The local midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment just got a little more exciting as Jeep Philippines recently launched the Grand Cherokee L. Its arrival is warmly met by segment staples, which include the ever-popular Ford Explorer.
On that note, we’re checking out how the Jeep Grand Cherokee L stacks up against the Ford Explorer to help you decide, which of the two best suits your budget and your motoring needs.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L measures 5,204 millimeters (mm) long, 1,979mm wide, and 1,816 tall. It has a wheelbase of 3,091mm.
As for the Ford Explorer, it has an overall length of 5,049mm, an overall width of 2,268mm, and an overall height of 1,783mm. Its wheelbase is 3,025mm.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L wears an updated version of the brand’s iconic seven-slot grille complemented by large air vents and a prominent “Jeep” emblem. The fascia is flanked by a pair of LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and LED fog lamps.
To its side are black claddings, side mirrors with repeaters and cameras, roof rails, as well as 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in performance tires.
Its rear comes with a roof-mounted spoiler with a camera and a high-mount brake lamp. Additionally, it gets “Jeep” 4X4, and “Limited” badges. There are also dual exhaust pipes and a power liftgate.
The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, dons a bright silver-painted mesh grille with chrome bars accompanied by a silver-painted skid plate at the fore. Its lighting setup is comprised of LED headlamps and LED front fog lamps.
The side profile of the Ford Explorer flaunts black with chrome bodyside claddings, body-color door handles with chrome inserts, satin roof rack side rails, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.
Meanwhile, the rear of the Ford Explorer has chrome accents of the power liftgate, a roof-mounted spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp, two exhaust pipes, a rear skid plate, and a set of LED taillamps with amber turn signals.
Both models exude an air of luxury and dependability. That said, we call this round a tie.
Inside, the cabin of the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers ample space for seven occupants.
The driver is treated to several toys including a head-up display, a leather steering wheel, a 10.12-inch thin-film transistor color instrument cluster, and a 10.1-inch infotainment system. Meanwhile, passengers of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L can experience comfort while on the road thanks to its Capri leather seats with perforated inserts, leather-wrapped armrests, and second and third-row air conditioning vents.
For added comfort, Jeep gave the Grand Cherokee L nine speakers and a wireless charging pad.
As for the Ford Explorer, it packs a smaller 6.5-inch instrument panel and a reasonably-sized eight-inch infotainment system.
It also comes with a steering wheel wrapped in leather, seats finished in leather with micro-perforation, a wireless charging pad, B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 12 speakers, and automatic air conditioning.
Like the first one, this round is closely contested. But because the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a more modern interior — thanks to its two large screens — we give this round to the returning nameplate from Jeep.
Power for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes from a 3.6-liter V6 mill mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup makes 282 horsepower (hp) and 344 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.
The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is equipped with a smaller 2.3-liter Ecoboost powerplant paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. On paper, it puts out around 299-300hp with 420Nm of pulling power.
Despite looking like it’s punching above its weight class the Ford Explorer wins this round thanks to its mower powerful setup.
In terms of safety, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes with features such as an active lane management system, electronic stability control, advanced multi-stage airbags, advanced brake assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, blind spot and cross-path detection, and full-speed forward collision warning, among others.
Further, Jeep Philippines mentioned during its launch that the Grand Cherokee L boasts 110 safety features.
Not to be outdone, the Ford Explorer offers a suite of safety features like the Ford Advancetrac with roll stability control, a personal safety system for the driver and the front passenger, a crash severity sensor, a safety canopy system with side curtain airbags and rollover sensor, and SOS post-crash alert system.
It also comes with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Technology, which adds safety features like a 360-degree camera, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, Ford’s Blind Sport Information System with cross-traffic alert, hill descent control, and hill start assist, to name a few.
Since both nameplates offer a robust list of safety features, we’re calling it a tie.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L: P5.49 million
Ford Explorer Limited: P3.298 million
Both SUV models prove they are evenly matched in this battle, which means that choosing between the two will ultimately boil down to one’s personal preferences and budget
Photos from Ford and Juan Paulo Papa
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