• The Grand Cherokee offers Best-in-Class maximum towing at 6,200 lbs and a new 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine with 324 hp and a 529-mile driving range 

• The Grand Cherokee offers a Class-Exclusive available Quadra-Lift® air suspension with five ride-height settings, including an off-road mode the Explorer does not match 

• Both SUVs seat up to 7 in their three-row configurations, but the Grand Cherokee also offers a dedicated 2-row, 5-passenger model 

Families across Somerset, New Bedford, and Fall River drive these SUVs through a mix of highway commuting on I-195, weekend towing to the Taunton River, and winter weather that tests every drivetrain in Bristol County. The differences in the table below reflect where each SUV is engineered to shine under those real conditions. 

The Grand Cherokee tows 1,200 pounds more than the Explorer, which is roughly the weight of a loaded jet ski trailer or a small utility hauler. That gap matters when you are heading to the Taunton River boat ramp or pulling a camper through Bristol County for the weekend. The Grand Cherokee also gives buyers the choice of a focused 2-row SUV or a 3-row Grand Cherokee L, while the Explorer is three-row only. 

Every Grand Cherokee offers available 4x4 with the Selec-Terrain system, which lets you dial between Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand modes. The available Quadra-Drive II system adds a rear electronic limited-slip differential that actively sends torque to the wheel with the most grip. On top of that, the Class-Exclusive Quadra-Lift air suspension adjusts ride height across five settings, raising the vehicle for off-road clearance or lowering it at highway speed for better aerodynamics. Best-in-Class available ground clearance and departure angle give the Grand Cherokee the geometry to handle rocky forest roads in Freetown-Fall River State Forest or unpaved beach access roads near Horseneck Beach. 

The Explorer offers Intelligent 4WD as an option (rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims) with a Terrain Management system featuring up to six drive modes. The Tremor trim adds an off-road-tuned suspension, underbody protection, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle. It is a capable system for gravel roads and light trails, but it does not offer the mechanical low-range gearing, adjustable ride height, or rock-mode calibration that the Grand Cherokee provides. 

For families who stick to paved roads with occasional snow or gravel, both SUVs handle confidently. For drivers who regularly encounter unpaved terrain, tow on steep grades, or want the suspension to adapt to load and conditions automatically, the Grand Cherokee's hardware advantage is significant. 

Both SUVs offer modern cabins with large touchscreens and connected services, but the Grand Cherokee refresh raises the bar. 

The Grand Cherokee now features a new 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and an available 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display. The available McIntosh® Reference audio system delivers premium sound, and the most standard and available safety and security features in its class include a new available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist system. Available Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof give the Summit and Summit Reserve trims a genuine luxury feel. 

The Explorer counters with a 13.2-inch center display, a 12.3-inch cluster, and an available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen. The Platinum trim adds available heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with leather inserts. Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is a real strength for long I-95 commutes, though it requires a subscription after the trial period. 

Both cabins are well-equipped, but the Grand Cherokee's material quality, especially in the Limited Reserve and Summit trims, feels a step above. The combination of real wood, quilted leather, and ambient lighting creates a cabin that reviewers consistently describe as the most refined in the midsize SUV segment. 

The Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 pounds with the new 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, which is Best-in-Class for the segment. That capacity handles a mid-size boat, a loaded utility trailer, or a pop-up camper without straining the powertrain. The Quadra-Lift air suspension automatically levels the vehicle when a trailer is connected, which improves stability and makes hookup at the Village Waterfront Park boat ramp easier. 

The Explorer tows up to 5,000 lbs across all engine options with a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. The available trailering app and trailer sway control help manage the load, and Super Cruise with trailering (on BlueCruise-equipped models) allows hands-free towing on approved highways. 

For family space, the Explorer seats up to 7 with a standard third row and offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo. The Grand Cherokee L (3-row) seats up to 7 as well, while the standard Grand Cherokee (2-row) seats 5 with a more cargo-focused layout. If you always need the third row, the Explorer includes it on every trim. If you sometimes need it but prefer a shorter, more maneuverable SUV for daily driving around Somerset, the Grand Cherokee gives you both options across the lineup.