2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer
Ford and Jeep are known for their quality SUVs, and they are again going back and forth in 2021 with the Grand Cherokee L and the Ford Explorer. Both of these premium SUVs come with sizable engine options and tons of amazing features, but only one has the advantage. For the answer as to which one you should be driving home, please continue reading below as we have compared the engine options and features of each of these SUVs to see which one comes out on top.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Power & Handling
There are two engines available for the Grand Cherokee L, and they both provide you with an exceptional amount of power. Most trims will come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that pounds the pavement with 290 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Are you looking to tow a boat behind you for that long vacation? Then the Grand Cherokee L has you covered as it can haul up to 6,200 pounds. Want a little more bang for your buck? Check out the optional 5.7-liter V8 engine that gets you 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. You get even more towing prowess with the V8 as it can haul 7,200 pounds which is the best in its class. This engine also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. More traction through four-wheel-drive is also available.
2021 Ford Explorer Power & Handling
The Ford Explorer also comes with two engine options, and a good amount of power can be derived from each. Coming standard is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a decent 303 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. You can get a little more power via a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that will increase the horsepower and torque. Both engines will come with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive, though all-wheel-drive is available. These engines come with a decent amount of power, but we like what the Grand Cherokee L offers a bit more.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Features & Design
The Grand Cherokee L comes with many premium interior and exterior features. Higher trims will come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen which aligns nicely across the instrument panel and mixes in a frameless gauge cluster and touchscreen radio. When you take a peek inside this massive three-row SUV, you will find relaxing LED lighting, which delivers the perfect ambiance, driver and front passenger seat massage, personalized climate zones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee L is one of the safest SUVs on the road as it comes with Forward Collision, Active Lane Management, Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Path, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go. There are also advanced safety features such as an L2 driver-assist system with hands-on automated driving, along with 360-degree surround view and night vision.
2021 Ford Explorer Features & Design
With the Ford Explorer, there are some interesting features throughout the lineup. The base trim gets things started on the right foot as it comes with a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Then there is the XLT trim which ups things a bit with roof rails, keyless ignition/entry, heated front seats, and second-row USB ports. More luxury items are available for the Limited trim as it adds interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker audio system to the mix. Higher trims round things out nicely with paddle shifters, sport front seats, an automated parking system, adaptive headlights, a digital gauge cluster display, and a Class 3 Trailer Tow package.
Conclusion:
There is plenty to be excited about with both of these SUVs, but if you're forcing us to choose, we will go with the Grand Cherokee L! With the Grand Cherokee L, you get two amazing engine options and tons of advanced tech, which are two things that the Explorer doesn't have. Want to take a test drive of this remarkable SUV? Head down to Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and schedule one with our knowledgeable and friendly sales team who will walk you through all of the features of the Grand Cherokee L. Even if you can't make it down to the dealership right now, you can view our entire Grand Cherokee L inventory here on our website!