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2011 Grand Cherokee vs. 2011 Ford Explorer

38K views 186 replies 47 participants last post by  JTS97Z28 
#1 · (Edited)
Just read an article:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/lifestyle/2011-jeep-grand-cherokee-review/

I hate how they refer to the GC as a crossover. It's a full-time real deal non transforming SUV. The article ends with the reviewer wondering if the Explorer will dethrone the GC. I'd beg to differ. They called the GC "unstuckable" after trying to get it stuck...hahaha.


What are your thoughts on the new explorer vs the gc? I think Ford copied Jeep big time...just read up on the features.

Here are some copied features. Jeep set the bar...now everyone else is playing catch up. Good luck catching up to the GC if it decides to hit the trails.

Terrain management
Heated/Cooled seats
Auto-climate control with command start (summer vs winter)
Class Exclusive Adaptive Cruise (liars)

Anyways. This article makes me love my GC even more...:thumbsup:
 
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#57 ·
I have a regular subscription, so I'm looking at the tables in the actual magazine. The reliability history tables breaks down each vehicle into specific categories. But even if we use the table you supplied, are you telling me that you're basing your argument on one model year (2006) and ignoring the rest of the data? Seriously? The fact of the matter is the Rav4 doesn't have the type of issues you claimed. I'm glad you're done because you're not stating facts, just biased opinions.
 
#60 ·
I test drove an Explorer XLT, Edge and the GC Overland Tuesday. I don't need 4wd or the V8. I have owned 3 explorers and a 4runner in the past and really wanted the ford MyTouch, better mileage, etc.. I don't like the looks of the new 4runner. The new design of the Explorer was okay but it felt like a boat on the road. I didn't like it all. The Edge drove much better and was very similar in interior specs to the GC. They were also running some very aggressive deals. I ended up buying the Overland, red w/saddle interior. Beautiful car. love the way it handles, quiet, nice ride. Lots of nice features. The 430 menu system and integration with the iphone is pretty weak but that's the only complaint.
 
#61 ·
I test drove an Explorer XLT, Edge and the GC Overland Tuesday. I don't need 4wd or the V8. I have owned 3 explorers and a 4runner in the past and really wanted the ford MyTouch, better mileage, etc.. I don't like the looks of the new 4runner. The new design of the Explorer was okay but it felt like a boat on the road. I didn't like it all. The Edge drove much better and was very similar in interior specs to the GC. They were also running some very aggressive deals. I ended up buying the Overland, red w/saddle interior. Beautiful car. love the way it handles, quiet, nice ride. Lots of nice features. The 430 menu system and integration with the iphone is pretty weak but that's the only complaint.
+1

When shopping for my new JGC I test drove the 2011 Edge, Explorer, Audi Q5, GMC Terrain (don't ask, ugh).

Aside from the Terrain, the Explorer was dead last. The Edge was so much more preferable to the Explorer. In my opinion, they completely neutered it. It is extremely underpowered, uninsipired driving, uncomfortable seats. I was shocked at how poor it was, really. I expected I would like it but was very wrong.

It's like Ford couldn't decide what they wanted this vehicle to be, or they were attempting to appeal to both sides (The SUV buys & the soccer moms). IMHO they missed the mark on both, neither would be happy with that vehicle. The market is WAY too competitive in this segment to release a vehicle like that.

I'm sure they'll sell some due to name recognition, but I'd take an Edge over the Explorer any day.

I'm very glad with my JGC purchase, the closest vehicle to my VW Touareg that I loved, but would have cost me $10-15k more plus maintenance costs. The Audi Q5 was a close second....real close.

-Ryan
 
#62 ·
4 different reasons there are Ford people and there are Jeep people and yes Audi people too. I traded in my 2k EB AWD 5.0 V8 Explorer and it did GREAT by me. I looked for a long while and settled on the WK2 and believe it or not not having a 3rd row for me was a big deal (don't like or need it) and it had to have a V8. 2 me 2011 Exporer Vs Jeep are not in the same class to even be compared. Oh me, I'm a get the right kind of vehicle that I need people; this time I needed a 2011 JGC and I like it.
 
