If you’re actively shopping, you can also run a Car IQ Report to see which years and models are most reliable using U.S. government-backed data insights.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer—two automotive giants that have been battling for supremacy in American driveways for decades, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. While one excels in rugged luxury, the other champions family-friendly efficiency.
I’ve examined years of data, from recall histories to reported ownership complaints, to help you make an informed decision between these popular SUVs.
This detailed Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer comparison reveals surprising insights about reliability, safety features, and long-term value that might challenge what you think you know about these legendary vehicles.
Rugged Heritage or Family-Friendly Utility?
If you’re stuck choosing between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer, it really depends on whether you prioritize off-road prowess or everyday versatility. The Grand Cherokee leans into its rugged roots, offering trail-ready trims, powerful engine options, and a luxurious interior that rivals premium brands. It’s the choice for drivers who want capability and style in one package.
The Explorer, meanwhile, focuses on space, safety, and comfort for families. With three rows of seating, plenty of cargo room, and available hybrid and performance trims, it’s a practical and well-rounded SUV for busy households.
If you’re looking for adventure, the Grand Cherokee delivers. But if you need flexible seating and family-focused features, the Explorer might be the better fit.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer Reliability Ratings Through the Years
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer earn a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. The Explorer receives a comparable rating and often edges slightly higher in annual rankings due to other factors like ownership costs and frequency of repairs.
Several things affect how reliable these SUVs are. The Grand Cherokee’s V6 and V8 engines generally work well, but its transmission and electrical parts sometimes cause trouble. The Explorer’s EcoBoost engines need proper care, but they run strong when maintained right.
Digging into real-world reliability ratings, Car IQ Report’s reliability data shows that over the last decade the Ford has improved, with some model years surpassing the Jeep in overall reliability.
Talking with owners, I hear good things about both SUVs. Grand Cherokee drivers love their SUV’s smooth ride and off-road skills. However, they often mention problems with the transmission not shifting right and Uconnect infotainment screen delamination issues.
Numerous owners have reported sudden loss of power while driving, accompanied by a “Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System” warning. In most cases, the vehicle must be turned off and restarted to regain power.
This poses a serious safety risk—especially if it occurs at highway speeds, where the potential for a collision is significantly increased.
According to some Jeep dealership service departments, this is a known issue affecting many Jeep 4xe models, and as of now, there is no confirmed fix. Several owners have reported this problem recurring more than four times.
Explorer owners often praise the SUV’s solid everyday performance, but some model years have a recurring issue: the trim piece on the passenger-side windshield A-pillar has a tendency to come loose—or even fly off while driving.
Ford did issue a recall (Campaign Number: 24V031000) to fix this exact issue. Many owners had the recall repair done…and then it happened again! Back to the dealer for another fix. But even after replacing the trim a second time, the problem still wasn’t solved.
To make things worse, the dealership warned that any further repairs might come out of pocket—despite the issue clearly being part of a known recall.
Bottom line: this is a frustrating example of a recall that didn’t stick—and a customer stuck in a loop of repairs that don’t last.
Some Ford Explorer owners report ongoing transmission issues, particularly when shifting into reverse. The vehicle may hesitate to engage, rolling momentarily before suddenly backing up, which can be dangerous in tight spaces. This delay in response has been described as unpredictable and frustrating.
Additionally, many drivers notice a persistent vibration at speeds between 30–40 mph and again around 60–70 mph. Some owners even report that the rear captain’s chairs visibly shake, and the vibration can often be felt in the front passenger seat as well.
Recent models of both SUVs show better reliability than older ones. The Grand Cherokee fixed the Uconnect issues in newer versions. Ford resolved the A-pillar trim issues, and made improvements to the transmission design after hearing owner complaints. However running reliability reports on more recent models indicates some problems remain.
The Explorer seems to need fewer major repairs as it ages. When problems do come up, they usually cost less to fix than Grand Cherokee repairs. This makes the Explorer a bit more dependable for long-term ownership.
Both SUVs can last many years with good care. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and basic maintenance help prevent big problems. But if you’re picking between the two based just on reliability, the Explorer has a small edge. It tends to have fewer serious issues and costs less to keep running well.
Overall Ownership Cost
Let’s look at what it costs to own these popular SUVs. According to repair tracking sites, Jeep Grand Cherokee owners spend about $665 per year on repairs. Ford Explorer costs run close to this amount, though some models cost more due to their complex engine choices.
Both SUVs need regular oil changes, brake work, and tire rotations – typical stuff for midsize SUVs. But when problems pop up after the warranty ends, Grand Cherokee repairs can get pricey. This often happens with drivetrain issues or when electrical parts fail.
The Explorer shows better numbers in the long run. While regular maintenance costs stay about the same as the Grand Cherokee, major repairs don’t come up as often. When you add this to the Explorer’s slower value loss, it makes more sense money-wise for most buyers.
Parts for both SUVs are easy to find, which helps keep repair costs reasonable. Local mechanics can work on either vehicle, so you’re not stuck going to the dealer. However, some Explorer engine parts cost more, especially in the EcoBoost models.
