When you’re shopping for a family-friendly ride, the 2025 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are both excellent options. Which of these midsize SUVs makes more sense for your Midwest lifestyle? Our comparison guide takes a look.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Grand Cherokee to save a little money on a brand new midsize SUV!
- Enjoy the comfiest roadtrip in the roomiest model — the Ford Explorer.
- The updated Explorer introduces cutting-edge infotainment and safety technology!
- Love to drive? You’re going to gravitate toward the more athletic Explorer.
Lowest MSRP: 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
There are two versions of Jeep’s midsize SUV, the two-row Grand Cherokee (starting at $36,495*) and the three-row Grand Cherokee L (starting at $39,035*). Either way, both models offer a slightly better deal than the new Ford Explorer (from $40,050*). Though, as we’ll see, the Explorer makes up for the price difference with more interior space and a longer list of standard features!
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Family-Friendly Space: 2025 Ford Explorer
Compared to the three-row Grand Cherokee L, the Explorer is the roomiest option for you and your loved ones. Up front, you’ll enjoy extra wiggle room for your head, legs, hips, and shoulders. The rear seats are also wider than that of the competition, with more headroom to boot! This Ford SUV also provides more room for your road-trip luggage, with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Plus, the Explorer comes standard with some excellent comfort features, including three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats!
By comparison, the Grand Cherokee L shrinks a little in just about every direction, with one exception — rear-seat legroom, where it has the advantage. This Jeep SUV also comes in second place when it comes to cargo space, with 17.2 cubic feet for your family’s stuff. And while the base model comes standard with three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats are optional.
Technology: 2025 Ford Explorer
Thanks to a big mid-cycle refresh, the 2025 Explorer introduces an all-new infotainment system and an impressive list of standard safety aids. The Ford Digital Experience is standard equipment, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen interface, Google-based software (including built-in navigation), and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And every model looks out for your wellbeing with features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and blind-spot warning. Better still, the ST-Line trim model and up are available with Ford’s hands-free driving system, BlueCruise!
The Grand Cherokee’s standard tech lineup isn’t quite as impressive, but it does deliver the basics. For example, these Jeeps keep you connected with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen. The base Grand Cherokee even shares a few safety aids with its Explorer counterpart, including lane-keeping assistance and forward collision migration. But if you’re looking for hands-free driving capabilities, Jeep’s Active Driving Assist system is only optional for the more expensive Overland and Summit trim models!
Fun-Loving Performance: 2025 Ford Explorer
In the midsize crossover segment, the Explorer is famous for its athleticism. Not only does this three-row SUV deliver up to 400 horsepower, but it also provides sharp steering and surprising agility. To help maintain precision on Michigan’s wintery roads, we recommend adding traction-boosting all-wheel drive to your Explorer!
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Options
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.0L turbo V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee only offers one engine, and it’s not quite as powerful as either of the Explorer’s options. However, this SUV does have a rear-wheel-drive platform in common with the Explorer, creating a strong, tow-friendly performance. In fact, the Grand Cherokee can tow a bigger trailer than its Ford competitor, with a 6,200-pound max rating (the Explorer tows up to 5,000 pounds). We just wish the Jeep SUV were as nimble as the competition!
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 3.6L V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Your New Family SUV
In the end, the 2025 Ford Explorer crosses the finish line first! Choose this three-row midsize SUV for the sportiest ride, cutting-edge technology, and rich interior comfort. Come see what all the fuss is about — visit us at Lunghamer Ford for a test-drive!