This in-depth review scrutinizes two prominent contenders in the luxury SUV segment: the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 4WD and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve. Both vehicles emerge from pedigrees rich in off-road prowess and passenger indulgence. The article aims to dissect how contemporary technological advancements have influenced their market standing and overall utility, providing a candid evaluation for potential purchasers. The comparison encompasses their diverse engine offerings, sophisticated four-wheel-drive mechanisms, varying hybrid availability, and interior spaciousness, offering a holistic view of each model's strengths and weaknesses.
\nUnveiling the Contenders: Powertrain, Drivetrain, and Interior Dynamics
\nSince its inception in 1991, the Ford Explorer has captivated American households, evolving significantly from its initial role as a Bronco II successor. Originally available in two or four-door, and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations, it featured a robust yet unhurried 4.0-liter V6. The 2025 Explorer, while retaining its charm, has undergone a metamorphosis, embracing a more contemporary, tech-rich, and luxurious persona. Its current iteration, including all four trims, now universally incorporates a third row. Pricing for the Explorer varies, from approximately $40,050 to $57,770, depending on the chosen trim and optional enhancements. Advanced features like Blue Cruise are exclusive to the Platinum trim and above, requiring a subscription fee after the initial year, unless opting for the premium ST variant.
\nConversely, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, introduced in 1993, was conceived as a more opulent alternative to the standard Cherokee. It masterfully combined Jeep's renowned ruggedness and proven four-wheel-drive capabilities with a lavish interior, adorned with leather and wood accents, and offered a noticeably smoother ride. Positioned as a replacement for the Grand Wagoneer, it directly rivaled the Explorer and Chevy S-10 Blazer, distinguishing itself with a formidable 5.2-liter V8 engine. Today, both vehicles stand as sophisticated, capable, and family-oriented SUVs, prompting a closer examination of their respective merits.
\nIn terms of powertrain diversity, the Jeep Grand Cherokee outshines the Ford Explorer. Ford's 2025 Explorer offers only two gasoline engine options: a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in lower trims, and an available 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost for the Platinum and standard on the ST. Notably, Ford has ceased offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric variants to the general public, reserving hybrid models for police departments. Both Explorer engines provide a consistent towing capacity of approximately 5,600 pounds.
\nThe Grand Cherokee presents a broader spectrum of choices with three engine options. These include the standard 293-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, a 357-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for the three-row Grand Cherokee L, and a 375-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric battery in the 4xe PHEV configuration. The Jeep boasts superior towing capabilities, with ratings of 6,200 lbs for the V6, 7,200 lbs for the V8, and 6,000 lbs for the turbo four. Furthermore, the Grand Cherokee offers 21 different configurations, including two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and two or three-row seating, providing extensive customization. Its price range is equally diverse, spanning from $36,495 to $67,040 for gasoline models and $60,490 to $79,150 for PHEV variants, contingent on the chosen seating arrangement.
\nThe Jeep’s four-wheel-drive system demonstrates greater robustness. While both SUVs pledge four-wheel-drive proficiency, the absence of visible transfer case range selectors in either model raises questions regarding their true off-road pedigree, suggesting a bias towards all-wheel-drive characteristics. The Jeep Grand Cherokee distinguishes itself with two distinct systems: Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac II. Quadra-Trac I, found in the Altitude X trim, is a single-range, full-time automatic transfer case engineered for all-weather conditions, automating torque distribution and brake differential activation. Quadra-Trac II, available on higher trims, incorporates high and low transfer case ranges, affirming its status as a genuine four-wheel-drive system. The Selec-Terrain system automatically adjusts the appropriate range based on the selected drive mode. Additionally, Quadra-Drive, an enhancement to the Quadra-Trac system, features an electronic limited-slip differential capable of directing all torque to a single wheel when necessary. During testing, the Summit Reserve 4xe's adaptive air suspension, combined with the Quadra-Trac II, delivered exceptional off-road performance. The vehicle’s sophisticated information displays provided comprehensive data, including temperatures, camera angles, pitch and roll, suspension status, and tire pressure, all accessible with a simple touch. Moreover, the PHEV's sealed battery pack enables it to traverse water up to two feet deep.
