Pittsburgh's rugged geography—including steep hills, narrow city streets, cold winters, and unpredictable weather—isn't going to let a midsize SUV slide by with comfort and cargo space. Local drivers need performance, traction, visibility, and a valuable selection of technology to traverse the Steel City confidently. And that's why the 2025 Ford Explorer goes toe-to-toe against the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the battle for SUV supremacy.
This comprehensive guide breaks down 2025 Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Which SUV Handles Pittsburgh Roads Better? by examining engine performance, all-wheel drive, size and space, technology features, family-friendly options, and a lot more—all focused on what Pittsburgh drivers care about most.
You could be commuting through the Fort Pitt Tunnels, going to Mt. Washington, or trying to navigate a snowy sidestep near Squirrel Hill. This Pittsburgh midsize SUV review has you covered for the best decision.
You can find three different engines for the Explorer:
With a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional Intelligent 4WD, the Explorer provides effective torque response and good stability when climbing hills, which can be advantageous in some areas (like Mt. Oliver or Dormont).
The Grand Cherokee offers some pretty good engine options:
While the V6 is often present in base-trimmed options, the 4xe hybrid is appealing for its increased electric range and overall torque at low RPMs. This combination is perfect for tackling steep terrain in the city or making fuel-friendly commutes through downtown.
Verdict:
In my experience road-testing SUVs in the hills of Pittsburgh, the Explorer's EcoBoost engines feel lively and peppy. Still, the Grand Cherokee 4xe feels connected while climbing hills from a stop speed with hybrid efficiency. If you seek raw power and a sportier response, go with the Explorer, but if you wish to have a more refined everyday jet with hybrid torque and capability, go with the Grand Cherokee.
The Explorer's intelligent 4WD system and terrain management features include drive modes for snow, sand, and slippery roads. Coupled with standard traction control, this provides peace of mind for driving in Pittsburgh's icy winters.
Jeep's renowned Quadra-Trac I and II and Quadra-Drive II full-time All-wheel drive systems outperform when road conditions get extreme. When combined with Selec-Terrain® drive modes, the Jeep is advantageous in deep snow areas, off-road trails, and unpredictable weather.
Verdict:
Live in a snowy, hilly neighborhood like BEECHVIEW or HIGHLAND PARK. Because of its continued adaptability, you'll be better off with the Quadra-Trac I or II IIAWD in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Therefore, the Jeep Grand Cherokee remains the only winner in Pittsburgh for the AWD SUV comparison for winter road conditions and off-road versatility.
The 2025 Explorer has a slightly longer body and wider turning radius, which can make it feel more cumbersome in tight city blocks like Bloomfield or parking lots in Oakland. However, it offers a comfortable ride with a softer suspension feel, especially in the Platinum trim.
Thanks to an adaptive air suspension (available on upper trims), the Grand Cherokee rides smoother over potholes and poorly maintained urban roads. It’s also slightly smaller, which helps with city maneuverability and navigating narrow streets in the South Side or East Liberty.
Verdict:
The Grand Cherokee handles more comfortably and is easier to park and maneuver, making it a better city navigator for navigating Pittsburgh's tight downtown corners and older neighborhoods.
The Explorer can carry up to seven passengers with three rows of seating. It is perfect for large families heading to Kennywood or school carpools in Greentree.
Key features include
The standard Grand Cherokee seats five passengers, though the Grand Cherokee L version includes a third row for up to seven passengers. Its cabin is upscale, with more premium finishes and comfort.
Key features include
Verdict:
For larger families, the Explorer offers more default seating and cargo flexibility. However, the Grand Cherokee’s cabin features edge out slightly for luxury and tech-savvy small families. For most Pittsburgh-area families, Explorer wins the practicality race.
Both vehicles are tech-forward, but their approaches vary.
| Feature | 2025 Ford Explorer | 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Screen Size | Up to 10.1” touchscreen | Up to 10.1” Uconnect 5 |
| Wireless Smartphone Integration | Standard | Standard |
| Navigation | Optional with live traffic | Optional with Alexa support |
| Rear Entertainment | Optional | Optional (Amazon Fire TV) |
| Driver Assistance Suite | Ford Co-Pilot360™ | Jeep Active Driving Assist |
Verdict:
The Explorer is more intuitive for Ford users and families with simple infotainment needs. The Grand Cherokee provides a richer tech experience and gets bonus points for backseat entertainment, which is especially useful for long drives to the Laurel Highlands.
Consider the Grand Cherokee L for three-row space, which offers dimensions comparable to the Explorer's.
Verdict:
The Explorer provides more overall cargo capacity for weekend trips to Deep Creek Lake or hauling sports gear. It's ideal for Pittsburgh families who need maximum space.
| Powertrain Option | Explorer MPG (City/Hwy) | Grand Cherokee MPG (City/Hwy) |
| Gasoline V6 | 18 / 24 | 19 / 26 |
| Hybrid | 27/28 | — |
| Plug-in Hybrid (4xe) | — | 25 / 28 + 26 miles electric |
Verdict:
For pure fuel economy, the Explorer Hybrid wins for city commuting. But if you want electric-only driving for short trips, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is the better long-term choice, especially with the growing charging infrastructure in Pittsburgh's suburbs.
| Model | Starting Price (Base) | Fully Loaded Trim |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | ~$38,000 | ~$59,000 (Platinum) |
| 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee | ~$39,500 | ~$66,000 (Summit L) |
Verdict:
The Explorer offers more utility at a lower price, mainly if you're focused on space and family features. However, the Grand Cherokee offers a more upscale feel, justifying its higher price for those seeking premium touches.
Local drivers have shared glowing (and sometimes divided) opinions:
Here’s a summary of how the 2025 Ford Explorer vs. the Jeep Grand Cherokee compare across Pittsburgh-specific needs:
| Category | Winner |
| Hill Performance | Jeep Grand Cherokee (4xe) |
| Winter Handling | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Family Friendliness | Ford Explorer |
| Cargo Space | Ford Explorer |
| City Maneuverability | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Interior Tech & Luxury | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Fuel Economy (Hybrid) | Ford Explorer |
| EV Compatibility | Jeep Grand Cherokee (4xe) |
| Value for Money | Ford Explorer |
When selecting which 2025 Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee to drive on Pittsburgh's challenging roads, both SUVs provide solid all-wheel drive (AWD) performance and family-friendly features. While the Explorer shines in technology and comfort and is great for city driving, the Grand Cherokee's rugged construction handles steep hills in wintry or windy weather like a champ.
Our review of Pittsburgh mid-size SUVs confirmed that your terrain matters—choose the Explorer for city driving or the Grand Cherokee for outdoor adventures; it's really about the route you need to take. For Pittsburgh families, spaciousness and safety are likely factors, but ultimately, it's about your preferred driving route. Try both SUVs around Pittsburgh's hilly neighborhoods to find out which fits your drive better!
This content was created by AI