Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2015–2027
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 87 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi | 177 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI, 3.6, SIDI; PHEV, 5.7 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic 8-spd |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Midgrade |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 87 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs Grand Cherokee: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,650 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee — a difference of roughly $450 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and Grand Cherokee offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Jeep Grand Cherokee: SIDI, 3.6, SIDI; PHEV, 5.7.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Explorer comparisons
Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-jeep-grand-cherokee