When it comes to choosing a new SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are at the top of many buyers' lists. Both vehicles have a strong presence in the SUV market, offering a mix of comfort, performance, and versatility. In this guide, we'll take you through what 2025 has in store for these two popular models in terms of design, efficiency, features, and more. While both SUVs have their merits, you'll soon see why the 2025 Grand Cherokee might just have the edge.
Design and Exterior Features
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee's design continues to turn heads with its iconic seven-slot grille and sleek LED headlights. Its athletic silhouette and bold wheel arches give it a powerful presence on the road. The available panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury and openness to the cabin. Each trim level boasts unique design elements, allowing you to choose a look that matches your style.
In contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer sticks to a more conservative styling approach. Its wide grille and streamlined profile aim to improve aerodynamics. The Explorer offers a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate, which can be handy when your hands are full. Like the Grand Cherokee, different trim levels feature unique exterior accents to set them apart.
Interior Comfort and Technology
In the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior, you'll find premium materials and expert craftsmanship. The centerpiece is an available 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring the latest Uconnect 5 system. If you love tech, there's also an optional 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster that provides customizable information at a glance. The Grand Cherokee comfortably seats five passengers and has an available quad-zone climate control system for personalized comfort.
The Ford Explorer takes a different approach, with seating for six to seven passengers, making it a good choice for larger families. Its tech features are similar to those of the Grand Cherokee, but it offers a larger 13.2-inch available touch screen with the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. An optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also available.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the 2025 Grand Cherokee boasts a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine, which delivers 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency reaches a competitive 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. For those seeking more power, the 2.0L I-4 turbo plug-in hybrid engine offers up to 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Explorer's base engine is a 2.3L turbo I-4, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency ratings come in at 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.
Safety Features and Ratings
In the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, safety is a top priority, with standard features including active lane management and available active driving assist. It also offers adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go system, full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection. In past model years, the Grand Cherokee has earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick rating, demonstrating Jeep's commitment to passenger protection.
The Ford Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology as standard, which includes a suite of driver-assist features. Available options include Active Park Assist 2.0, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The 2024 Explorer received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, indicating strong performance in crash tests.
Towing Capacity and Cargo Space
The Grand Cherokee can tow up to an impressive 6200 pounds. Its cargo space maxes out at 70.8 cubic feet, providing ample room for gear and groceries alike. Trailer sway control comes as standard, helping to keep your load stable on the road.
The Ford Explorer edges out the Grand Cherokee in cargo space, offering up to 85.8 cubic feet. However, it falls short in towing capacity, with a maximum of 5000 pounds. Like the Grand Cherokee, it includes trailer sway control for safer towing.
Off-Road Capabilities
When the pavement ends, the Grand Cherokee truly shines, with the available Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive (4WD) system providing exceptional traction in challenging conditions. The Selec-Terrain traction management system also allows you to choose from multiple terrain modes. For even more capability, the available Quadra-Lift air suspension can raise the vehicle for increased ground clearance. Many Grand Cherokee trims earn the Trail Rated badge, signifying their ability to handle tough off-road conditions.
While the Explorer offers available Intelligent 4WD with a terrain management system and hill-descent control, it can't quite match the Grand Cherokee's off-road prowess. The Explorer also has fewer off-road-focused trims than the Grand Cherokee, making it a better choice if you primarily stick to paved roads with occasional light off-roading.
Technology and Connectivity
The Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 5 infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. An available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot keeps you connected on the go, and if you love music, there's an optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system for concert-quality sound.
The Explorer's Ford Digital Experience infotainment system also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with an available 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Its optional 14-speaker B&O sound system provides high-quality audio, though it falls short of the Grand Cherokee's top-tier offering.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at an MSRP of $36,495, while the 2025 Ford Explorer begins at $39,755. Both vehicles offer various trim levels and customization options, allowing you to tailor your new SUV to your needs and budget, but the lower price of the Grand Cherokee offers a head start.
Environmental Impact
In terms of fuel efficiency and emissions, the two vehicles offer comparable performance. The Ford Explorer's base engine provides slightly better fuel economy, but the Grand Cherokee offers hybrid options that are ideal if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Both manufacturers are making efforts to incorporate more eco-friendly materials in their vehicles, reflecting a growing industry trend toward sustainability.
Ready To Experience the Grand Cherokee?
Are you ready to try out the 2025 Grand Cherokee for yourself? Visit us at Ciocca Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Duncannon or contact us today. Our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have and arrange a test-drive. We're currently offering special promotions on the Grand Cherokee, so there's never been a better time to get behind the wheel of this exceptional SUV.