The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular midsize SUVs. And it has some strengths that give it an edge against its competitors, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Here are four advantages of the 2023 Ford Explorer over the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

2023 Ford Explorer offers more powerful engines than the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The first advantage of the 2023 Ford Explorer midsize SUV over the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is its more powerful engines. With its robust engine options, the Explorer boasts the power to get you where you need to go and get the job done. Even the base-level 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 is potent, with an output of 300 horsepower. Additionally, the Explorer offers a 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid (318 horsepower) and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 (400 horsepower).

The base engine for the Grand Cherokee is a 3.6-liter V-6, which produces 293 horsepower. While it also offers a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 (357 horsepower) and a plug-in hybrid with the 4xe model (375 horsepower), these powertrains don’t match the 400-horsepower output of the Explorer’s EcoBoost V-6.

2023 Explorer has a roomier interior than the 2023 Grand Cherokee

The second advantage of the 2023 Ford Explorer over the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is its roomier interior. Whether you’re going to the grocery store or driving on a trip across the country, the Explorer provides plenty of space for people and cargo.

For seating capacity, the Explorer can fit up to seven passengers. In comparison, the Grand Cherokee has a seating capacity of five people for the two-row model and six for the three-row Grand Cherokee L model. Also, the Explorer has a total passenger volume of 152.7 cu-ft. This is higher than both the three-row (152 cu-ft) and two-row (144.6 cu-ft) versions of the Grand Cherokee. 

Furthermore, the Explorer edges out the Grand Cherokee for cargo space. It has a maximum storage capacity of 87.8 cu-ft, while the Grand Cherokee offers up to 84.6 cu-ft.

Ford Explorer is safer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee

The third advantage of the 2023 Explorer midsize SUV over the 2023 Grand Cherokee is it’s safer. One of the most respected authorities for safety evaluations is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every year, IIHS does extensive crash tests on new vehicles — and honors the safest ones. 

And the Explorer earned the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. This is the highest safety honor from IIHS. However, the Grand Cherokee was left empty-handed. Due to less than stellar performance for crash test evaluations, it didn’t get any kind of IIHS safety award.

2023 Explorer is more affordable than the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The fourth advantage of the 2023 Explorer over the 2023 Grand Cherokee is affordability. For starting price, the Explorer ranges from $36,760 MSRP for the Base trim up to $54,130 MSRP for the top-of-the-line King Ranch trim. 

In comparison, the Grand Cherokee is more expensive. It starts at $39,000 MSRP for the Laredo trim and goes up to $72,595 MSRP for the 4xe Summit trim. 

The 2023 Ford Explorer has advantages over the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee for its more powerful engines, a roomier interior, safety, and affordability. These are important factors to keep in mind when deciding which midsize SUV to get.