#72 ·
If you put the new Ford explorer picture next to a Toyota 4runner it look almost the same. Ford this time copied the style from Toyota suv!;)
Uhhhh, really? Well they do both have 4 doors and 4 tires.....



 
#84 · (Edited)
Looks like the Ford Explorer beat out the Grand Cherokee as truck of the year :eek::cool:

DETROIT — The Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car, the centerpiece of General Motors’ comeback, was named 2011 North American Car of the Year at the Detroit auto show Monday.
The Volt, which already won the 2011 Green Car of the Year and Motor Trend Magazine's Car of the Year, edged out the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata to win the award.
Ford Motor Co's latest incarnation of its Explorer sport utility vehicle was named 2011 Truck of the Year, edging out the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango.
It was the third year in a row that Ford claimed the truck award.
Forty-nine auto journalists from the U.S. and Canada made the picks. The vehicles are judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40998635/ns/business-autos/
 
#85 ·
Looks like the Ford Explorer beat out the Grand Cherokee as truck of the year :eek::cool:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40998635/ns/business-autos/
Of course you would expect the members of a Jeep enthusiasts forum to take umbrage at this, but by any objective standard, this is a travesty.

Oh wait, the picks were made by journalists. That explains it. I'm going to email Dan Neil (WSJ auto critic and my favorite from this crowd) to see if he was party to this.

Oh well, we know the truth. The next time I see a new Explorer at a stoplight, the Hemi will exact its revenge.:thumbsup::cool:
 
#97 · (Edited)
We checked out new Explorers today. Whoever decided this is the Truck/SUV of The Year needs a brain transplant.

The interior fit and finish is inferior and looks blah, and don't even think about the base model's interior, which is ugly and sloppily stitched. MyTouch is a mess to operate on the fly, although fine when you're stopped; touch screens work for phones, but don't hack it when you're trying to keep your eyes on the road. The killer for my wife was the headrest, which pushes her head so far forward that her back can't lean against the seat.

Exterior looks are okay, nothing that stands out for good or ill, and the metallic red is great -- 20" alum wheels are decent lookers, too, but the base 18" wheels seem to have plastic covers from a 1980 Toyota parts bin. On the positive side, the grille looks better in the flesh than in photos.

If you believe the panting press reports of late, the Explorer rides like a Rolls, much better than a trucky GC (the same GC they said rode wonderfully when they reviewed it months back). I don't know what Explorer these media nabobs drove, but the one we took out, with the higher-sidewall 18 inchers, let through every minor bump, crack and nick in the roadway.

Inside at idle and low RPMs was tomb quiet, all right, but rev up the engine and there's a whiny sound that only Oprah Winfrey's audience could appreciate; it's certainly not loud, tho.

Ergonomics: As to that extra 3" or so of width, in the driver's seat there is plenty of room to the left, unlike to the right, so to lean on the door puts you at an awkward tilt. For me, a lifelong door-leaner, this is as obnoxious as the headrest is for my wife. There is limited thigh support for taller adults, like with many other new cars.

As to cargo capacity, not only is there space taken up by the folded third seat (a plus for some, useless for us), but the back area's sides are uneven, reducing usable space. The vast front headroom indicated in articles to date is, in reality, precious little more than the GC -- I'm guessing maybe half an inch -- at least the way I set the seat.

The tailgate is one-piece, with no flipper glass (or at least the salesman thought so, and it seemed that way to me). It's electric, but unlike the Overland the steering wheel adjustments are always manual, with no electric option.

Off-line acceleration definitely beats the Pentastar, and I have no reason to doubt the Ford's good braking numbers in published tests.

Nevertheless, the salesman seemed downbeat. Why, he mused out loud, are they turning out yet another crossover when they already have more than one almost like it and need a genuine SUV?

Bottom Line: The Explorer, unlike the GC, is done on the cheap.
 
#98 ·
Off-line acceleration definitely beats the Pentastar, and I have no reason to doubt the Ford's good braking numbers in published tests.

.

And this is why Chrysler needs to get moving on a new transmission for the V6 Grand Cherokees. The engine itself is fine...they just need more gears/better ratios to really make it great. The competition has V6 engines that are closer in performance to the V8 WK2 than the V6 WK2
 
#101 · (Edited)
Hey everyone, first post. I've been lurking forums looking for comparisons like these as I'm currently shopping for an SUV/CUV.

