The Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Ford Explorer are essential players in the hotly competitive upper midsize SUV segment. These three-row SUVs consistently deliver a combination of versatility, space, and capability, catering to families who create their own adventures. In the more expensive trims, they also provide a level of luxury and convenience that premium-brand models might envy.
A perennial leader in the segment, Ford introduced a heavily revised Explorer lineup for 2025, aiming to solidify its position in one of the U.S. auto market's most demanding segments. At the same time, Jeep continues to refine its three-row Grand Cherokee L to retain its competitiveness against a bevy of rivals. With new hardware and software to consider, the comparison between the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2025 Ford Explorer takes on heightened significance.
These two full-featured midsize SUVs designed to delight American families offer plenty to discuss. A key factor is power because hauling a crew of seven and their gear requires a drivetrain that can get the job done without taking an extra breath. The Explorer offers two turbocharged engines and the choice of rear-wheel (RWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD), while the Jeep Grand Cherokee L keeps things simple with a single normally aspirated V6 across the board. It, too, offers RWD and 4WD, and both SUVs can deliver off-road and on.
Technology also plays a prominent role. For 2025, the Ford Explorer introduces a forward-thinking infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering seamless integration and advanced connectivity. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L counters with its much-praised Uconnect 5 system that delivers intuitive functionality.
Both SUVs also feature a host of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), prioritizing safety and convenience. In fact, with the right optional systems, some versions will drive themselves in selected environments. Features like these, combined with their spacious three-row layouts and practical design, ensure that the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Ford Explorer remain top contenders for families seeking a capable and comfortable midsize SUV.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L lineup offers various choices, with eight trim levels: Laredo, Laredo X, Altitude, Altitude X, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Jeep fields both RWD and 4WD versions of most trims. Pricing for the 2025 Grand Cherokee L begins with the Laredo, starting at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $39,035. At the other end of the scale, the luxurious Summit Reserve has a base price of $65,040. Prices do not include the $1,795 destination charge.
All 2025 Grand Cherokee L buyers receive the Jeep Wave collection of services, including complimentary coverage of the first two oil changes and tire rotations during the first 24 months of ownership, plus roadside assistance for the five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Jeep Connect Safety & Security package is also free for the first 10 years of vehicle ownership. The Grand Cherokee L also offers a 30-day/1 GB trial of Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers consumers a simplified lineup of four trims: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Rear-wheel drive with selectable drive modes is standard across all four trims, and 4WD is optional. Prices range from the $39,755 rear-drive Active trim to the sporty $56,260 ST 4WD. Prices do not include the $1,595 destination charge.
The 2025 Explorer gives buyers complimentary roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, but it does not offer free scheduled maintenance. All 2025 Explorer buyers can access Ford Connected Services through the Google Built-in infotainment system and Alexa Built-in, available in a three-year trial.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The Explorer is generally lower-priced, while the Grand Cherokee L offers more luxurious trim levels.
2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L does not rank among the top three models in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
The Grand Cherokee L also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.
The Ford Explorer does not rank among the top three models in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the 2024 VDS. However, it ranks second in its segment in the 2024 IQS. The Explorer’s warranty coverage matches the Grand Cherokee L.
Advantage: Ford Explorer
Why? The Explorer ranks among the top three models in its segment in initial quality.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L lineup offers potential buyers a 3.6-liter V6 engine backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and 4WD are widely available up and down the lineup.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the RWD and 4WD 2025 Grand Cherokee L models are estimated to achieve 21 mpg in combined driving.
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers buyers a pair of engine choices. The base engine on all but the ST trim is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST kicks it up with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 400 hp and 415 pound-feet of torque. It’s optional for the Platinum trim. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The most fuel-efficient 2025 Explorers have a four-cylinder engine and RWD. They are EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined. Opting for 4WD brings a one-mile-per-gallon penalty in the combined driving estimate. The EPA estimates that 2025 Explorers with the V6 will get 21 mpg in combined driving.
Advantage: Ford Explorer
Why? By the specs, the Ford engine lineup is superior to the Jeep’s single V6 engine choice.
2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand-new vehicle to include the following safety features:
So, how do the Grand Cherokee L and Explorer stack up? Let's take a look.
The 2025 Grand Cherokee L features several standard ADAS, including blind-spot warning. Upper-level trims offer an intersection turn assistance system with left-turn assistance and a hands-free Active Driving Assist that allows the vehicle to operate hands-free on divided highways under driver supervision. An option package includes a head-up display, an interior rear-facing camera system, and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection.
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received the highest-possible five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At the time of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to rate the crashworthiness of the 2025 model. Still, it did designate the structurally similar 2024 Grand Cherokee L as a Top Safety Pick for the 2024 calendar year.
