2026 Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
2026 Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
Drive Home in the Best SUV For Your Life at Mt Orab Ford
Are you in the market for an ideal SUV that has the power and space you need for your life? At Mt Orab Ford, we know that there are a lot of options out there for you to consider, and we're doing what we can to provide you with the answers you have been waiting for. We're located in Mt Orab, Ohio, off Gabbard Way, and about 42 minutes east of Cincinnati. Today, we're focused on looking more closely at the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee to make sure we help you figure out which of these SUVs you want to drive home in. You are what is most important to our team, and we want to do everything we can to offer you the answers you need. Keep reading below to learn more about these SUVs and find out which one makes the most sense for you!
What standard engine configuration powers the 2026 Explorer?
Power is the name of the game, and Ford has managed to craft a standard engine that holds nothing back while also being incredibly efficient for your driving needs. We're talking about the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 engine, which can get you 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Those are massive numbers for an engine of this size, and are helped along with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Other benefits of this system include the dual exhaust, cast aluminum engine block type, 10.0:1 compression ratio, and the direct-acting mechanical bucket valve lifters. The 2026 Explorer is not about to let you down anytime soon, especially with rear-wheel drive as standard, and an available intelligent four-wheel drive system.
- 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4
- Rear-wheel drive
- 300 horsepower
Can the Jeep Grand Cherokee give me the power I'm looking for?
On the other side of things, Jeep is trying to beat the Explorer with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which can only get you around 293 horsepower. To have a V6 engine, and it only produces 293 horsepower, feels like a big disappointment for the Grand Cherokee to be driving around with. It's also important to note that four-wheel drive is standard, but you aren't getting any real extra boost from the engine, and the outdated eight-speed automatic transmission is not doing much for this system either. There's a lot here that you might like, but we really just wish that the standard engine felt peppy enough to handle every type of adventure you want to go on with your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Instead, it falls a little flat.
- V6 engine
- 293 horsepower
- 8-speed automatic transmission
What kind of space do I get with the 2026 Explorer?
Whether you're worried about passengers or cargo, it's important to know that the SUV you get in the end has the kind of space you can actually utilize for passengers and cargo. We're happy to tell you that Ford has crafted an interior that works for every type of car owner. You'll be able to enjoy seating for up to 7 occupants, with a passenger volume that sits at 150.3 cubic feet overall. The more the merrier with Explorer! You'll also have a few different cargo volume options, including 16.3 cu. ft. behind the third-row, 46 cu. ft. behind the 2nd-row, and 85.8 cu. ft. behind the 1st-row. We also want to make sure we mention the leg room throughout the 2026 Explorer, which includes 43 inches for first-row passengers, 37.5 inches for second-row passengers, and 31.8 inches for third-row passengers.
- Cargo volume: 85.8 cubic feet
- Passenger volume: 150.3 cubic feet
- Seating capacity: 7
Does the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee have the interior space I need?
Can the Grand Cherokee keep up with what is being created with the 2026 Explorer? When it comes to cargo and passenger space, you may feel like the Grand Cherokee is a little more snug, with less space for the overall cargo you can fit into this SUV. The seating capacity stands at 6 people, with a passenger volume of 152 cu. ft., and an interior cargo volume of only 84.6 cu. ft. This puts the 2026 Grand Cherokee at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to space for passengers, along with all of the storage options you need, especially for longer trips that you have in mind. We know you want something that can do it all, and the Grand Cherokee might let you down a little where space is concerned.
- Cargo volume: 84.5 cubic feet
- Seating capacity: 6
- Passenger volume: 152 cubic feet
Test Drive the 2026 Ford Explorer at Mt Orab Ford Today!
As we've discussed already, there are a lot of exciting reasons why the 2026 Explorer is right for your life. The base engine is peppy, reliable, and feels fresher than ever before. You'll also be able to enjoy all of the passenger and cargo space you could be hoping for, without having to squish anyone in uncomfortably. We're ready for you here at Mt Orab Ford, and we hope you'll bring your family along for the ride, too. For any further questions, use the form below!
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)