Compare 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2017 Ford Explorer

Serving Harrison, AR, Branson, MO, and Mountain Home, AR

Decorated with the Trail Rated badge, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a premium SUV that boasts impressive off-road capabilities. The Ford Explorer is a full-size SUV that also has solid attributes. Running on the Quadra-Trac 4x4 system or Quadra-Drive 4x4 system, the Grand Cherokee is surely more fit to tackle rough terrains. The HEMI V8 engine and EcoDiesel V6 engine also make this Jeep the winner in the performance department.

Off-Road Performance

The Jeep Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac I system offers full-time 4x4 drive without any interruptions in torque distribution among the front and rear axles. By monitoring the rate of wheel spin, the Quadra-Trac II 4x4 drive delivers a variable amount of torque to compensate for slipping and skidding. Featuring an electronic limited-slip differential, the Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system maximizes traction on some of the roughest terrains like mud, rocks and sand. You can also manually adjust the Grand Cherokee's powertrain by turning the dial that controls the Selec-Terrain Traction Control System. You may choose from five modes to optimize traction according to real-time conditions. Navigating steep gradients is also made easy with the Selec-Speed Control, which includes the Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. The adjustable Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System is another cutting-edge installation in this versatile Jeep. This innovative suspension system offers five settings including Aero and Off-Road II. A maximum ground clearance of 10.8 inches is offered by the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System. An approach angle of 25.7 degrees also allows the Grand Cherokee to power its way through uneven surfaces. Although it's available with the Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System, the Ford Explorer can't compete with the tremendous off-road capabilities of this premium Jeep model.

Powertrain

Capable of producing 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine is available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Fuel Saver technology helps this eight-cylinder engine achieve good efficiency. When equipped with the 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine, this Jeep gets 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This six-cylinder engine comes with the Automatic Start/Stop technology. Offering easy access to 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, the Grand Cherokee's 3.0 EcoDiesel V6 engine is optimized for handling demanding tasks. This diesel engine comes with a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. The most powerful engine in the Ford Explorer is the 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 unit that's rated at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Despite having twin turbochargers, this engine can't handle towing loads of more than 5,000 pounds. An eight-speed automatic transmission system also makes it easy to handle the Grand Cherokee. The Explorer's SelectShift automatic transmission has a gearbox with only six speeds.

Active Safety

When there's a high risk of a frontal impact, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's Forward Collision Warning will issue audible and visible alerts. Additionally, the Active Braking could automatically decelerate the vehicle to avoid a front crash. By scanning road markings, the LaneSense Lane Departure Warning helps you avoid unintentional lane drifting. The Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring System provide additional guidance for switching lanes. When equipped with the Park Assist, this premium Jeep can essentially pull off perpendicular and parallel parking maneuvers without your input. You can also rely on the ParkSense technology if you decide to park the vehicle on your own. The signature ParkView camera captures live videos of the vehicle's projected backward path.

Visit our dealership to test drive the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. You'll be convinced that this luxurious Jeep SUV is superior to the Ford Explorer.

* Actual mileage may vary.