The short answer
The Ford Explorer gets better gas mileage than the Jeep Grand Cherokee at base. The Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost RWD is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined versus the Grand Cherokee's 22 — a 2 mpg edge worth about $200 a year. The gap disappears with the Explorer's optional V6, which matches the Jeep at 21 mpg.
How do the Grand Cherokee and Explorer compare across engine and trim options?
The Ford Explorer. The base 2025 Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost RWD is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway), versus 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway) for the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 3.6L V6 — a 2 mpg advantage. The Explorer's smaller turbo four-cylinder and standard rear-wheel drive do the work here.
| 2025 model (engine, drivetrain) | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 2.3L RWD | 20 | 29 | 24 mpg |
| Ford Explorer 2.3L AWD | 20 | 27 | 23 mpg |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 2WD | 19 | 26 | 22 mpg |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 4WD | 19 | 26 | 22 mpg |
The Explorer is unusual in its class for being rear-wheel drive as standard, which helps its base mileage. