Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

Both the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer offer three engine options from which you can choose. The Jeep model has a standard V6 as well as available V8 and 4-cylinder hybrid engines. The Ford model, on the other hand, has a standard 4-cylinder alongside available V6 and V6 hybrid engines.

So, how does each SUV generate performance? Also, which SUV gives you the most power?

Looking at the standard equipment, the Ford model gets more power here at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee follows close behind at 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

If you turn to the available hybrid engines—an increasingly popular and efficient choice—you’ll now see the Grand Cherokee take the crown. The Ford Explorer gets a lot of power in its own right, given that its available hybrid engine achieves 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. However, with the Grand Cherokee’s available plug-in hybrid engine, you’ll experience a much more exciting 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque for your adventures.

When towing, the 2023 Grand Cherokee has a noticeable edge over the Explorer.

The Jeep SUV peaks at 7,200 pounds of maximum towing capacity, when properly equipped with its available V8 engine—easily besting the 5,600-pound maximum towing capacity of the Ford SUV.

In fact, all of the Grand Cherokee’s engine options are able to tow more than the Explorer. When properly equipped, the standard Jeep engine handles up to 6,200 pounds while the available hybrid engine accommodates up to 6,000 pounds.

Jeep has built its entire brand around off-road-savviness. So, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee offering a wider range of go-anywhere technologies when compared to the 2023 Ford Explorer isn’t too surprising.

For example, you can have the Grand Cherokee with the available Quadra Drive^® II 4×4 system that can deliver 100% of torque to a single wheel. This is especially handy if you’re trying to navigate difficult terrains, such as mud ruts, sand, or snow. The available 4-wheel drive setup of the Explorer doesn’t come close to matching this level of intricate technology.

That Jeep capability is all in addition to the available Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System, which allows you to switch between modes for Snow, Mud/Sand, and more. While the Ford model has its own mode selection system, it’s only the Grand Cherokee that has a unique Rock setting to traverse the bumpiest of terrains.