Here in Greater Detroit, Ford isn’t just a car manufacturer -- it’s a hallowed name that has been entwined with the Motor City ever since Henry Ford first set up shop in the area in the earliest days of the 20th century. Since then, the models bearing the brand’s famous Blue Oval have grown ever-more powerful, stylish, capable and impressive -- and the 2025 Ford Explorer, the latest iteration of the company’s popular SUV, is no exception.
As has been the case ever since its original release, the Explorer remains at the forefront of its class. But competitors, never quick to give up, continue to try and outdo the segment-leading Ford. Can they? To find out, we compared the Explorer to two other born-in-Detroit SUVs: the 2025 Chevy Traverse and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Our 2025 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison results are clear: the Explorer isn’t relinquishing its throne anytime soon. Learn more by reviewing the specs and tech features at our Ford dealer near Detroit today.
2025 Ford ExplorerSpecs Comparison
Let’s talk numbers. The 2025 Ford Explorer specs include one particularly impressive figure: a max 415 horsepower rating. That number outshines the Traverse, which puts out no more than 328 horsepower from its underwhelming four-cylinder. As for the Jeep Grand Cherokee? While it does offer a V8, that old-school engine can’t outperform new-school powertrain tech. The V8 Jeep offers nearly 50 horsepower less than the most powerful Explorer.
Other metrics further back up the Explorer SUV’s performance chops. Trailer Sway Control comes standard on all trims, as does a Terrain Management System. If you thought you could opt for such hardware on the Traverse, think again. The Grand Cherokee likewise struggles to match the Explorer on this front. All this to say: if you value performance, you want to buy a new Explorer in Michigan.
2025 Ford Explorer
- Standard Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4
- Max Horsepower: 400
- Max Torque (lb-ft): 415
- Trailer Sway Control: Standard
- Terrain Management System: Standard
2025 Chevy Traverse
- Standard Engine: 2.5-liter Turbo Engine
- Max Horsepower: 328
- Max Torque (lb-ft): 326
- Trailer Sway Control: N/A
- Terrain Management System: N/A
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Standard Engine: 3.6-liter V6
- Max Horsepower: 357
- Max Torque (lb-ft): 390
- Trailer Sway Control: Standard
- Terrain Management System: Available
2025 Ford ExplorerInterior Comparison
Space, safety and comfort. These are qualities that are on full display in the 2025 Explorer interior, so it's no surprise to see that Ford Co-Pilot360™ is among this SUV’s most prominent tech features. The active-safety innovations included in this bundle ensure that you and your passengers can travel in peace -- and with three rows of seating as standard, you’ll have plenty of company on your next road trip. New Grand Cherokee buyers won't be so lucky -- they'll have to step up to one of the pricier Grand Cherokee L trims to gain a third row.
Once you’ve got your crew on board, keep them comfortable with the standard tri-zone climate control system. With three control zones, it’s easier for everyone to stay comfortable regardless of what Mother Nature is up to. The base Grand Cherokee can't match the Explorer in this regard, either. Once again, every Explorer at our Ford dealership in Royal Oak proves that when it comes to smart design, no SUV does it better.
2025 Ford Explorer
- Safety Suite: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
- Third-Row Seating: Standard
- Tri-Zone Climate Control: Standard
2025 Chevy Traverse
- Safety Suite: Chevy Safety Assist
- Third-Row Seating: Standard
- Tri-Zone Climate Control: Standard
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Safety Suite: N/A
- Third-Row Seating: Available
- Tri-Zone Climate Control: N/A
2025 Ford Explorer for Sale Near Me
Whether it’s Ford vs. Chevy or Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee, automotive rivalries run deep in the Motor City. But fandom isn’t above truth, and the data speaks for itself: the 2025 Ford Explorer outperforms its Chevy and Jeep competition. If you’re ready to buy an Explorer near Detroit, contact Royal Oak Ford today.