2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Which is Better for Chicagoland?

Navigating Chicagoland’s diverse landscape—sprawling suburbs, bustling city streets, and scenic lakefronts—requires a vehicle equipped to keep up with your lifestyle. While the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L are top contenders in the midsize SUV segment, the Explorer consistently proves to be the more practical, capable, and enjoyable choice for drivers in the Windy City. Here’s why.

The 2025 Ford Explorer Offers Performance That Handles Chicagoland’s Demands

The 2025 Ford Explorer dominates in performance, offering power and efficiency perfectly suited for Chicagoland’s stop-and-go traffic and open highways. Its base 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine churns out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making merges onto I-94 or navigating Lake Shore Drive a breeze. Step up to the available 3.0L twin-turbo V6, and you’ll command 400 horsepower—plenty of muscle for weekend getaways to Wisconsin or powering through snowy conditions in January.

In contrast, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L feels underwhelming. Its aging 3.6L V6 produces only 293 horsepower, and with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it lacks the smoothness and responsiveness you’ll find in the Explorer’s advanced 10-speed gearbox. The difference is especially noticeable during highway cruising, where the Explorer’s refined performance shines.

Key Performance Comparison:

• Ford Explorer (Base): 300 hp, 310 lb-ft torque
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L (Base): 293 hp, 260 lb-ft torque

The Explorer's higher torque at lower RPMs makes acceleration effortless, whether you’re merging onto the Dan Ryan or navigating the twists of Sheridan Road.

Stylish Edge: 2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2025 Ford Explorer exudes modern sophistication, making it the more stylish choice for Chicagoland drivers. With its reworked exterior, the Explorer features a bold, wider stance, a larger grille, and sleek all-LED headlamps that create a commanding road presence. Trims like the ST add distinctive touches, including a gloss-black honeycomb grille, black-painted roof options, and a sporty liftgate design with LED taillamps that flow seamlessly into the rear nameplate.

In contrast, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L sticks to its traditional styling. While its seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches are unmistakably Jeep, its familiar design lacks the contemporary edge of the Explorer.

For a head-turning SUV that blends sophistication with sporty flair, the 2025 Ford Explorer takes the crown:

• Reworked exterior with a bold, wider stance
• Larger grille and sleek all-LED headlamps
• Gloss-black honeycomb grille (ST trim)
• Black-painted roof options (ST, ST-Line, Platinum trims)
• Updated liftgate with flowing LED taillamps

The 2025 Ford Explorer Boasts Tech That Keeps You Connected

In a city as dynamic as Chicago, staying connected on the go is essential. The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers with its impressive 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen—one of the largest in its class. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility allow seamless integration with your smartphone, so you can effortlessly queue up Spotify playlists or navigate to a new restaurant in River North.

Ford CoPilot360™ Assist+ takes safety and convenience to the next level, offering features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keeping Assistance to make highway drives less stressful. And with heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power driver’s seat, your commute feels a little more luxurious.

The Grand Cherokee L, while well-equipped, can’t match the Explorer’s tech-forward approach. Its standard 8.4-inch touchscreen feels dated, and wireless connectivity isn’t available at the base level. That means more cords cluttering your center console—a minor annoyance that adds up during daily drives.

Find More Room for Your Busy Chicagoland Lifestyle with the 2025 Ford Explorer

Whether you’re packing up for a Costco run in the suburbs or loading gear for a weekend escape, cargo space is a priority. The 2025 Ford Explorer leads the segment with up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the Active model. It’s thoughtfully designed with flat-folding rear seats and smart storage solutions that make it easy to maximize space.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L trails slightly, offering 84.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. While that difference might not sound significant on paper, it can mean the difference between comfortably fitting everything—or leaving something behind.

For families or active individuals, the Explorer offers more versatility to adapt to Chicagoland’s unpredictable demands, from soccer practice to spontaneous road trips.