In reference to comparing these two vehicles in the same class or not, Jeep was the one to actually send me comparisons on GC vs Explorer, specifically what's standard vs optional on each vehicle.

I haven't yet driven or seen an Explorer or Durango in person yet, but will shortly. However, we've driven the following (rank from favorite to least favorite, pros/cons).

1. Jeep GC - pros: v8, overland trim cons: nav, stereo looks control
(edit) 1.a Ford Explorer - pros: Sync/Myford touch, interior room, gas mileage, looks cons: not as refiend, third row tiny, extended MKX/Edge
2. Buick Enclave - pros: only 3rd row that can fit adults, 40K warranty, cons: not completely keyless
3. Lincoln MKX - pros: Sync/MyFord touch cons: seats
4. Acura MDX - pros: warranty cons: bland looking all overs, costs $$$
5. Ford Edge - pros: Sync/MyFord touch cons: not as nice as MKX
6. Toyota Highlander - pros: Quiet, smooth ride cons: bland
6. Lexus RX350 - pros: nice ride cons: interior cheap/ugly
7. Lincoln MXT - pros: big, better seats than MKX, Sync cons: ugly
8. Volvo XC90 - pros: good exterior looks cons: completely outdated

This will be my wife's new car, coming from an 02 Audi A4, I drive an 06 Mustang GT. I had a Cherokee in HS several years ago that I took off road all the time. For me, I like the GC, and currently, it's my wife's favorite, but my wife will be the one driving the car.

She is really impressed with Ford's Sync and the fact you can control everything from the steering wheel or voice, and not worry about the touch screen. She travels alot for work and wants voice activated Nav/Bluetooth/Radio/(climate is just an extra).

In the GC, she likes the power of the V8 (no other has), the exterior look and the GC interior. What GC has that she likes is the complete keyless control, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, etc.

The vehicle we choose won't go off road except for mostly gravel trails and will only tow a boat twice a year for 5 miles, a small trailer a couple other times. (I can use my Dad's truck for this when necessary).

So, there's my story and how I'm cross shopping, figured I'd let y'all know.

The 8 speed really peaks my curiosity
 
#103 ·
I haven't yet driven or seen an Explorer or Durango in person yet, but will shortly. However, we've driven the following (rank from favorite to least favorite, pros/cons).

1. Jeep GC - pros: v8, overland trim cons: nav, stereo looks control
2. Buick Enclave - pros: only 3rd row that can fit adults, 40K warranty, cons: not completely keyless
Agreed, with the choice really coming down to your personal needs; too, if a third seat is important to you it is worth looking into the Durango. If you're still mulling over the Enclave, a nice highway tourer that's getting a bit dated, there's a first-rate forum at http://www.enclaveforum.net/index.php?board=1.0

IMO, V6 acceleration aside, the Explorer is a stripped-down, dumbed-down GC. Your wife is right that Sync is nice, but IMO MyTouch is more a negative than a positive.
 
#104 ·
Great thread, but I wasn't able to read every single page. So apologies in advance is some of these points have been made many times...

A vehicle is an SUV if it is designed to handle aggressive off-road driving. Body-on-frame vs. unibody has nothing to do with it--Jeep's SUVs aside from the Wrangler have always been unibodies. Including every Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

The Edge is on a Mazda-derived platform, while the Taurus, Flex, and Explorer share a Volvo-derived platform.

The Explorer will likely be cross-shopped with both the Grand Cherokee and Durango, depending on whether the buyers wants a third row. Size-wise the Explorer falls between the two.

You can get some idea of which cars are cross-shopped from the "most popular price comparisons" list on my site's page for the Grand Cherokee, here:

Most popular Jeep Grand Cherokee comparisons

Explorer is #1, followed by the Edge and 4Runner.
 
