top options catered to open-air enthusiasts. The Wrangler's iconic wide fenders, seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school hood latches underscored its classic appeal.

At the rear, the tailgate swung out and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access, presenting a functional yet charming design. Our test vehicle sported the new Reign purple paint, a bold and limited-edition hue, adding a unique flair. Additionally, the new Earl color mixed gray with a hint of aquamarine.

Inside, the Wrangler emphasized practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-colored dash, substantial HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter. Its straightforward interior design was perfect for off-road adventures but lacked the luxuries found in more upscale SUVs.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains for a variety of driving experiences. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or optional 4WD. This configuration allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving.

For efficiency seekers, the Limited trim offered a hybrid option combining a 3.3-liter V6 engine to deliver 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity was 5,000 lbs, with a respectable 27 mpg in combined driving. This system also involved a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 4WD.

The more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, the Explorer could tow up to 5,600 lbs, though fuel efficiency dropped to 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle recorded 20.6 mpg. This engine offered robust acceleration and a pleasant exhaust note, but unless extra towing capability was essential, the hybrid version provided a better mix of power, efficiency, and capability.

The Explorer performed well on various terrains, feeling robust and agile during both everyday driving and light off-roading. Although it only had 7.9 inches of ground clearance, it managed moderately challenging terrains effectively. However, models like the Timberline, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, were better suited for serious off-roading.

Similarly, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler stood out for its off-road prowess. The standard Wrangler's V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, or drivers could choose the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, both available with an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Additionally, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, while the powerful 6.4-liter V8 in the Rubicon 392 cranked out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. This 392 variant, capable of 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, excelled at off-road endeavors, with features like Off-Road Plus for optimizing throttle and traction control, and the Xtreme Recon package for a higher crawl ratio.

However, on-road performance of the 392 had flaws in its brakes and steering, which felt inadequate for its power. Other Wrangler trims didn't face the same issues and were more balanced for everyday driving.

In comparison, the Ford Explorer was better suited for a mix of daily commuting and leisure adventures, while the Jeep Wrangler excelled as a specialized off-road vehicle but had limitations in daily comfort and on-road performance.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered ample space for families, especially when equipped with a second-row bench seat for occasional five-passenger transport. However, its design limited the practicality of the third-row, which was more suitable for children due to challenging access and insufficient legroom.

Our King Ranch model included premium features like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and optional massaging front seats. Despite the luxurious appointments, the Explorer’s cabin storage was lacking, with a small center console bin and missed opportunities for extra storage compartments. The cabin boasted a hands-free power liftgate and offered 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler's cabin prioritized functionality over luxury. The front seats were comfortable, but lacking in heated or ventilated options unless opting for specific packages or the 392 model. The rear seat in four-door models was tight, with small rear doors making access difficult.

Interior storage was limited, with a tiny glove box and center console, though the Wrangler did provide a top-dash bin for essentials. Cargo capacity was 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down, slightly less than the Explorer. The Wrangler excelled at versatile open-air configurations with its removable tops and doors, enhanced by options like the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick transition to open-air driving.

Overall, the Ford Explorer provided more comfort and cargo capacity, suitable for families and road trips. The Wrangler focused on rugged versatility, but was less accommodating for passenger comfort and lacked in significant cargo space.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a larger 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. Our test vehicle included the expansive Sync 3 tech suite with FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the older Sync 3 lagged in voice recognition accuracy and ease of use, highlighting the need for an upgrade to the more advanced Sync 4.

Additional tech for the King Ranch model included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Active Park Assist 2.0 for autonomous parking, as well as an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

In the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, the standard Uconnect infotainment system came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while our tester featured the more extensive 8.4-inch screen. Although initially complex, Uconnect became intuitive with use, offering features like Jeep’s off-road pages showcasing vital off-road information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for seamless smartphone integration. Tech amenities in the Wrangler were straightforward, focusing on essential functionality without an abundance of advanced features.

Notably, the Wrangler didn't offer digital key options or significant over-the-air updates beyond Uconnect itself. Essential off-road additions included a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket equipment.

The 2022 Ford Explorer received high safety marks, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS across all trims. NHTSA's ratings were mostly five-star, except for a four-star rollover rating. Comprehensive safety features included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.

Jeep Wrangler’s safety offerings were less comprehensive. Standard features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert were only standard on the top 392 model and otherwise part of an optional package. Safety ratings were mixed, with IIHS giving a combination of Good and Marginal ratings, and some trims receiving Poor headlight ratings. NHTSA rated the Wrangler with four stars for the frontal crash test and three stars for rollover resistance.