Insurance rates stay pretty close between these two. Your location and driving record matter more than which SUV you pick. Both vehicles fall in the middle range for insurance costs in their class.
When we add up all the costs – repairs, maintenance, fuel, and value loss – the Explorer often costs less over time. Its better fuel use and fewer serious repairs make it cheaper to own year after year. While both SUVs offer good value, the Explorer’s lower total cost of ownership makes it a smarter choice for budget-minded buyers.
For buyers thinking about future value, the Explorer presents a slightly safer choice. Its steadier depreciation rate means owners usually lose less money over time. While both SUVs can make good used purchases, the Explorer’s value tends to drop more slowly year after year.
Market trends show strong interest in both SUVs, but the Explorer typically wins the value race. Its mix of family-friendly features and reliable performance helps it appeal to a wide range of buyers. The Grand Cherokee can match this in some cases, but it depends more on the specific year and trim level.
Looking back at older models tells an interesting story. Grand Cherokees from years with big recalls often lost value faster than similar Explorers. The Explorer’s more modest repair history makes it more appealing to used car shoppers.
Money experts often point to the Ford Explorer as a better long-term buy. Its track record for fewer major problems means used buyers feel more confident. This leads to better prices when it’s time to sell. Some versions of the Grand Cherokee, like well-equipped Limited or Summit models, can also bring good money at trade-in value time.
Several things affect how fast these SUVs lose value. The Explorer benefits from Ford’s wide dealer network and steady record for reliability. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, gets points for its mix of luxury and off-road ability. Both SUVs see good demand in the used car market, which helps their values stay strong.
When we look at how these SUVs hold their value over 5 to 10 years, the Ford Explorer often comes out ahead. While both vehicles lose value as they age, the Explorer tends to keep more of its worth in the long run.
Safety Ratings
When we look at safety tests from IIHS and NHTSA, both SUVs score well. Recent models of the Grand Cherokee and Explorer get good marks in crash testing, though they stand out in different areas.
The Ford Explorer does very well in front and side crash tests. Its structure helps protect people inside during these common types of crashes. The Grand Cherokee has gotten much better over the years too. Its newest models add stronger materials and better crash protection.
Both SUVs now come with helpful safety tools. You’ll find automatic braking that stops the car if it senses danger ahead. They also watch your blind spots and help keep you in your lane. These features work well in both vehicles, making them safer for daily driving.
The Explorer gets slightly better scores in some safety tests, while the Grand Cherokee wins in others. For example, the Explorer’s roof strength tests often score higher, while the Grand Cherokee does well in side impacts.
Looking at crash test videos and safety reports, neither SUV clearly beats the other. They both meet or beat safety rules. Their crash prevention systems work well, and both brands keep adding new safety features each year.
In fact, our Car IQ Report safety data shows that owners have reported safety issues from reoccurring problems.
Honestly, I find this is an area many car shoppers overlook—but one that deserves closer attention during the buying process.
For parents and safety-minded buyers, either SUV makes a good choice. But the Grand Cherokee’s latest models match this high level of protection, making both vehicles solid picks for keeping families safe.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
The Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer comparison shows clear differences in gas mileage. The Explorer’s EcoBoost engine choices lead in this area, reaching 24 to 28 miles per gallon on highways. These numbers change based on which engine you pick and whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Grand Cherokee’s traditional V6 and V8 engines use more fuel. Most versions get low to mid-20s for highway miles per gallon. City driving brings these numbers down further. However, the new Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid offers better fuel savings for city trips.
Daily driving costs less in the Explorer. Its better gas mileage helps drivers who face long commutes or lots of city traffic. The Explorer hybrid makes this gap even wider, using less fuel than standard Grand Cherokee models.
Both SUVs now offer greener choices. The Grand Cherokee’s 4xe plug-in hybrid lets owners drive on electric power for short trips.
Fuel costs add up over years of ownership. The Explorer’s better mpg ratings mean owners spend less at gas stations. For a family that drives 15,000 miles yearly, the difference could mean hundreds of dollars in total cost of ownership.
Looking at EPA fuel ratings tells the story clearly. The Explorer wins in most direct matchups. Its modern turbocharged engines balance power with good gas mileage. While the Grand Cherokee often needs more frequent stops at the pump.
Final Thoughts: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
According to our data, the Ford Explorer emerges as the slightly stronger choice for most buyers. Its combination of better fuel economy, lower maintenance costs, and stronger resale value makes it a more practical choice for daily driving and long-term ownership.
However, the Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a compelling option, especially for those who value luxury features and off-road capability.
While both vehicles have built reputations for strong reliability, it’s important to note that certain model years have been less than stellar. That’s why it’s essential to do your homework. Use Car IQ Report’s reliability ratings to zero in on the safest and most dependable compact SUV for your money.
Your final choice should depend on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize everyday practicality and efficiency (Explorer) or desire a blend of luxury and adventure-ready capability (Grand Cherokee).
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