\nIn contrast, the Ford Explorer's four-wheel-drive system is less defined, primarily offering an “Off-Road” driving mode accompanied by a warning against pavement use. Other modes include “Slippery/Wet,” “Dirt/Sand,” “Towing/Hauling,” “Normal,” and “Eco.” Unlike the Jeep, the Explorer’s off-road mode does not provide detailed vehicle information. Despite its twin-turbo V6 option, the Explorer's 5,600-pound towing capacity falls short of the Jeep's 6,000-pound rating, even with the latter’s smaller gasoline engine. The Explorer's fixed suspension system also lacked the perceived durability and preparedness of the Jeep.
\nFord's decision to discontinue the hybrid Explorer for 2024, limiting it to police departments, represents a notable oversight in catering to consumer demand for fuel-efficient options. While the 2025 Explorer’s EcoBoost engines offer reasonable efficiency for their size (18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway in the Platinum model), they cannot compete with the PHEV’s superior fuel economy. The tested Grand Cherokee 4xe achieved 28 mpg in urban settings and 34 mpg on highways, complemented by an all-electric range of approximately 27 miles, ideal for daily commutes. This range, rechargeable overnight with a standard garage outlet, significantly reduces gasoline consumption, offering a substantial advantage in operational costs.
\nRegarding passenger space, the Explorer’s third row, a standard feature across all trims, proved to be rather cramped, even for smaller adults, necessitating unconventional seating arrangements for comfort during longer journeys. While a bench seat option is available to enhance cabin space, it restricts legroom for third-row occupants. In contrast, the Grand Cherokee offers a two-row configuration as standard, with an optional “L” variant providing an extended length of 11.4 inches for a more comfortable third row, available across numerous trims including the PHEV versions. This flexibility allows consumers to choose based on their specific needs, a benefit the Explorer does not provide.
\nFor family transportation, both SUVs offer commendable comfort. The Summit Reserve's interior impressed with its opulence, closely followed by the Explorer Platinum’s striking deep-red diamond leather seats. Both vehicles feature expansive windows and generous sunroofs, enhancing the travel experience for younger passengers. While the Jeep’s abundance of screens and leather might be less ideal for toddlers, older children and adults would appreciate the extensive controls, climate options, and ample space. The Jeep’s inclusion of a bench seat, as opposed to captain’s chairs, was also a welcome feature. In terms of cargo capacity, the Explorer surpasses the Jeep when the third row is stowed, offering 47.9 cubic feet compared to the Jeep’s 36.3 cubic feet, providing ample space for various family essentials. Both vehicles can easily accommodate rooftop storage solutions, though the Explorer's lower roofline might offer slightly better accessibility.
\nFrom a journalist's perspective, this comparative analysis underscores a critical shift in the automotive industry: the increasing demand for versatility, efficiency, and sophisticated off-road capabilities in the family SUV segment. While Ford's Explorer has historically been a strong contender, its current lack of a consumer-facing hybrid option and less robust 4WD system places it at a disadvantage compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep's thoughtful integration of diverse powertrain options, including a highly effective PHEV, and a truly capable four-wheel-drive system, reflects a more forward-thinking approach to modern consumer needs. This comparison serves as a powerful reminder that while brand loyalty holds sway, innovation and adaptability in vehicle design are paramount in capturing the contemporary market. For consumers, the choice between these two vehicles boils down to priorities: raw power and a smoother on-road experience offered by the Explorer, or the superior off-road prowess, fuel efficiency, and customization potential of the Grand Cherokee. Ultimately, the market is dictating that a true luxury SUV must offer more than just comfort; it must provide a comprehensive, adaptable, and efficient driving solution for the modern family.