In 2014, Jeep and Ford have brought their top game to their Sport-Utility SUV Class, offering forth two competitive models: the handsome and versatile Jeep Cherokee and the practical and refined Ford Explorer. Both vehicles excelled in their class, showing off an emphasis in luxury and design in each model, and top of the line performance specs and features that make the comparison of the two a game of preference. Nonetheless, the best way to put these two head to head is to analyze them as a whole in accordance to the needs and demands of the general market, and after examining both models it is clear that this is exactly what the executives at Ford Motor Company did. The latest Ford Explorer is riddled with car/crossover influences, that create a functional, stylish and luxurious vehicle that rides with the comfort of a car, but the capability of a rugged SUV.
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Engine Options
In a battle for fuel economy and engine variety, both manufacturers offer multiple engine choices. This year, Ford again offered an 28 hwy-mpg I-4 EcoBoost engine to their line up, addressing the customers that place an emphasis on fuel economy. For the horsepower junkies out there, the Explorer Sport is available with a Twin-Turbo EcoBooste 3.5L V6 that puts out 365 horsepower! However, for the everyman , the most common engine in the Explorer is Ford’s 3.5L V6. The 3.5 is a steady workhorse that puts out 290 hp, while still getting upto 23 mpg in a 4WD model.
Similarly, the Grand Cherokee has multiple engine offerings for the fuel economist or the horsepower junkie. Jeep’s fuel economy offering is a 30MPG highweay 3.0L EcoDiesel Engine that is available as a $4500 option on select models. For the performance enthusiast, the Grand Cherokee is also available with a 5.7L V8′s that puts out a marginal 360 horsepower. For the daily driver, Jeep’s more common motor is the 3.6L Pentastar V6, which first debuted in the 2011 Model. The 3.6 Puts out about 290 HP and gets upto 24mpg in a 4wd model.
Clearly, both manfuacturers have followed a similar trend with options for the performance enthusiast, fuel economist and everyday driver. The bottom line is that the 3.5L V6 from ford and the 3.6L Pentastar V6 from jeep are engineered very differently. At the end of the day though, they both get similar horsepower and in 4×4 models both get a COMBINED MPG OF 19MPG. So what makes these vehicles different?
Four Wheel Drive Capability
While both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer are available as 4×2, most buyers in Acton, MA are seeking a 4×4. The 2014 Grand Cherokee offers two different options for the four wheel drive system. The standard system is the Quadra-Trac I. Quadra-Trac I operates in high range mode during all driving situations, without input from the driver. In other words, the driver does not have to choose when to use 4×4 high, 4×4 low or 2wd, as it operates in 4×4 high all the time. In addition to Quadra-Trac I, the Grand Cherokee has an optional system called Quadra DriveII that allows for high and low range 4×4 use. Unfortunately, this system is only available in the higher trim models like the limited, overland and overland summit. Ford took a more car-like approach, using an intelligent 4 Wheel Drive system that applies torque to wheels as needed, when wheel slippage is detected. Unlike the Jeep, which operates in high range all the time, the intelligent all wheel drive detects slippage 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, to allow the car to adjust torque based on slippage, handling and road conditions. The intelligent 4WD on the Explorer also comes with a terrain management system that controls engine, transmission and brakes based on drive input about terrain conditions. For example, if you are driving in mud, you simply turn a dial to let the car know you are entering muddy conditions and the system will increase torque in the rear wheels, add a slight delay in transmission upshift and modify brake sensitivity to keep the wheels turning through muddy conditions. In addition to the selectable options for normal roads, mud, sand and snow the system also comes with a hill descent control button that tells the car to apply brake pressure as needed to help you descend grades at a controlled speed. From a comparison standpoint, Jeep has built their brand on rugged and reliable 4×4 performance, especially on off-road conditions. Sticking with simplicity, the Jeep system certainly allows drivers to get where they need to go in all types of road conditions. However, in our opinion, the Ford intelligent 4WD system offers a more advanced system for differing road conditions.
Points of Comparison
INTERIOR AND COMFORT
Jeep handled the interior perfectly, making each and every trim rival the elegance of the Mercedes M-class. The discussed Laredo comes with nice stitching and extremely high-quality materials, all comfort oriented to achieve one of the most competitive interiors of the price range. Offering a similar level of comfort, with slightly less luxury feel to it, the Explorer’s interior felt very contemporary and ergonomic. From an infotainment standpoint, I was impressed with the optional MyFord Touch system in the Explorer. The system seamlessly integrated my phone, streaming audio and other controls for the car in a high tech, user friendly way.
One important comparison between the Explorer and the Grand Cherokee is seating capacity. SUVs by nature, imply spacious comfortable interiors and thoughtful cargo space. Ford’s Explorer completely nails this by offering seating for 7 passengers instead of the Grand Cherokee’s mere 5! A highly practical commodity that gives this SUV the edge.
Summing the comparison up, it must be said that when it boils down to real-world use, these two models are truly neck in neck for the best in-class vehicle. They both display thoughtful engineering inside and out, and have unique specs that are found nowhere else. Ford captures the new demands of the in-class market and presents it in the best way. There is not a single highly demanded feature missing from the vast option palette of the Explorer, and Jeeps interior is capable of tricking Mercedes fanboys. The sales will decide the victor this year, as even an in-depth analysis can’t! See a full spec analysis here!