#105 ·
A vehicle is an SUV if it is designed to handle aggressive off-road driving. Body-on-frame vs. unibody has nothing to do with it--Jeep's SUVs aside from the Wrangler have always been unibodies. Including every Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.
There's really no single clear-cut definition of an SUV. Some people will tell you that the chassis doens't define an SUV and other people will tell you that a "true" SUV is built body-on-frame. It all depends upon what a buyer wants/needs out of his vehicle. Still though, there's really no denying that body-on-frame vehicles are inherently more heavy duty than unibody chassis vehicles, all else equal. The real question is this: Do you want or need that kind of strength & rigidity? Obviously most people do not, as true body-on-frame vehicles are very rare these days. Years ago, most cars were built body-on-frame. Today, you really only see that on trucks and a few SUVs.
 
#106 ·
Does anyone deny that the classic Cherokee is an SUV? Unibody since the 1960s.

I do agree that there is no clear definition. It's not always even clear what's a unibody vs. body-on-frame, as Land Rover uses a hybrid of the two for the LR4.

One good clue: SUVs at least offer a low range.
 
#108 ·
What launch technique did you use to get a time in the high 6s? The magazines often use techniques that most owners wouldn't.

Temperature and elevation can also be factors. At least one of the big magazines corrects for these, but how accurate is the correction?

I'm a fan of Car & Driver's "street start" test simply because it is more easily reproducible, since it doesn't involve brake torquing the engine or getting a "perfect" launch (the sort that puts a lot of stress on the drivetrain).
 
#110 · (Edited)
Some launch both ways, and specify the different results, as you of course know.

But more importantly, your repair data is, along with CR's reader feedback, the gold standard. You are heavily involved with other models and forums, including the below-mentioned Enclave forum, but the GC seems to be left out in the cold.

Any way of resolving this, perhaps tying in more formally with this forum, a la the Enclave forum?
 
#111 · (Edited)
Well, drove the Explorer today.

Impressions, it's basically the Lincoln MXK/Ford Edge extended, more room width wise inside. 3rd row works the same as MKX, still hardly any room though. Leather is a more comfortable than MKX, but not as nice as Overland we drove. The center console/dash area cleaned up some compared to the lincoln/edge.

The exterior looks different from the front, from windsheild back it looks like an extended edge. It does look good though, parked it right next to the Edge.

It drove pretty well, decent pickup when getting on it. Curves were good, not as much roll as I thought there'd be.

Basically priced one out, AWD, 6 speed, fully loaded. $45,650. Which was high compared to the Overland $43K. The flyer that Jeep sent me comparing the Explorer to the GC was close on the options vs standard equipment on each.

i.e. the dual pane sunroof is a $1500 option, the bucket seats walkthrough was $750 option, second row seats non-heated, however I think HID was standard though they don't turn with the curve, also I think the rain sensitive wipers were standard with limited. Keyless worked about the same in both vehicles.

All in all, it's still a good vehicle, just not as nice as the Jeep IMO. Again, this will be my wife's car so it's up to her. Comfort and usability are her biggest wants as she travels so much through out the state. She still likes the Ford Sync/MyFord touch, though the Nav was a little hiccuppy, though I've heard the same from the Jeep.

She doesn't even want to look at the Durango. So, we'll probably set up a Saturday to drive them all on the same day; Enclave, Explorer, Jeep, in that order (worst to first) and make a decision.

I think the thing to do would to also compare the Penestar engine this time instead of the v8, though, the v8 Overland is already cheaper.

Where's this 8 speed :)?

My non-biased opinion and owner of neither, I think the GC has a more refined interior, more rugged, towing, while the Explorer is more practical with the third row, gas mileage, FWD, Sync. I think the GC fits an individual better, where as the Explorer fits a family/grocery getter type person better. I'd almost say they're two different vehicles when comparing what someone actually needs/wants.

The good news for both, is the fact that people like my wife, who never really thought about buying American, will be impressed by both. We started this whole journey with her thinking the Volvo Xc90 was for her, and look where it is on the list compared to the Jeep/Ford/GMC vehicles :)
 
#115 ·
My non-biased opinion and owner of neither, I think the GC has a more refined interior, more rugged, towing, while the Explorer is more practical with the third row, gas mileage, FWD, Sync. I think the GC fits an individual better, where as the Explorer fits a family/grocery getter type person better. I'd almost say they're two different vehicles when comparing what someone actually needs/wants.

