Midsize SUVs
Used Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
The Explorer offers three rows and more passenger space; the Grand Cherokee is a two-row with stronger off-road capability and a more premium feel. Both have model years with known issues, so this one especially rewards a pre-purchase inspection and a clean history report.
Model years
2011–2024
Mileage outlook
Internal water pump failures cluster around 100,000–150,000 miles on 2011–2019 V6s. A documented replacement is a strong plus on a high-mileage Explorer.
Model years
2011–2024
Mileage outlook
The 3.6 V6 and 5.7 V8 can both pass 200,000 miles with care. Air suspension and electronics age on calendar time as much as miles — a low-mile loaded trim isn't automatically safe.
Ford Explorer
The used Ford Explorer's defining problem is the 2011–2019 3.5L V6's internal water pump: it is driven by the timing chain, and when it fails coolant can mix with oil, turning a $60 part into a $2,500–$4,500 job. Verify cooling history and listen for whine; on 2020+ confirm early-build recalls were handled.
Known issues to check
- 2011–2019 3.5L V6: internal (timing-cover) water pump failure — coolant loss, overheating, or milky oil are late-stage signs
- PTU (power transfer unit) on AWD models: fluid neglect leads to whine and failure — ask about PTU service
- 2011–2017: exhaust odor in cabin complaints — confirm any TSB work
- 2020+: first-year quality issues and recalls — verify completion via VIN
What to verify
- Cooling system history and oil condition (no milkiness)
- PTU fluid service on AWD
- Recall completion via VIN
- Whine from the engine front at idle and revs
Jeep Grand Cherokee
A used Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a lot of capability per dollar, but it demands a careful inspection: air suspension failures on 2014+ loaded trims are a $1,500+ repair, 2011–2013 3.6L V6s had cylinder head failures (left bank), early TIPM electrical modules cause no-start gremlins, and the 2014–2015 shifter recall must be verified done. Buy a documented one and it's a great truck; buy blind and it's a gamble.
Known issues to check
- Quadra-Lift air suspension (2014+): compressor and strut failures — confirm it raises/lowers through all modes and holds height
- 2011–2013 3.6L: cylinder head failure on the left bank — ticking or misfire on cylinders 2/4/6; many were replaced under extended warranty
- 2011–2013 TIPM (power module): fuel pump relay and electrical gremlins — intermittent no-starts are the symptom
- 2014–2015: monostable shifter recall (rollaway risk) — verify recall completion by VIN
What to verify
- Air suspension cycles through all heights and holds overnight
- Cylinder head replacement records on 2011–2013 V6s
- All recalls completed by VIN
- 4WD system engages properly in all modes
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Ford Explorer can be a smarter buy than a neglected Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any Explorer or Grand Cherokee listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingFord Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: FAQ
Is the used Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Ford Explorer watch-items and the Jeep Grand Cherokee watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Explorer offers three rows and more passenger space; the Grand Cherokee is a two-row with stronger off-road capability and a more premium feel. Both have model years with known issues, so this one especially rewards a pre-purchase inspection and a clean history report.