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Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Jeep Grand Cherokee

$666

Average Annual

Repair Cost

Ford Explorer

$732

Average Annual

Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

Above Average

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 15th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $666 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average, and major issues are less frequent than average, so major repairs are not common for the Grand Cherokee.

Above Average

The Ford Explorer Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $732 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Explorer.

Cost

Average annual repairs total

$666

inexpensive

expensive

$732

inexpensive

expensive

Frequency

Average annual repair shop visits

0.3

not often

very often

0.24

not often

very often

Severity

Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent

13%

not urgent

urgent

14%

not urgent

urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

(84 Reviews)

(147 Reviews)

5		(10)
4		(35)
3		(26)
2		(7)
1		(6)

Read reviews

The Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks highest in safety and ranks lowest in fuel economy.

“Good solid vehicle.”

3665 known problems

140 known recalls

5		(10)
4		(71)
3		(46)
2		(15)
1		(5)

Read reviews

The Ford Explorer ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in fuel economy.

67% of reviewers would recommend this car.

“I have had my explorer for 2 years now. It is an older car, but it still looks and drives great. A Ford still running at 135,000 miles. I bet it will make it to 200,000.”

“I have had my explorer for 2 years now. It is an older car, but it still looks and drives great....”

2824 known problems

133 known recalls

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer are both midsize SUVs, but have different seating layouts. The Grand Cherokee is a two-row vehicle, while the Explorer has three rows of seats. The Grand Cherokee comes with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, while the Explorer comes with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

The standard engines in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer have similar ratings: the Grand Cherokee comes with 295 horsepower, compared to 290 for the Explorer. If you’d like a power upgrade, then the Grand Cherokee gives you more power and more choices, with up to 475 horsepower, plus a diesel option. The Explorer’s power options top out at 365 horsepower, and there’s no diesel option.

Not surprisingly, the larger three-row Explorer has more cargo space, with 80.7 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded. The shorter two-row Grand Cherokee comes with 68.3 cubic feet behind its front row.

There are a few major differences to consider when choosing between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer. If you need three rows and the most space inside, the Explorer clearly wins. If you are fine with two rows, and can appreciate maximum horsepower, diesel torque or superior off-road ability, then the Grand Cherokee is the SUV for you.

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