The good news for both, is the fact that people like my wife, who never really thought about buying American, will be impressed by both. We started this whole journey with her thinking the Volvo Xc90 was for her, and look where it is on the list compared to the Jeep/Ford/GMC vehicles :)
I couldn't agree more - especially the part about the improvements about these two American cars. I owned a $70K+ 2006 BMW X5 4.8is and I would take the GC/Explorer - no need to think twice...:thumbsup:
 
#112 ·
The NEW Durango is basically a slightly stretched GC with less aggressive approach and departure angles, and 4 wheel drive system. If you want a third row, you have to look at it. But, I don't know if the 2011s are on dealer lots yet.
 
#113 ·
The NEW Durango is basically a slightly stretched GC with less aggressive approach and departure angles, and 4 wheel drive system. If you want a third row, you have to look at it. But, I don't know if the 2011s are on dealer lots yet.
They are, I saw one today at my local Jeep Dodge Chrysler dealership. It was a more basic model but it was infact a new Durango.
 
#123 ·
The guy seems to think he has some kind of extraordinary qualifications to perform speed/'time-related tests on his GC. This entire debate started when I posted published figures from Motor Trend magazine. I didn't say that their results were the end-all of performance results for the new GC. I just said that their results were in line with other published figures I've read.

Then we hear about some home brewed stopwatch testing and how magazines may not be accurate, or how much variability there is when testing, or how journalists may have an axe to grind, etc... Ironically, the same can be said for some guy doing stopwatch testing. The only difference between stowatch testing and instrumented testing is that fact that one is inherently more accurate than the other. The rest of the BS applies to both methods.

I wouldn't really expect such a silly debate on an SUV forum....this is something I'd expect to read on a Lancer Evo forum or something... because in the end, not many people really care if a V8 Grand Cherokee can beat a V6 Explorer down the road.
 
#124 · (Edited)
I hadn't realized there was some earlier history.

My suggestion would be to let readers sort this out for themselves without resorting to LOLs and character attacks. People can read the figures you've posted along with the sources, the figures he's posted along with the methods he used to get them, and make up their own minds.

I do agree that many just won't care that much. I recently bought a Ford Taurus X AWD, a predecessor to the Explorer with a similar drivetrain but less curb weight, and rarely use anywhere near WOT. I'm much more concerned that fuel economy is worse than I expected, about 16.5 around town and about 20 on the highway.

This said, I suspect that the Jeep's weakness is low speed acceleration, because of the already discussed five-speed automatic and its taller first gear. When passing at highway speeds, etc., the Jeep with the V8 is probably much quicker than the Explorer.
 
#127 ·
I do agree that many just won't care that much. I recently bought a Ford Taurus X AWD, a predecessor to the Explorer with a similar drivetrain but less curb weight, and rarely use anywhere near WOT.
Exactly. I think you're right on track. Most drivers spend very little time at WOT.

This said, I suspect that the Jeep's weakness is low speed acceleration, because of the already discussed five-speed automatic and its taller first gear.
Again, I think you're right on the money. Gearing is a huge factor in the way any vehicle performs. The trend is towards a greater number of forward gears, which allows a wider range of ratios that can help both fuel economy AND performance.
 
#125 ·
that is where you are wrong. Most people do care......on here.....

its just a discussion on a web forum...and a very good one. No need to flame or start your usual name calling
 
#126 ·
that is where you are wrong. Most people do care......on here.....
You think most people here care about being faster than a V6 Explorer? I seriously doubt it. Maybe a few people care, but I doubt most people do. I just don't see a lot of drag racing threads in the WK2 forum.

The funny thing to me is that anyone is even comparing the acceleration of a V8 Grand Cherokee to a V6 SUV in the first place. That's sad....and it just proves how much Jeep needs to put a better transmission behind the Pentastar. I really believe more gears with better ratios is all that's needed to make the Pentastar a more suitable engine to pull the heavy WK2. Still though, it will never be a drag racer. And it shouldn't be...
 
#128 ·
NO ONE is saying that want to make the wk2 a drag car...but owners and potential owners do want to know what kind of acceleration numbers any vehicle has for everyday driving and JUST for GENERAL info. If they didnt the above mentioned magazines, reveiwers etc. wouldnt do the acceleration tests. I bet you know the accelration numbers for your toyota...and not becasue your gonna race it down the 1/4 mile.....
 
