COMPARISON: 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

When shopping for a sturdy SUV that has power and grit, yet also tech and comfort, drivers in Brockton look to Jeep for a ride that will check all the boxes. Comparison shopping is always smart, so check out our side-by-side reviews of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus the 2016 Ford Explorer before you decide: 

Each model of the 2016 Grand Cherokee has dual-zone climate control, sliding/tilting sunroof, park assist technology, keyless entry, a 6-speaker audio system, and Uconnect infotainment with 5-inch display. Upgrade just one trim level, and you’ll love the heated driver and passenger seats, Uconnect with 8.4-inch display, power front seats, heated steering wheel, rearview camera, and 18-inch wheels. Also available on the Grand Cherokee are Blu-ray entertainment system, dual-pane sunroof, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and driver assistance technologies, such as blind-spot monitor, forward-collision warning, crash mitigation, and lane-departure warning. 

The 2016 Explorer has standard air conditioning, Sync infotainment system, a 6-speaker audio system, and rearview camera with automatic washer. Additionally, all Explorers are equipped with the MyKey system that lets you set controls for young drivers. Optional features include leather seating, dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system, leather dashboard, navigation, and driver assistance technologies such as blind-spot monitor. 

You have four options for powertrain with the 2016 Grand Cherokee. All have an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 engines come with the choice between two- or all-wheel drive while the V8s are all-wheel drive only. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 290 horses of power and 260 lb-ft of torque; while the first upgrade is a 5.7-liter V8 that churns out 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The EcoDiesel model is powered by a 3-liter diesel V6 that makes 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee SRT is equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 engine that makes an insane 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. If you’re planning to go off-road, you should know that the Grand Cherokee comes with multiple driving modes to adjust for different types of terrain, as well as Quadra-Lift air suspension to give you up to 10.6 inches of ground clearance. 

The 2016 Explorer has three engine options. All have just a 6-speed automatic transmission and the option for four-wheel drive. 

The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 270 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, while you can upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 engine that almost matches the Grand Cherokee’s base engine with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can also opt for a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. 

The Explorer also comes with a terrain management system, but does not feature Quadra-Lift air suspension. 

Starting at $29,995 MSRP

Starting at $31,050 MSRP