Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer

SUVs have become more and more popular in the United States in the past few decades.  Two of the most popular vehicles in this category are the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the Ford Explorer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a direct descendant of the Wagoneer, which is considered by many to be the grandfather of the SUV. Jeep actually resurrected the Wagoneer for the 2022 model year; you can read more about that here. The Ford Explorer, for its part, is a well-rounded SUV, made by a strong American company. This article is going to take a look at these two vehicles, and will help Ames, IA drivers decide which car is right for them.

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Engines, Power, and Towing

Both the Grand Cherokee L and the Explorer are large SUVs, and they have matching engines. The Jeep can be had with two different engines: the base V6 and the upgraded V8. The V6 gets 290 horsepower and the V8 gets 357. Both versions of the SUV can tow a significant amount of weight. The less powerful V6 tows up to 6,200 pounds, while the beefy V8 can haul an additional 1,000 pounds, for a 7,200 total towing capacity. You can hook a trailer or camper to the back of this beast and take the whole family on one heck of a road trip.

The Explorer is powered by one of four engines. The lower trims come with a 2.3L four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower. The other two gas-only options are a 3.0L V6 that makes 365 ponies, or a stronger version of the same that outputs 400 horsepower. This last is only available on the ST trim. There is also a hybrid option for the Explorer that gets 318 horsepower between the engine and electric motor. A fully-equipped Explorer can only, however, tow up to 5,600 pounds.

While some of the Ford Explorer trims feature engines that have slightly more horsepower than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Jeep outperforms the Ford when it comes to towing. Horsepower is nice, but it does have to be translated into something like towing capacity to be truly useful.

Modern Interiors and Connectivity Features

Both of these vehicles are three-row SUVs. The Grand Cherokee L includes a pair of captain’s chairs as the standard second row offering, making it easier to climb into the third row in the back. If you really need the seats, however, it can be replaced with a second row bench seat, bringing the total number of seats up to eight. The Explorer only has the second row bench option.

While both of these vehicles have all of the modern connectivity features that one would expect of new vehicles, the Grand Cherokee L’s technology is a little more luxurious. Where the Explorer comes with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, the Jeep’s is 10.1-inch. Mid-tier models of the Grand Cherokee L have more features than comparable Explorer models. The Limited trim of the Jeep, for example, comes with a powered rear lift gate, leather seats, driver’s seat memory settings, and heated second row seats!

The Grand Cherokee L: A True SUV

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, as mentioned above, is the direct descendant of the Wagoneer, which is credited for birthing the SUV category as a whole. It seems that Jeep has managed to hold onto the essential spirit of the SUV: utility combined with luxury. While the Ford Explorer is a fine vehicle that is both sporty and modern, it is outclassed by the Grand Cherokee L.

Here at Deery of Ames we have a long tradition of service to our community. When Iowans work with us, they can be comfortable in knowing that we will take great care of you. There are no games here, just honest business. Stop on by today and check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

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