It can be difficult for your entire family to choose a new SUV. An SUV offers both drivers and passengers the convenience and safety they need for daily errands, but which one is the most feature-packed? A Jeep Grand Cherokee 2016 and a Ford Explorer are two of the most popular models. On the surface, both seem similar, but there are several differences that families should take into account.
We will compare the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD edition against the 2016 Ford Explorer base AWD.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2016 Ford Explorer: Performance & Efficiency
You can decide which SUV model you’ll keep on the lot based on performance and efficiency when comparing SUV models. Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee both have V6 engines, but when it comes to performance and efficiency, they have little in common.
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Model | Ford Explorer |
| 3.6L V6 | Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| 260 lb.-ft. | Torque | 255 lb.-ft. |
| 18 MPG city /25 MPG hwy | Fuel Economy | 17 MPG city /23 MPG hwy |
| 615 miles | Fuel Range | 428 miles |
Unlike the new Explorer, the new Grand Cherokee offers an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission for improved efficiency and control.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Features & Design
There is room for up to five people inside the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. The SUV is available in five trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, and SRT. The Laredo’s leather-wrapped steering wheel that tilts and telescopes will make a driver happy. Six-speaker sound system and dual-zone automatic climate control will appeal to everyone.
The dashboard of the 2016 Ford Explorer is tall, the hood is high, and the roof pillars are thick. Stylish and luxurious materials adorn the interior. There is a soft-touch dashboard and easy-to-use controls. It is possible to fit both adults and children in the front seats. With the MyFord Touch interface, the vehicle’s center console features a high-resolution touchscreen, and the gauge cluster has two additional screens. Driving the 2016 Explorer may prove disappointing since it may feel more like a machine than a mere passenger vehicle. The second row of the vehicle can be challenging when it comes to placing child seats. Seating passengers in the third row may not be comfortable in this SUV due to limited legroom.
| Features & Specs | 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2016 Ford Explorer |
| Fuel tank capacity, gallons | 24.6 | 18.6 |
| MPG, highway | 26 | 24 |
| MPG, city | 19 | 17 |
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2016 Ford Explorer: Technology
With advanced climate control as well as premium audio, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee provides drivers with advanced technology for a comfortable and convenient drive. The following are some of the key differences in technology:
In contrast, the Explorer only offers standard air conditioning and heating, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee has automatic dual-zone climate control.
Grand Cherokee’s interior features LED lamps, but Explorer’s only comes with standard lighting.
Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 5.0-inch touchscreen display and a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster that provide entertainment and vehicle information clearly. As a base model, the Explorer does not come with a touchscreen or an LCD display.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2016 comes with BluetoothR integrated voice command and UconnectR 5.0. Unlike Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee 2016 comes with BluetoothR integrated voice command.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2016 Ford Explorer: Capability & Capacity
Are you planning to tow a boat, ATV, or medium-sized trailer? Its Best-in-Class towing capacity makes the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee an excellent choice. St. Louis area drivers will also find more interior space, better ground clearance, and a wider wheelbase in the new Grand Cherokee.
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Model | Ford Explorer |
| 6,200 lbs. | Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. |
| 8.6 in. | Ground Clearance | 7.9 in. |
| 36.3 cu. ft. | Cargo Capacity w/all seats in place | 21.0 cu. ft. |
| 114.8 in. | Wheel Base | 112.8 in. |
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2016 Ford Explorer: Safety & Security
AWD versus 4WD is an important consideration for every SUV buyer. A four-wheel drive vehicle such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the same security and stability as all-wheel drive. A 4WD Jeep Grand Cherokee provides improved traction in inclement weather, making driving through the St. Louis area much safer, and makes towing easier.
There are several safety systems included with the Jeep Grand Cherokee that aren’t available with the Ford Explorer, in addition to the drivetrain differences.
- System for enhancing accident response
- An advanced airbag system with multiple stages for the front and supplemental airbags for the sides
- Support for rain brakes
- Damping of trailer sway
A 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee base model costs $33,290, about $700 less than a 2016 Ford Explorer base model. Compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer and you will find that you can achieve more with less.
Which Is Bigger: Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee?
When we look inside the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, we see that the Explorer’s cabin is considerably larger, with a particular emphasis on the combination of passenger and cargo space.
Taking the Explorer as an example, the front legroom measures 43 inches. The second row of seats also offers generous legroom, with 39 inches available. There is a generous 152.7 cubic feet of passenger volume.
There are three dimensions that stand out when it comes to cargo space in the Ford Explorer. There are 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. There is 47.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats. It balloons to 87.8 cubic feet when you fold both the second and third rows flat.
On the other hand, the Jeep Grand Cherokee fits snugly. It can only seat five passengers, while the Explorer can seat seven. Additionally, there is little legroom in the front and back of the vehicle, measuring only 40.3 inches up front and 38.6 inches in the back.
Ford Explorer
In As a result, you’ll only have 105 cubic feet of passenger space and 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. There’s also 68.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
As opposed to the Grand Cherokee, which seats only five passengers, the Explorer seats seven.
There is more legroom in the Ford Explorer’s first row, measuring 43 inches compared to 40.3 inches in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
There is also less legroom in the second row of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, measuring 38.6 inches instead of 39 inches in the Ford Explorer.
There are 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space in the Ford Explorer, compared to 105 cubic feet in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s maximum cargo space of 68.3 cubic feet, the Ford Explorer offers 87.8 cubic feet of total cargo space.
Conclusions
The options available to those seeking the ideal SUV for their needs are numerous. Two of these vehicles are the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2016 Ford Explorer. People choose the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee because of its off-road ability, available SRT model, and fancy interior over the 2016 Ford Explorer because of its high-tech features and cargo capacity.
FAQs
How do the 2016 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee differ?
In terms of design, performance, and features, the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are quite different. By examining these distinctions, you can make a more informed decision based on your preferences.
What are the engine options for the 2016 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee?
There are several engine options available for both vehicles in 2016. There are a variety of engines available with the Ford Explorer, including fuel-efficient and powerful models. While the Jeep Grand Cherokee emphasizes performance and off-road capability, it offers a wide selection of engines.
Which vehicle offers the best interior features and cabin space?
An important component of the overall driving experience is the interior design and features. Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer have distinct cabin designs and amenities. Compare the two vehicles based on your preferences for comfort, technology, and cargo space.
Which safety features are different between the 2016 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Many buyers place a high priority on safety. There are some differences between the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee when it comes to advanced safety features. Consider the safety technology offered in each model, such as collision avoidance systems, airbags, and stability controls, to determine which is most appropriate for you.
How well do the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee perform off-road?
A vehicle’s off-road capabilities are crucial for those who enjoy off-road adventures. Check out the off-road features of the 2016 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, including four-wheel drive, ground clearance, and terrain management systems.