Midsize SUVs are the perfect vehicle for a multitude of consumers, ranging from families to the working person to the adventurer. Not all SUVs are created equally though and finding which is the best new 2023 model can be all around consuming, not to mention exhausting. That is why debating a couple of the top named models and comparing which is the ultimate winner can be beneficial in your next vehicle search. This is where we come to the comparison of the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. To start is a brief overview on what to expect to see this year out of both of these top SUVs.
Key Takeaways:
- 2023 Ford Explorer has 3 engine options including: 2.3L Ecoboost I-4, 3.3L V6 Hybrid and 3.0L Ecoboost V6 and gets 300/318/400 HP respectively
- The Explorer seats up to 7 and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 3 engine options including: 3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and a plug-in hybrid with the 4xe and gets 293/357/375 HP respectively
- The Grand Cherokee seats up to 6 and only comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trim levels
Which is the better SUV, the 2023 Ford Explorer or the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Of course, both conversely have benefits that a consumer would look for when shopping for a new 2023 SUV, it is dependent upon what each individual is searching for. If you are seeking an SUV that has more cargo and passenger space, a good fit for your wallet and comes with great performance reviews and advantages then the 2023 Ford Explorer is your choice.
Let’s talk safety, technology and pricing. Last year the 2022 Ford Explorer was awarded IIHS top pick for their safety award, while the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee did not receive any. The 2023 Ford Explorer also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the standard model which is a nice addition to begin with. As for pricing the Explorer starts at $36,760 while the Cherokee starts at $41,035. Of course taking into account additional trims that are offered and can be upgraded, this pricing can differ.
The Grand Cherokee has some great additional options as well yet the pricing only goes up further and still does not hold all the same capacity as the Explorer even in the highest of trims. Ford also had an overhaul last year on the Explorer and therefore is a fresher take on the SUV world since the Cherokee has not been revamped as of late. Last year brought in the 3rd row seating and also more of the safety features that the 2023 Ford Explorer now exhibits which makes it such a hot commodity.
Which SUV is bigger, the 2023 Ford Explorer or the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Both of these models have extremely similar dimensions with only a few inches difference when doing a comparison. That being said, the 2023 Ford Explorer does take a slight advantage over the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Where the Cherokee has a 2-row and a 3-row model, it still has about an inch of space less than the Explorer even in its larger trim. The Explorer also has the edge on the storage space coming in with 87.8 cubic ft versus 84.6 cubic ft for the Grand Cherokee.
Summary:
Ford and Jeep have had a stand-off with several of their competing models for years now and it is likely a rivalry that won’t go away. Both have great reputations; it can be troublesome in choosing which option to pick. Yet that is why we are here to pick apart the different pieces on each of the models and it looks as if the takeaway from this comparison would have to lean into the 2023 Ford Explorer. Due to its economical value making it easier on the wallet yet still having great amenities and technological and safety features in the standard model, you can’t dismiss the win.