2026 Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer

vs

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2

Engine Options

2
385 hp

Maximum Horsepower

324 hp
415 lb-ft

Maximum Torque

332 lb-ft
7

Standard Seating Capacity

5
40.7 inches

Standard Front Headroom

39.9 inches
85.8 cubic feet

Maximum Cargo Volume

84.6 cubic feet

The 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee are two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the road today, and Sparta drivers shopping for a capable family hauler will want to know how they compare. Both offer a refined ride with modern technology, but the Ford Explorer lineup stands out thanks to its powerful engine options, standard three-row seating, and larger maximum cargo area. Explore the differences between the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee with Freedom Automotive before visiting our dealership near Tomah to experience the power and comfort of a new Explorer from behind the wheel.

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How Do the Performance Specs Compare Between the 2026 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The 2026 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee performance specs compare with two distinct engine choices each, but the Ford Explorer delivers higher available horsepower and torque from its turbocharged V6. The 2026 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee each offer two engine options designed to balance everyday efficiency with available power. Both SUVs pair their engines with smooth-shifting automatic transmissions, but the Ford Explorer delivers a clear advantage when equipped with its available turbocharged V6, producing more horsepower and torque than any engine in the Grand Cherokee lineup. Compare the 2026 Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee engine specifications below for the details:

2026 Ford Explorer Engine Options

  • 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 Engine: 300 hp / 310 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 Engine: 385 hp / 415 lb-ft of torque

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Options

  • 3.6L Pentastar® V6 Engine: 293 hp / 260 lb-ft of torque
  • 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo Engine: 324 hp / 332 lb-ft of torque

How Do Seating and Cargo Space Compare in the 2026 Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The 2026 Ford Explorer provides standard three-row seating for seven passengers and up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, whereas the standard two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee seats five passengers with up to 70.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Cabin space is a deciding factor for many Viroqua families, and the 2026 Ford Explorer interior offers a significant advantage over its Jeep counterpart. With standard seating for seven passengers across three rows, the Ford Explorer is ready for school carpools, weekend road trips, and everything in between. The two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee seats five, which may feel limiting for larger families or drivers who frequently travel with extra passengers.

Explore the standard seating and cargo dimensions for each SUV below to see how both models compare:

2026 Ford Explorer: Standard Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Headroom (Front/Middle/Rear): 40.7 inches / 40.5 inches / 38.9 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 62.1 inches / 61.9 inches / 54.6 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 59.2 inches / 59.1 inches / 40.9 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Middle/Rear): 43 inches / 37.5 inches / 31.8 inches
  • Cargo Volume (Behind Rear/Middle/Front Rows): 16.3 cubic feet / 46 cubic feet / 85.8 cubic feet

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Standard Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Headroom (Front/Rear): 39.9 inches / 39.4 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 59.2 inches / 58 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 57.4 inches / 56.3 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 41.3 inches / 38.2 inches
  • Cargo Volume (Behind Rear/Front Rows): 37.7 cubic feet / 70.8 cubic feet

How Can You Test-Drive a New Ford Explorer at Freedom Automotive?

You can test-drive a new Ford Explorer at Freedom Automotive by contacting our team online or calling us at 608-372-4121 to schedule an appointment at our Tomah dealership. Contact Freedom Automotive online or by phone at 608-372-4121 to schedule a test drive at our Tomah dealership, and our team will help you find the perfect Ford SUV for your lifestyle. In the meantime, be sure to apply for financing online and get a trade-in estimate for your current vehicle. Don’t forget to check out our new vehicle specials as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How many rows of seating do the 2026 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee come with standard?
The 2026 Ford Explorer comes standard with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, while the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with two rows of seating for up to five passengers.

What engine options are available for the 2026 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine with 300 hp and a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine with 385 hp, while the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine with 293 hp and a 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine with 324 hp.

What is the maximum cargo volume offered in the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, while the standard 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers up to 70.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

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