From multi-purpose minivans to boat-sized station wagons, Americans love their big family haulers. Investing in larger-size vehicles is a continual task for most car manufacturers, but families want to know which is the best. Three-row SUVs have captured the market for many drivers, and the 2024 Ford Explorer near Silver City, NM is an excellent choice. It’s also one of Ford’s best-sellers, right beneath the F-150. But before you decide to purchase the Explorer, let’s see how it stacks up against the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, one of Jeep’s top sellers.
Power and Performance
Since the current Explorer debuted for the 2020 model year, it will probably undergo a refresh for 2024, though the company hasn’t released any official announcement. However, we don’t expect the powertrain to change. The 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four will likely carry over as the base engine, while the 400-horsepower Explorer ST is a second option. Ford also modified the Explorer from a car-based FWD to a rear-wheel drive setup, which isn’t typical for this segment.
This generation of Jeep Cherokee was introduced in 2021, already came in RWD configuration, and is also available in all-wheel drive, just like the Explorer. Although the Explorer has offered a third row since 2002, the current Grand Cherokee is the first to provide three rows of seats, which in this form is longer and called the Grand Cherokee L. Its engine puts out around 300 hp, as does the base Explorer. However, the Jeep uses a naturally aspirated V6.
Because the Grand Cherokee L is heavier than the Explorer, it’s slightly less fuel efficient (21 mpg vs 23), but the Jeep has a larger fuel tank, giving it an extended driving range (483 miles vs 412 for the Ford). On family road trips, the extra mileage pays off with fewer stops at the pump.
Behind the wheel of the Explorer, you’ll experience a jumpy and overeager throttle response, producing a bouncy, unsettled ride, even on flat pavement. The steering control is slightly off, making the vehicle feel a beat behind your steering input. Braking produces notable nose dive, as well.
On the other hand, the Jeep Cherokee L feels tighter and more in control, and even though the brakes are a bit soft, they’re easy to temper, and don’t produce nose dive when applied. Steering is taut and precise and much more on point than the Explorer.
If you plan on venturing off the asphalt, the Grand Cherokee L is (unsurprisingly) the better choice. It has two features that the Explorer does not- low-range gearing and height-adjustable air suspension. The 2024 Ford Explorer near Silver City, NM is fine for exploring a bumpy back road or an easy trail to a campsite, but its capabilities are limited compared to the Jeep. And for hauling a camper or boat, the Cherokee can tow 1,000 pounds more than the Explorer.
2024 Ford Explorer near Silver City, NM: Interior
Of course, most of your time will be spent inside the vehicles, and the Explorer’s cabin is no match for the Grand Cherokee’s. Material quality, technology, ease of use, and design are better in the Jeep. The thin synthetic leather upholstery in the Ford is sub-par compared to the Cherokee’s genuine, supple-feeling leather. You’ll get more premium surface finishes in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, such as better physical and touch controls, a larger and more attractive infotainment screen setup, and an easily customizable digital instrument cluster.
Conclusion
The Grand Cherokee L may be a bit more expensive than the Explorer, but it delivers a family-friendly, off-road-ready, and near-luxury option that feels better overall. If you’re ready to check out this excellent family vehicle, visit Viva CJDRF at 860 N. Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011.
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