Jeep cherokee vs ford explorer: the best suv for families and adventurers

The midsize SUV segment is a highly competitive market, with two standout contenders being the Jeep Cherokee and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of ruggedness, versatility, and comfort, making them popular choices among families and adventure enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Jeep Cherokee and the Ford Explorer to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee offers a range of engine options, including a 2.4-liter inline-four, a 3.2-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. The base 2.4-liter engine produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.2-liter V6 delivers 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is the most powerful, generating 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer also comes with a variety of engine options, including a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four, a 3.3-liter V6, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. The base 2.3-liter engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.3-liter V6 delivers 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generates an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy

Jeep Cherokee

Fuel economy varies depending on the engine option and drivetrain. The 2.4-liter inline-four with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the 3.2-liter V6 with all-wheel drive delivers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with all-wheel drive gets 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer’s fuel economy also varies based on the engine and drivetrain. The 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with rear-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the 3.3-liter V6 with all-wheel drive delivers 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with all-wheel drive gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee has a spacious and well-appointed interior with comfortable seating for five passengers. The dashboard features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen, and the cabin is equipped with a variety of amenities, including heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. Cargo space is generous, with 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer offers a larger and even more versatile interior with seating for up to seven passengers. The dashboard is modern and functional, with a large touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The cabin is spacious and well-equipped, with features such as heated and cooled seats, a dual-zone climate control system, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Cargo space is impressive, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 42.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded down.

Off-Road Capabilities

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is known for its off-road prowess, thanks to its rugged construction and advanced four-wheel drive system. The Trailhawk trim is particularly well-equipped for off-road adventures, with features such as a raised suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is also capable off-road, but it falls short of the Jeep Cherokee in terms of dedicated features. However, the Explorer does offer an optional all-wheel drive system with terrain management modes, which can enhance its off-road performance.

Safety Features

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, airbags, and a rearview camera. Advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are available as options.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer also offers a wide range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, airbags, and a rearview camera. Advanced safety features such as lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go are available as options.

Pricing and Value

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee has a starting price of $28,895 for the base Latitude trim. The Trailhawk trim, which is the most off-road capable, starts at $35,895. The top-of-the-line Overland trim starts at $39,895.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,250 for the base XLT trim. The Limited trim, which offers more features and a more luxurious interior, starts at $38,260. The Platinum trim, which is the most feature-packed, starts at $52,395.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right SUV for You

The Jeep Cherokee and the Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize off-road performance, the Jeep Cherokee is the clear choice. However, if you value a spacious interior, a more powerful engine, and a wider range of advanced safety features, the Ford Explorer is a better option. Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

FAQ

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer, especially with the base engine and front-wheel drive.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Ford Explorer has significantly more cargo space than the Jeep Cherokee, especially with the third row of seats folded down.

Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: According to J.D. Power, the Jeep Cherokee has a slightly higher reliability rating than the Ford Explorer.