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a lengthy list of standard ADAS. In addition to the systems mentioned at the top of this section, it also features rear automatic emergency braking, and its blind-spot warning system includes trailer coverage. Ford also enables most 2025 Explorer customers to purchase or subscribe to its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system.
As of this writing, the IIHS hasn’t rated the 2025 Ford Explorer’s crashworthiness. However, it named the structurally similar 2024 version a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2024 calendar year. At the time of publication, the NHTSA has yet to rate the 2025 Explorer’s safety.
Advantage: Ford Explorer
Why? Most Explorers have a more robust ADAS collection than the Grand Cherokee L.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L features the brand's well-regarded Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Low- and mid-level trims have a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice commands, and AM/FM radio. Higher trims offer an upgrade to a 10.1-inch display and add Tom-Tom navigation. Upper-level trims provide the option of a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 10.1-inch digital screens and Amazon Fire TV built-in.
Every 2025 Grand Cherokee L comes with Jeep Connect, the automaker’s connected services suite. It includes a complimentary 10 years of the Safety & Security package that offers emergency calls, automatic emergency calls, assistance calls, and vehicle theft alerts. The Remote Vehicle Operations package provides remote lock/unlock, remote engine start, and vehicle locator. Alexa offers a variety of functions controlled via the Amazon Alexa interface, while the available Drive Alerts offers vehicle monitoring and boundaries.
The Send Destination feature allows Grand Cherokee L owners to save time and avoid driving distractions by searching for their destinations before they get into their SUV. It lets users send the address directly to the vehicle's navigation system via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
The 2025 Ford Explorer benefits from an all-new Google-based infotainment system. The Ford Digital Experience features Google Maps, Google Assistant, and app access via the Google Play Store. The standard 13.2-inch horizontal touchscreen offers access to wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa. The intuitive layout shows navigation, audio, and communication data on the Home screen, while you can also view Google Maps in the driver display.
The 2025 Explorer offers Ford’s Premium Connectivity services that enable access to features like Alexa Built-in, music and video streaming, news updates, podcasts, audiobooks, games, karaoke, video conferencing, and navigation. Thanks to the Ford Digital Experience, it also includes Google applications. While a subscription is required for 5G connectivity, Ford offers up to three years free.
The Explorer’s Google-based infotainment system enables quick access to integrated apps like Spotify, YouTube, and a web browser so you can conduct an online meeting while you’re parked. The Ford Digital Experience also includes gaming options like Asphalt Nitro 2 with speed and graphics that rival at-home systems.
Advantage: Neither
Why? Jeep’s Uconnect 5 is one of the best infotainment systems in the business, but with its new Google-based system the Explorer has caught up.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Grand Cherokee L filled a gaping hole in the Jeep lineup by offering an accommodating three-row SUV with room for as many as seven occupants. And the Jeep doesn't just have impressive seating capacity and call it a day. Instead, it delivers a high level of sophistication and luxury. The Summit Reserve trim features one of the most handsome cabins in the segment. The second row includes spacious bucket seats (a three-seat bench is optional) and available four-zone automatic climate control.
The lower Grand Cherokee L trims come with cloth-upholstered seats. The mid-level trims offer synthetic leather, and the upper grades provide multiple levels of genuine leather. Heated front seats are standard across the range, and power-adjustable front seats for the driver and passenger are widely available.
The Grand Cherokee L offers a power-folding third row, and the second-row seats slide forward for third-row access and fold down for cargo space. Behind the third row, the Jeep provides a 17.2-cubic-foot luggage compartment. With second- and third-row seats folded, the cargo compartment will swallow 84.6 cubic feet of gear. A power-operated liftgate lends to loading ease.
The 2025 Ford Explorer features room for up to seven occupants and a competitive level of cargo space. The Explorer and Grand Cherokee L have virtually the same passenger volume and very similar amounts of head, leg, and hip room in each of their three rows. Heated power-adjustable driver's and front passenger seats are standard across the lineup, and heated and ventilated front seats are standard in the ST and Platinum. Depending on the trim level, seats are upholstered in cloth, synthetic leather, or genuine leather.
A 35/30/35 split-folding second-row seat is optional for the Active and Platinum trims and standard for the ST-Line. The third row is 50/50 split-folding and configured for two passengers, as is the Grand Cherokee L’s. The ST and Platinum trims offer standard power folding for the third row, and three-zone automatic climate control is provided on all trims.
The 2025 Explorer delivers plenty of cargo space. It offers up to 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, which increases to 87.8 cubic feet when you fold both rear rows down. A power-operated liftgate is standard on all trims.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The two SUVs are in a dead heat regarding interior space, cargo space, and all-around utility.
If you’d like to learn more about these midsize SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2025 Ford Explorer. 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 18, 2025, 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 SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
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