Ford Explorer Sport vs Jeep Cherokee
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Jeep Cherokee
Overview
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep Cherokee4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | XLS | 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | hybrid |
| Model year | 2003 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep Cherokee4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $21,870 (best) | $35,000 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $6,997 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $34,998 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $48,100 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 198 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep Cherokee4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG | 37 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 15 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 20 MPG | 35 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.8 gal (best) | 13.7 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep Cherokee4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 203 hp (best) | 177 hp |
| Torque | 237 lb-ft (best) | 221 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 4 L (best) | 1.6 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep Cherokee4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 71 cu ft (best) | 68.3 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 5,140 lbs (best) | 3,500 lbs |
| Payload | 600 lbs | 850 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,769 lbs (best) | 4,295 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 101.8 in | 113 in (best) |
| Length | 180.4 in | 188.1 in (best) |
| Width | 70.2 in | 74.7 in (best) |
| Height | 68.2 in (best) | 67.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep Cherokee4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover | 2 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 2 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Explorer Sport | Jeep Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | XLS $21,870 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid CVT) $35,000 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | XLS $22,545 MSRP | Laredo $38,000 MSRP |
| 3 | XLS $24,890 MSRP | Limited $40,000 MSRP |
| 4 | XLS $25,565 MSRP | Limited Altitude $40,595 MSRP |
| 5 | XLT $23,835 MSRP | 85th Anniversary Edition $40,905 MSRP |
| 6 | XLT $26,915 MSRP | Overland $43,000 MSRP |
| 7 | XLT Premium $25,595 MSRP | — |
| 8 | XLT Premium $28,760 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Jeep Cherokee198 for sale
See all
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
Overland 4x4
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint•Global Black1 mi$44,175MSRP $47,805Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
Used2016 Jeep Cherokee
Limited
Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat•LTHR TRIM BUCKET116,031 mi$12,032Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
Used2021 Jeep Cherokee
Altitude
Spitfire Orange Clear Coat•Black73,101 mi$18,086Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
85th Anniversary 4x4
Bright White Clearcoat•Global Black w/Soul Cloth1 mi$40,195MSRP $43,620Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
Laredo 4x4
Hydro Blue Pearlcoat•Arctic/Black w/Soul Cloth1 mi$37,995MSRP $41,310Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
85th Anniversary 4x4
Diamond Black Crystal Pearlcoat•Global Black w/Soul Cloth1 mi$40,690MSRP $44,215Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
Ford Explorer Sport vs Jeep Cherokee FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Explorer Sport vs 2026 Jeep Cherokee on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport starts lower at $21,870. Live Jeep Cherokee listings start at $6,997.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (21,870).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2026 Jeep Cherokee leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (37).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on horsepower in this comparison (203).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2026 Jeep Cherokee leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,140).