Ford Explorer Sport vs Jeep Cherokee
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2027 Jeep Cherokee
Overview
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep CherokeeBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | XLS | Base |
| 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 | 2027 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep CherokeeBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $21,870 (best) | $35,130 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $16,244 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $36,935 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $40,875 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 18 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Jeep CherokeeBase |
|---|---|---|
| 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 CherokeeBase |
|---|---|---|
| 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 CherokeeBase |
|---|---|---|
| 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 CherokeeBase |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover | 2 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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) | Base $35,130 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | XLS $22,545 MSRP | Laredo $38,130 MSRP |
| 3 | XLS $24,890 MSRP | Limited $40,130 MSRP |
| 4 | XLS $25,565 MSRP | Limited Altitude $40,725 MSRP |
| 5 | XLT $23,835 MSRP | Trailhawk $42,630 MSRP |
| 6 | XLT $26,915 MSRP | Overland $43,130 MSRP |
| 7 | XLT Premium $25,595 MSRP | — |
| 8 | XLT Premium $28,760 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Jeep Cherokee18 for sale
See all
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
Limited 4x4
Red Hot Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint•Global Black Interior Color1 mi$37,295MSRP $42,715Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
Laredo 4x4
Bright White Clear-Coat Exterior Paint•Global Black Interior Color1 mi$35,490MSRP $40,715Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
Laredo 4x4
Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint•Black / Arctic Interior Colors1 mi$35,995MSRP $41,310Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
Limited 4x4
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint•Global Black Interior Color1 mi$37,875MSRP $43,310Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
Limited 4x4
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint•Black / Arctic Interior Colors1 mi$37,875MSRP $43,310Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
New2026 Jeep Cherokee
85th Anniversary 4x4
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint•Global Black Interior Color1 mi$40,875MSRP $46,605Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Greenville, SC
Ford Explorer Sport vs Jeep Cherokee FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2027 Jeep Cherokee?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Explorer Sport vs 2027 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 2027 Jeep Cherokee?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport starts lower at $21,870. Live Jeep Cherokee listings start at $16,244.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2027 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (21,870).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2027 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2027 Jeep Cherokee leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (37).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2027 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on horsepower in this comparison (203).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2027 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2027 Jeep Cherokee leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2027 Jeep Cherokee?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,140).