The purpose and desired consumer of SUVs has transformed into something
completely different, and in some ways totally opposite, than originally
intended. When they first began to gain popularity, SUVs were primarily seen as
rugged and fun vehicles to take off the beaten path. They were for the weekend
warriors and those who already had an everyday vehicle to drive. But this has
all changed. Nowadays, these highly advanced vehicles are used as daily
drivers. Just head down any highway or through any city and you will surely
find just as many SUVs on the road as sedans or minivans. The truth is, the
modern SUV houses single drivers, as well as, large families and has become a
viable alternative to the typical daily driver. Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
has several SUV style cars on their lot, one of the most popular being the
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The market has been flooded with different types of SUVs,
but which is the best? Is there really one out there that can offer something
to every type of driver? Can an SUV really appeal to the rugged off-roader as
well as the family-vacationer? And the answer is yes. The levels of technology,
comfort, and performance have reached such a high point in certain SUVs that
they have indeed become one of the best vehicle options for people of
incredibly diverse situations. When we begin to think about high-performers
(those SUVs we see on the road more than just about any others), we must
acknowledge both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer. These two
machines seem to top the market by providing more in terms of comfort and
performance than just about any other. So now for the obvious question: which
one is better, the 2017
Jeep Grand Cherokee or the 2017 Ford Explorer?
The best way to begin the process of deciding between the
two is to start by comparing both in ways performance and comfort. These are
usually what we judge first, and a fault in either tends to make us wonder if
it’s really the one for us. At Mount
Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have taken the time to analyze them both
in great detail. This is what we have found:
Performance
In way of performance, the two SUVs are very different. Let’s
begin with the Jeep. The 2017
Grand Cherokee comes with the option to choose from an aspirated V-6 or V-8
engine. There is also the option for a turbodiesel V-6. But what’s really
impressive about the new Grand Cherokee is its 5.7-liter Hemi, which allows for
360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Not to mention the smooth and
quick response of the 8-speed automatic transmission. Needless to say, this SUV
can handle anything thrown its way.
The new Explorer, on the other hand, does not do quite as
well. Not bad, but just not up to par with the Jeep. It offers engine choices
of either an aspirated V-6 or a turbocharged 4-cylinder or V-6. It’s 2.3-liter
EcoBoost engine provides 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is
impressive among other SUVs, but not compared to the 2017 Grand Cherokee.
Another aspect of performance, besides the raw power under
the hood, to be looked at is functionality in use. And, to get right to it, the
Grand Cherokee wins again. Here’s how: the Cherokee offers two high-functioning
models. First is one comes with Trail Rated off-road hardware, which allows you
to move from smooth roads to rocky trails with ease. The second model is the
SRT, which with its 475-horsepowered, 6.4-liter V-8 engine can move from 0 to
60 in just 4.8 seconds! The SRT is a little sportier, but both models do well
on and off the road, and both models have more power than most drivers will
even know what to do with.
As for the Explorer, there simply is no high-performance
model. Because it is an SUV, and a well-made one at that, it can do some basic
off-roading. But if you are looking to make a day of hitting the trails and
puddles and mud, you might want to go with the Grand Cherokee.
Now this might not
seem like that big of a problem. So what if one SUV does better than the other
in extreme off-road conditions? How many of us even use our SUVs to do such
things? Most likely, not many of us. But here’s the thing: it’s the thought
that matters. The fact that Jeep has taken the time to create models of the
Grand Cherokee that can do well in any situation, from long family road trips
to bumpy trails with your buddies, shows that Jeep is looking to make an SUV
that works on any level, for any person. It doesn’t assume you are only going
to use it one way. The Grand Cherokee fits to you. The Explorer on the other
hand, relies on the fact that most people will use it for a family car. Ford
doesn’t even bother to make models for other types of drivers. In this case,
you must mold to the Explorer. And that cuts out an entire group of drivers,
even if that group is small.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort levels in both SUVs, things even
out a little more. But not completely. The 2017 Grand Cherokee has wide seats
throughout, which provide just a bit more cushion than what passengers are
probably used to. And this little bit more does a lot for comfort, especially
on longer drives. The same goes for the cabin itself. It’s wide, long and full
of room. You are free to stretch and lay back. It’s almost as if you are
driving your living room down the road. Soft-touch materials are spread
throughout, and if you listen as hard as you can, you might be able to hear the
engine purring from underneath the hood. It’s quiet, cool, and one of the most
pleasant rides you will get in an SUV.
The 2017 Explorer offers some pretty impressive comfort
levels as well. The seats are cushioned nicely, the interior is roomy (it’s
actually longer than the Cherokee), and it has a pleasantly smooth ride. There
are plenty of soft-touch materials inside, and the dash lighting offers a nice
aesthetic feel. The problem is, it’s just not enough to top the Jeep. The
Explorer tries, and gives a gallant effort, but it still seems as though it’s
just a step down from the Grand Cherokee.
Though these are only two important aspects to car buying,
they are two of the most important. They are usually the first two looked at,
because it doesn’t matter how inexpensive or highly valued a vehicle is, if it
doesn’t perform well and feel nice inside we are just not impressed. And that’s
why we stand by the 2017
Jeep Grand Cherokee as one of our favorite SUVs to own this year. Sure you
can get close to the Cherokee’s powerful ruggedness with the Explorer. You can
even feel some of the same aspects in terms of comfort. At the end of the day
it’s the Jeep Grand Cherokee you are wishing you had. So don’t settle. Come
visit us at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge
Jeep Ram today and step into the SUV of your dreams.
By: Andrae Bergeron
CCP Web Design
Content Writer
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