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
3
1
2
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.
3
1
2
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.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks highest in safety and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
“1993 grand cherokee. I bought it at a auction in December 1994. I now have 450,000 miles on it. It has original drive train. the rear diferential was rebuilt 20,ooo miles ago. I drive the car every...”
“1993 grand cherokee. I bought it at a auction in December 1994. I now have 450,000 miles on it....”
The Ford Explorer ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
67% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“Parents bought the car when I graduated 6th grade and gave it to me end of college. Had 94,000 at that time (brand new when they got it), and now has 224,000. Still going strong all around almost...”
“Parents bought the car when I graduated 6th grade and gave it to me end of college. Had 94,000...”
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.