#131 ·
NO ONE is saying that want to make the wk2 a drag car...but owners and potential owners do want to know what kind of acceleration numbers any vehicle has for everyday driving and JUST for GENERAL info. If they didnt the above mentioned magazines, reveiwers etc. wouldnt do the acceleration tests. I bet you know the accelration numbers for your toyota...and not becasue your gonna race it down the 1/4 mile.....
Actually, I don't know the acceleration numbers for my 4Runner. And I've never tested it either. If I had to guess, it would probably be around 8 seconds 0-60 and maybe high 15's in the quarter mile. That's just a guess though and it doesn't matter to me if it's actually faster or slower than that.

As long as my 4Runner isn't underpowered, the actual numbers don't mean anything to me.
 
#143 · (Edited)
LOL.....uh huh!:thumbsup: As much as you claim to research vehicles before you buya nd you NEVER ran across the published numbers? LOL

whatever
Sure, I've read road tests on the 4Runner. Do I remember the accleration numbers? Nope. I just wasn't that interested in them. I could probably dig up some old road tests if you're that interested though...

And just in case you haven't noticed yet, my "research" involves much more owner feedback then hard numbers. In other words, someone giving real world feedback about the good/bad points of a vehicle mean much more to me than 0-60 numbers published in an auto rag.
 
#149 ·
Sure, I've read road tests on the 4Runner. Do I remember the accleration numbers? Nope. I just wasn't that interested in them. I could probably dig up some old road tests if you're that interested though...

And just in case you haven't noticed yet, my "research" involves much more owner feedback then hard numbers. In other words, someone giving real world feedback about the good/bad points of a vehicle mean much more to me than 0-60 numbers published in an auto rag.
Isn't this what bmwister did (by publishing his own, real world data) and you berated him saying the auto rag numbers were higher? I'm just an ignorant wk2 owner with a hemi in FL (and I don't tow), QL, and a first year model realize - all bad moves based on your comments in many other threads. But I gotta tell you (even though you didn't ask and don't care)... I am happy as a clam. Stupid me.

You are free to research on these forums and berate anyone you want. It's the advantage of an online forum. Good luck in your search.

Bmwister - please continue your value-added input to these forums. I, personally, really appreciate it.
 
#129 ·
I wouldn't be surprised to see an 8-speed as soon as 2012 MY. I think the use of the 5-speed resulted from Chrysler's recent difficulties. Until they got their financial problems sorted out ZF probably wasn't willing to sign a supply agreement. Especially not after Chrysler stiffed Getrag with a new transmission plant halfway built.

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2011/01/chrysler-getrag-contractors-partly-paid
 
#134 ·
I've yet to note any actual published test numbers for the Hemi that are much past low to mid 7 sec range. Can it do better? If it's broken in and you have a slightly hot one, sure. But it looks like the Explorer is generally a bit better at the drag strip than the GC. Still, I've seen pictures of the Explorer's interior- it looks like a Ford. Not bad, but very uncompetitive with the GC.

Furthermore, its better mileage doesn't mean more range- the GC has about a 25 gallon tank. The Explorer, a bit over 15 gallons according to the latest Car & Driver. That's going to mean a LOT more stopping on a long trip. The WK2 should be able to get right at 500 miles on a highway trip; the V-6 should be a bit more, the V-8 a shade less. The Explorer is going to be sucking fumes well before 400 miles.

I'm sure the new Explorer is a nice vehicle, but I'm glad I have a Grand Cherokee, and my purchasing decision would not have changed.
 
#135 ·
Furthermore, its better mileage doesn't mean more range- the GC has about a 25 gallon tank. The Explorer, a bit over 15 gallons according to the latest Car & Driver. That's going to mean a LOT more stopping on a long trip. The WK2 should be able to get right at 500 miles on a highway trip; the V-6 should be a bit more, the V-8 a shade less. The Explorer is going to be sucking fumes well before 400 miles.
15 gallons C&D are way off if they posted that. Ford.com 22.5 gallon tank. The explorer will at best make 430 miles or so before empty.
 
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