I. Exterior Design and Styling
In this section, we will explore the exterior design and styling of the 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both vehicles showcase unique design elements that set them apart from their competitors. The Explorer boasts a refreshed design language, while the Grand Cherokee maintains its established look with a few updates. Learn more about the key exterior features that distinguish these two popular SUVs.
2023 Ford Explorer:
The 2023 Ford Explorer, with its bold and athletic exterior, is a show-stopper in its category. Sporting a prominent grille with a mesh insert and standard LED headlights, its front end radiates an aura of power. The Explorer's robust appearance is further emphasized by a sculpted hood and muscular fenders, hinting at its performance capabilities.
As your eyes glide over the Explorer's side profile, a rising beltline coupled with a gently sloping roofline strike a fine balance between elegance and athleticism. At the rear, the LED taillights and an elevated bumper reaffirm the SUV's confident stance.
Eight distinct trim levels - Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum - extend a wide palette of choices. Each brings its own touch of uniqueness to the Explorer's exterior. The ST-Line, for instance, exudes a sportier vibe, courtesy of its tuned suspension and distinct wheels. On the other hand, the Timberline trim is ready for adventures beyond the pavement, equipped with skid plates, a lifted suspension, and all-terrain tires, beckoning the outdoor enthusiasts.
Adding to its charm, the Explorer is available in a vibrant range of exterior colors, from the classy Agate Black, Stone Blue, and Carbonized Gray to the bold Forged Green, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic, and Jewel Red Metallic, and the elegant Star White Metallic. With such an array of options, the 2023 Ford Explorer allows you to make a statement that is uniquely yours.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
For the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the exterior design remains largely unchanged from the previous model year, with the vehicle continuing to follow the brand's established design language. Its platform delivers improvements in weight, efficiency, and driving dynamics. The Grand Cherokee's exterior features include automatic high-beam headlamps, premium LED fog lamps, power Gloss Black mirrors, and blind-spot indicators. The Overland trim offers additional exterior upgrades, such as 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome front tow hooks, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
II. Interior Comfort and Utility
The interior comfort and utility of the 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are crucial factors to consider when choosing a vehicle. In this section, we will discuss the spaciousness, cargo capacity, and material quality of each SUV. Find out how the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee compare in terms of comfort and practicality, and which one is better suited for your needs.
2023 Ford Explorer:
The 2023 Ford Explorer provides exceptional interior comfort and utility, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers. The seating and space are generous, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The Explorer's storage and cargo capacity are noteworthy, allowing you to easily accommodate your belongings on any adventure. With a standard third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat and an optional second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench seat, the Explorer can adapt to various needs whether you're transporting sports equipment, groceries, or luggage.
High-quality materials and craftsmanship are employed throughout the cabin, giving it a refined and sophisticated atmosphere. Soft-touch surfaces and well-executed stitching enhance the overall feel of the interior. The available ActiveX™ seating material offers the look and feel of leather while providing durability and stain resistance, which is especially appealing to families and those who frequently embark on outdoor excursions.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
The interior of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is functional and provides adequate seating and space for daily use. However, it may not be as spacious or comfortable as the Ford Explorer. Its storage and cargo capacity are suitable for most drivers, but when compared to the Explorer, it might not accommodate as many carry-on suitcases or larger items.
While the material quality and design of the Grand Cherokee are modern, they may not reach the same level of luxury and refinement as those found in the Ford Explorer, particularly in the base Laredo models. The higher trims, such as Summit and Overland, do offer more upscale features, like quilted leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim, but these enhancements come at a higher price point.
III. Engine Options and Performance
The engine options and performance of the 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are essential aspects to evaluate for those seeking a powerful and capable SUV. In this section, we will delve into the powertrain options, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities of both vehicles. Discover how the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee perform under various driving conditions and which SUV best meets your performance requirements.
2023 Ford Explorer:
The 2023 Ford Explorer offers a variety of powertrain options, ensuring a suitable choice for every driver. Base, XLT, and Limited trims come with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that provides ample power for most situations. King Ranch, Platinum, and ST models feature a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 for those seeking more spirited performance. For eco-conscious drivers, the Explorer also offers a hybrid powertrain with a combined output of 318 horsepower, delivering impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Fuel economy varies based on powertrain and drivetrain combinations, but the Explorer offers competitive numbers in its segment. The rear-drive hybrid model is the most efficient, with EPA-rated estimates of up to 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In Car & Driver's real-world tests, the four-cylinder Explorer with all-wheel drive achieved 28 mpg on the highway.
When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a vehicle capable of hauling their gear. The available all-wheel-drive system provides additional off-road capabilities and increased confidence in various driving conditions.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with a 293-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine, or a plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain, which pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with an electric motor for a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. While the Grand Cherokee offers respectable performance, it may not match the variety of options provided by the Ford Explorer.
Fuel economy estimates for the V-6-powered Grand Cherokee are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for rear-wheel-drive models. The plug-in hybrid 4xe variant delivers 23 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, with an electric-only range of up to 26 miles. While these numbers are competitive, they may not be as impressive as those found in the Ford Explorer.
