2026 Ford Explorer Vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

 
The 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee are two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the road today, and Des Moines 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 TNT Ford before visiting our dealership near Omaha, NE to experience the power and comfort of a new Explorer from behind the wheel.

2026 Ford Explorer Vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs: Performance

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

2026 Ford Explorer Vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs: Seating & Cargo Space

Cabin space is a deciding factor for many Lincoln, NE 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:

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

While the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with only two rows of seating, drivers can upgrade to the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L. However, even in the Grand Cherokee L, drivers will only get up to 84.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which falls short of the 85.8 cubic feet standard in the Ford Explorer.

Test-Drive A New Ford Explorer At TNT Ford

Ready to experience the power and comfort of the 2026 Ford Explorer for yourself? Contact TNT Ford online or by phone at 712-327-7264 to schedule a test drive at our Red Oak dealership, and our team will help you find the perfect Ford SUV for your lifestyle.