Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

See How the New Jeep® Grand Cherokee Measures Up Against the New Ford Explorer in Fergus Falls, MN

If you want an off-road-capable SUV that also rides comfortably on paved streets in Fergus Falls, MN, get the new Jeep® Grand Cherokee. This midsize crossover has class-leading off-road chops, while also keeping you relaxed and entertained during daily city driving. The new Ford Explorer is a similarly sized SUV, but it can't match the overall excellence of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Nelson Auto Center built the following comparison of these two SUVs to explain why.

Off-Road Capability

The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with 8.4 inches of ground clearance to help you drive over obstacles near Fargo, ND. Optional Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive, a Quadra-Lift air suspension, and an available 2-speed transfer case allow the Jeep Grand Cherokee to go places other SUVs can't.

The base Ford Explorer has just 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Explorer Timberline models have four-wheel drive and enhanced suspensions, but they still can't travel off-road as effectively as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Towing Capacity

If you like to pull boats to Detroit Lakes, MN, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a terrific choice. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 6,200 pounds.

The Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds with the right configuration.

Fuel Economy

The Jeep Grand Cherokee earns 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models.

The Ford Explorer gets slightly better gas mileage than the Jeep Grand Cherokee in rear-wheel drive versions. However, four-wheel drive Explorer variants only return 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Interior Quality

Take a seat in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and you're confronted with a clean, wing-shaped dash with an upscale aesthetic. Alexandria, MN drivers will like the Palermo leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and front passenger infotainment screen available in higher trims.

The Ford Explorer has a plainer interior design and too many hard plastic trim pieces. Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum Explorer models have nicer materials, but they're not as luxurious as the top-tier Jeep Grand Cherokee trims.

Infotainment

The Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system is a breeze to operate while cruising through Wahpeton, ND. Along with a responsive 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, it comes standard with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Upper-echelon Jeep Grand Cherokee trims have 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreens, 10.25-inch passenger touchscreens, and rear-seat entertainment systems.

The Ford Explorer comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen and wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Its available 10.1-inch touchscreen looks sleek but doesn't provide any notable advantages. A passenger-side touchscreen is not available in the Explorer.

Safety

Jeep puts your safety first, so they equip the Grand Cherokee with five standard driver assistance features. Standard adaptive cruise control helps Morris, MN drivers maintain a set distance between their vehicle and the car in front of it.

The Ford Explorer comes with four standard advanced active safety features. Adaptive cruise control is available in the Explorer, but you must buy a higher trim to have it.

Test Drive a New or Used Jeep Grand Cherokee at Nelson Auto Center in Fergus Falls, MN

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee has best-in-class off-road proficiency and a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. Nelson Auto Center has a wide array of Jeep Grand Cherokee trims for sale or lease in our new inventory. If a pre-owned model fits your budget better, we also offer like-new Jeep Grand Cherokees in our used inventory. Visit our dealership and test drive one today.

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  1. Nelson Auto Center CDJR

    2228 College Way
    Fergus Falls, MN 56537-1062

    • Sales: 2184295669
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