The Grand Cherokee is known for its off-road ability, and the Trailhawk model, in particular, offers decent off-road equipment, an adjustable air suspension, and up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance. However, the towing capacity and overall versatility may not be as impressive as the Ford Explorer's capabilities.
IV. Technology and Connectivity
Technology and connectivity play an important role in modern vehicles. In this section, we will examine the infotainment systems, driver assistance technologies, and other advanced features found in the 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Learn about the differences in connectivity options and which SUV offers a more comprehensive suite of technological features.
2023 Ford Explorer:
The 2023 Ford Explorer comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, offering an attractive and responsive interface for drivers and passengers. This system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot, making it easy to stay connected on the go. For those who desire a larger screen, an optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented display is available on higher trims.
Advanced driver assistance technologies are abundant in the Ford Explorer, enhancing both safety and convenience. A 12-speaker B&O stereo system, voice-activated navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system are available options to further elevate the driving experience. The combination of these advanced features makes the Explorer a smart choice for families and those who value seamless technology integration.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee features an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the model. This system also includes standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. In-dash navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates is available as an optional upgrade.
Driver assistance technologies are present in the Grand Cherokee, though they may not be as comprehensive as those found in the Ford Explorer. The Jeep offers a digital gauge cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and an additional 10.3-inch display for the front-seat passenger on higher-end models. Audio options include a standard six-speaker stereo, a nine-speaker Alpine audio setup, or a high-end 19-speaker McIntosh arrangement.
V. Safety and Security
Safety and security are critical considerations for all drivers. In this section, we will compare the safety features, ratings, and driver assistance technologies of the 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Find out which SUV provides the most peace of mind on the road and which one best aligns with your safety priorities.
2023 Ford Explorer:
Safety is a top priority for the 2023 Ford Explorer, making it an excellent choice for those who value peace of mind on the road. The Explorer has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Ford has equipped the Explorer with numerous safety features, including child door locks, child seat anchors, and parental control systems to ensure the safety of your loved ones.
Airbag safety is well-covered in the Explorer, with driver's side and knee airbags, passenger's side airbags, front knee, head curtain, and side airbags, as well as rear head curtain airbags. The SUV also offers various safety warnings and assistance features, such as stability and traction control, roadside assistance, parking assistance, and pedestrian detection.
Advanced driver assistance technologies include blind spot alerts, collision warning systems, driver attention assist monitors, 360-degree camera with split-view display, and lane departure warning systems, further enhancing the safety and security of the 2023 Ford Explorer.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee also comes with an array of safety features, such as trailer-sway control, tire pressure monitoring, hill start assist, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, LATCH anchors, and seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.
The Grand Cherokee's driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, full-speed collision warning, automatic braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims like the Summit model add drowsy driver detection, automatic parking assist, and traffic sign recognition.
While the Jeep Grand Cherokee has over 110 safety features, including night vision and intersection collision assist, it is important to note that some rivals, like the Ford Explorer, have been offering such features for a while now.
VI. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Warranty and maintenance coverage can significantly impact the overall ownership experience. In this section, we will discuss the warranty packages and maintenance offerings for the 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Discover which SUV provides better coverage and protection for your investment, and how each manufacturer's offerings compare to those of their competitors.
2023 Ford Explorer:
When it comes to warranty and maintenance coverage, the 2023 Ford Explorer offers a competitive package that helps keep you protected on the road. The Explorer comes with a limited warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles, providing peace of mind during your initial ownership period. Additionally, the powertrain warranty extends to five years or 60,000 miles, ensuring the vehicle's essential components are covered for a more extended period.
While the Ford Explorer does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, its warranty coverage is comprehensive and designed to support those who value long-term reliability and protection for their investment.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee also provides warranty coverage that is comparable to its competitors, including the Ford Explorer. The Grand Cherokee's limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, which is on par with the coverage offered by the Explorer. Similarly, the powertrain warranty for the Grand Cherokee extends to five years or 60,000 miles.
One advantage the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers over the Ford Explorer is the inclusion of three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. This added benefit can be appealing for those looking to minimize maintenance costs during the initial years of ownership.
Final Verdict
The 2023 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are both versatile and capable SUVs, each offering a unique set of features and advantages. However, the Ford Explorer stands out with its sophisticated design, spacious and comfortable interior, variety of powertrain options, advanced technology, and impressive safety ratings. This combination of qualities makes the Explorer a great fit for those who prioritize comfort, utility, and peace of mind.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers its own set of strengths, including off-road prowess and complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, when considering the overall value, the Ford Explorer showcases a more comprehensive package that appeals to a wide range of drivers, from families to outdoor enthusiasts.
We invite you to visit Dorian Ford in Clinton Township, MI, and experience the 2023 Ford Explorer first-hand. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help you find the perfect Explorer to suit your needs. Book a test drive today and discover the difference for yourself.
