The 2025 Ford Explorer is a standout in the SUV market, coming with tech and a great performance, but is it the best on the market? That’s what we want to show you. We’ll be putting it up against the Grand Cherokee to see if the Explorer is the best one for you.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Explorer offers two engine options, making it easy to get power or efficiency.
- The Ford Explorer comes with better features, with their standard infotainment system being larger than the Grand Cherokee’s largest one at a more premium price.
- For more comfort, the Explorer is what you want, making for a better soccer mom car.
How Much Legroom Does the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Offer?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with 41.3 inches of legroom for the first seat and 38.2 inches of legroom for the rear seat. While this is a decent amount, it still can be better.
The Ford Explorer comes with even more legroom. For the front row, you can look for 43.0 inches of legroom, while the rear seats get 39.0 inches of legroom. If you want the most room for you and your passengers, then the 2025 Ford Explorer is the way to go.
What Features Come Standard on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
If you’re looking for something with the best standard features, the Explorer once again comes out on top. For the first few trims, you can find an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, while on the higher-end trims, you can look for a larger 10.1-inch screen.
Going back to the starting trim, you’ll find that this model is pretty barebones, but that’s probably because of the low price tag. The price you can find on the base Grand Cherokee is $36,495. The only other standout feature is the dual-zone auto temperature control, helping keep everyone comfortable.
While the Explorer does have a slightly higher price tag at $39,785, the features that it comes with are more than worth it. On the base trim, you can look for a 13.2-inch touchscreen. This comes with wireless phone connectivity, making it easy to access your favorite music and navigation apps.
While cold temperatures aren't too common, the heated seats and steering wheel will make sure that when that does happen, you’ll be prepared for it.
Being that this is an SUV, your family will enjoy the extra room and features. If you’re picking your kids up from school or the sports field, the power liftgate will come in handy. Helping keep your hands free while tending to other things.
How Many Engine Options Are Available for the 2025 Grand Cherokee?
The Grand Cherokee only comes with one engine option, but depending on the trim will determine the mileage. At its best, the Grand Cherokee gets 22 MPG combined. This engine is the 3.6L V6 that produces 293 horsepower.
The Explorer comes with two engine options, one being the 2.3L I4 and the other being a 3.0L V6. The more efficient engine of the two is the 2.3L I4, which is able to go 24 MPG combined. The more powerful engine gets 21 MPG combined. Even though it does offer slightly less mileage, it does have 400 horsepower.
Not only does the Explorer come with a more efficient engine, but it also comes with a more powerful one. This lets you pick what suits you the best, unlike the Grand Cherokee. Car and Driver notes that “competitors offer more power,” and we wouldn’t be surprised if they had the Ford Explorer in mind.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Worth Purchasing?
While the Explorer does have a slightly higher starting price, it offers much better features than the bare-bones Grand Cherokee. When factoring in the fuel economy and legroom, the advantages pay for themselves. If you're wanting to get behind the wheel of one of these SUVs for a test drive, come on down to Banner Ford of Monroe! We’ll be happy to help.