2023 Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated September 2026 by Savvy Dealer Inc.

Which midsize SUV offers the strongest ride and the most family-friendly cabin, the 2023 Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee? Our comparison guide has the details you need to make an informed choice!

Key Takeaways

The 2023 Explorer (starting at $36,760) gives you a better deal than the 2023 Grand Cherokee (starting at $41,530).
With three rows of seating, the Explorer is the more family-friendly option.
Both the Explorer and the Grand Cherokee are available with varying levels of luxury, allowing you to decide how much you want to spend on upscale creature comforts!
The Explorer offers the strongest performance, compliments of its turbocharged engine options.

Lowest Starting Price: 2023 Ford Explorer

For the best price on a brand new crossover SUV, choose the Explorer, which starts at $36,760. The Grand Cherokee keeps things competitive, however, with an MSRP of $41,530. For either model, selecting a higher trim model or optional equipment will increase the price.

Roomiest Cabin: 2023 Ford Explorer

As a three-row midsize SUV, the Explorer is the right choice for big families. With a second-row bench seat, it offers space for up to seven people. Available second-row captain’s chairs reduce overall capacity to six, however. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space for your family’s groceries and weekend luggage!

The Grand Cherokee is a two-row midsize SUV, with space for up to five passengers. Like the Explorer, it offers roomy, supportive seating, perfect for your road trips. And since it only has one row of backseat space, the Grand Cherokee has more cargo space, with 37.7 cubes for your sports gear and whatever else.

Comfy Cruising: It’s a Tie!

Whether you’re shopping for supportive seating, a smooth ride, or available luxury upgrades, each of these SUVs can help you out.

The 2023 Ford Explorer is available as eight trim models: the Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. The XLT starts you off with an impressive list of creature comforts, such as tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and supportive cloth seats. As you climb the Explorer trim levels, you’ll only find more luxury, with available features that include heated seats and leather upholstery.

The 2023 Grand Cherokee is available as five trim models: the Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit. The entry-level model isn’t quite as cushy as its Explorer counterpart, but it does provide dual-zone automatic climate control and spacious cloth-clad seats. Just like with the Explorer, though, higher Grand Cherokee trim models offer creature comforts you’ll love, from leather seating to a panoramic sunroof.

Strongest Performance: 2023 Ford Explorer

The Explorer offers more power, which means more potential for speed or off-road cruising. Most trim models come with the base turbo four-cylinder engine, which gives you more than enough oomph to keep up with fast-moving traffic. Higher trim levels are available with a thrifty hybrid engine or sporty turbocharged V6.

Choose from these Explorer powertrain options.

Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 310 lb-ft)
Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
3.3L V6 hybrid (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
10-speed automatic transmission
Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive

Although the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t come standard with as much power as the Explorer, it’s still a very powerful SUV. And the Grand Cherokee is also available with Jeep’s plug-in hybrid engine, known as the 4xe, if you’re looking for an extra-thrifty performance. And the Grand Cherokee’s sturdy V8 maximizes this SUV’s performance in terms of power.

Choose from these Grand Cherokee powertrain options:

3.6L V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft)
2.0L four-cylinder 4xe plug-in hybrid engine (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)
5.7L V8 (357 hp, 390 lb-ft)
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive

Your New SUV

The 2023 Ford Explorer is without a doubt the best option for big families with a sense of adventure. Choose Ford’s three-row midsize crossover for maximum passenger space, sporty power, or even the best starting price!