Vehicle comparison
Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
Side-by-side fuel and ownership cost comparison. Estimates use 12,000 mi/year at average US gas prices.
- Updated for 2026
- EPA-style MPG
- US avg fuel prices
- US units
- Transparent assumptions
Lowest running cost
Ford Explorer wins on fuel cost
At 12,000 miles per year, the Ford Explorer costs about $1725 per year, roughly $157 less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Over 5 years, that's about $784 in fuel savings.
Spec & cost comparison
MPG/MPGe figures are estimates based on typical recent model years.
| Spec | Ford Explorer | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Type | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | Regular gas | Regular gas |
| City MPG/MPGe | 21 | 19 |
| Highway MPG/MPGe | 28 | 26 |
| Combined MPG/MPGe | 24 | 22 |
| Tank / Battery | 17.9 gal | 24.6 gal |
| Energy cost | $3.45/gal | $3.45/gal |
| Cost per mile | $0.144 | $0.157 |
Annual cost at 8k / 12k / 15k miles
Estimated yearly fuel spend at common US mileage levels.
| Miles/year | Ford Explorer | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | $1150/yr · $96/mo | $1255/yr · $105/mo | $105 (Ford Explorer) |
| 12,000 | $1725/yr · $144/mo | $1882/yr · $157/mo | $157 (Ford Explorer) |
| 15,000 | $2156/yr · $180/mo | $2352/yr · $196/mo | $196 (Ford Explorer) |
Estimates only. Real costs depend on driving style, terrain, local gas/electricity prices and weather.
Which one is best for…
Best for commuting
Ford Explorer
Highest combined MPG/MPGe and lowest cost per mile means cheaper daily driving.
See Ford ExplorerBest for road trips
Ford Explorer
Better highway efficiency, larger tank/battery and longer range between stops.
See Ford ExplorerBest for families
Ford Explorer
SUVs, minivans and three-row vehicles win on space and child-seat flexibility.
See Ford ExplorerBest for lowest running cost
Ford Explorer
Cheaper energy use and lower cost per mile at every common mileage tier.
See Ford ExplorerHow we compare these vehicles
- Annual mileage
- Modeled at 12,000 mi/yr unless a scenario specifies otherwise.
- Cost per mile
- $/gal ÷ MPG, or $/kWh ÷ (MPGe ÷ 33.7) for EVs.
- EV vs gas
- Compared at average US gas and residential electricity prices — fast-charging can be 2–3× higher.
- Maintenance
- Fuel cost only — EVs typically save another $400–$1,000/yr in service and brake wear.
Sources & assumptions
- EPA fuel economy data — City / highway / combined MPG and MPGe baselines.
- U.S. Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov) — Vehicle efficiency and EV range references.
- AAA gas price trends — Recent national and regional retail fuel averages.
- EIA electricity rates — Average residential per-kWh prices used for EV charging.
We summarize publicly available data — no scraping, no external API calls. Figures are calibrated periodically; use the calculators above for your exact inputs.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to drive, the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee?
At 12,000 miles per year, the Ford Explorer costs about $1725 per year vs $1882 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee — roughly $157 less per year.
What's the MPG difference between the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Ford Explorer is rated around 24 combined MPG versus 22 MPG for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Highway figures are 28 vs 26.
How much will I spend on fuel over 5 years?
Driving 12,000 miles a year for five years, expect about $8625 for the Ford Explorer and $9409 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a difference of roughly $784.
Is the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee better for commuting?
For pure cost per mile, the Ford Explorer wins. EVs charged at home typically deliver the lowest commuting cost, followed by hybrids and efficient compacts.
Which one is better for road trips?
Ford Explorer is generally the better road-trip choice — gas and hybrid vehicles win on long highway routes thanks to faster refueling, while EVs work best when charging stops fit your route.
Are these fuel cost numbers accurate for my driving?
They're estimates based on EPA-style combined MPG and average US gas prices. Real-world cost depends on local fuel prices, driving style, terrain, weather and how much city vs highway driving you do.