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2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2017 Ford Explorer

Side-by-side EPA, NHTSA, and recall data. Winners highlighted in green when one car clearly leads.

Quick read
  • Best EPA combined MPG goes to the 2017 Ford Explorer at 22 MPG.
  • Best highway MPG goes to the 2017 Ford Explorer at 27 MPG.
  • Top NHTSA overall safety rating (5 stars) is the 2017 Ford Explorer.
  • Best rollover safety (4 stars) is the 2017 Ford Explorer.
Vehicle comparison: EPA fuel economy, NHTSA safety, recalls
 
Car 1
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Car 2
2017 Ford Explorer

Engine & efficiency

Cylinders64
Displacement3.6L2.3L
DriveRear-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typeRegular GasolineRegular Gasoline

EPA fuel economy

City MPG1919
Highway MPG2627
Combined MPG2122
Annual fuel cost (EPA)$3200$3050
CO2 tailpipe414g/mi408g/mi

NHTSA safety ratings

Overall4/ 55/ 5
Frontal crash5/ 55/ 5
Side crash5/ 55/ 5
Rollover3/ 54/ 5
Stability controlStandardStandard

Recalls, complaints, investigations

Recalls (NHTSA)613
Complaints filed3601639
Open investigations32
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
  1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
  2. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
  3. EQUIPMENT
    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee manufactured August 8, 2016 through August 16, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket may be loose.
  4. + 3 more on file at NHTSA.
2017 Ford Explorer recalls
  1. SEATS
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
  2. SUSPENSION:REAR
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
  3. WHEELS:HUB
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
  4. + 10 more on file at NHTSA.

Sources: US DOT NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov) for safety ratings, recalls, and complaints. US EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov for engine, fuel economy, and emissions data. Both are free public datasets, updated by the federal agencies that own them.

Real listings, four marketplaces

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Real listings, four marketplaces

Shop real 2017 Ford Explorer listings

These links open a pre-filtered search on each marketplace. Compare prices and inventory in one tab each, then come back. The verdict above tells you what to ask the seller before you commit.

Outbound links may pay MotorJudge a commission via affiliate networks. Prices, availability, and dealer policies live on each marketplace. We do not control their inventory.

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