In the 1960s, the three-row vehicle of choice was the station wagon. Fast forward over a half-century, and SUVs like the 2024 Ford Explorer and 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L have taken center stage as the family haulers of choice. Compared to the prosaic station wagon, an SUV’s rugged styling, elevated driving position, interior room, and off-roading capability make it an appealing option for modern families.
The original Ford Explorer started the craze when it went on sale in 1990. Almost 35 years later, it remains a sales leader in its segment. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L came to the three-row midsize SUV party more than just fashionably late. It went on sale for the 2021 model year, a longer and more spacious version of the two-row Grand Cherokee.
Equipped with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platforms in a category filled with front-wheel-drive (FWD) rivals, both the Explorer and Grand Cherokee L offer available four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems. In addition, roomy interiors, long lists of safety features, sophisticated infotainment systems, and the power to tow and haul make the 2024 Explorer and 2024 Grand Cherokee L excellent choices in family transportation. This comparison can help you decide which one you prefer.
2024 Ford Explorer
Ford offers the 2024 Explorer in eight trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. All Explorer trims have RWD or 4WD except for the off-road-oriented Explorer Timberline, which has standard 4WD.
The most affordable Explorer is the base model at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,860 plus a destination charge of $1,595. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim has a base MSRP of $54,770, plus destination.
Six core versions of the 2024 Grand Cherokee L are available: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the Laredo, Altitude, and Limited, while others have standard 4WD. In the Jeep tradition, three 4WD systems are available, including the Quadra-Trac I, the more capable Quadra-Trac II, and the off-road-ready Quadra-Drive II.
Prices for the Grand Cherokee L span from $40,035 to $64,560, plus the $1,795 destination fee.
Advantage: Ford Explorer
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Ford Explorer does not rank among the top three models in the Midsize SUV segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Explorer also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The 2024 Ford Explorer has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L does not rank among the top three models in the Midsize SUV segment in the 2023 VDS or the 2023 IQS. It has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2024 Ford Explorer ST
Ford offers Explorer customers a pair of engine choices. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims feature a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Rear-wheel drive is the default setup in all trims except the Timberline, which has a standard 4WD system. When properly equipped, some versions of the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
As of this writing, the Environmental Protection Agency has not published fuel economy estimates for 2024 Explorer models. In 2023, the EPA ratings for the two turbocharged conventional engines ranged from a high of 24 mpg in combined driving to a low of 20 mpg.
A 3.6-liter V6 engine is standard in the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It produces 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Jeep offers a 5.7-liter V8 engine as an option for the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. It generates 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, making it a good choice for those interested in towing.
The Grand Cherokee L’s engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission to power the rear or all four wheels. Jeep offers one of three 4WD systems depending on the engine and application. One has a single-speed transfer case, and the other two feature two-speed transfer cases. Maximum towing capacity is 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine and 7,700 pounds with the V8.
Among the Grand Cherokee L models, the V6-powered versions offer the best fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for RWD and 4WD models. The V8-powered models (all with 4WD) are EPA-rated at 17 mpg combined.
Advantage: Neither. The Ford Explorer is the more efficient choice and comes in performance-tuned ST trim, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee L tows more weight and performs better off-road.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2024 Ford Explorer has a post-collision braking system, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) is standard. Highlights include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Ford Co-Pilot Assist+ is available starting with XLT trim. It adds adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and a speed limit sign reader. You can also get a semi-autonomous parking assistance system called Active Park Assist 2.0.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2024 Ford Explorer a five-star rating for overall crash safety, its top recognition. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2024 Explorer a 2023 Top Safety Pick. As of this writing, that accolade has not carried over for the 2024 calendar year.
Jeep equips the Grand Cherokee L with several ADAS. They include forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety feature upgrades for the Jeep include lane-centering assistance, intersection turn assistance, a night vision system, and a hands-free highway driving assistance system. A Park Sense system is also available, providing semi-autonomous parking assistance.
The 2024 Grand Cherokee L received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L its 2023 Top Safety Pick+ designation, the organization’s highest safety rating. As of this writing, that designation does not yet apply for the 2024 calendar year.
Advantage: Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2024 Ford Explorer Timberline
Every 2024 Explorer has Ford’s rapidly aging Sync 3 infotainment system. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, while higher trim levels offer an optional 10.1-inch portrait-mounted touchscreen.
Sync 3 features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a complimentary three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. A navigation system is available, and you can upgrade to a 12- or 14-speaker premium audio system by Bang & Olufsen.
FordPass Connect is complimentary on the 2024 Explorer. It offers connected services like remote engine starting and the ability to find the SUV’s parked location and supplies access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that connects with up to 10 devices.
The Grand Cherokee L features Jeep’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a standard 8.4-inch or available 10.1-inch touchscreen display.
It includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a premium version of SiriusXM satellite radio. With the larger display, you get a navigation system, SiriusXM Guardian connected services, and more. Alpine and McIntosh premium audio systems are also available.
One of the Grand Cherokee L’s most unusual features is the optional 10.1-inch touchscreen entertainment system for the front passenger. In addition, the Jeep offers a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, and all three of these passenger displays are Amazon Fire TV capable. You can also get a digital rear camera mirror and an interior camera that offers a video feed of what’s happening in the rear seats.
Advantage: Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2024 Ford Explorer accommodates up to seven passengers. In models seating seven, Ford provides a three-person second-row bench. Six-passenger versions feature two seats in each row, with second-row captain’s chairs. Cloth-covered seats are standard in the base and XLT trims. The ST-Line and Timberline have synthetic leather seats, while the top trims have real leather seats.
The Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats. Folding down the third row expands the space to 47.9 cubic feet, while folding both rows increases the cargo capacity to 87.8 cubic feet.
Like the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee L is available in six- or seven-passenger configurations with second-row captain’s chairs or a three-person bench seat. The base Laredo has cloth seats, but the remainder of the lineup features leather upholstery.
The Grand Cherokee L boasts 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. With the third row folded, cargo space jumps to 46.9 cubic feet. With both rear rows of seats folded, the cargo area measures 84.6 cubic feet.
Advantage: Ford Explorer
If you’d like to learn more about these Midsize SUVs, read our expert reviews of the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on January 31, 2024, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, which is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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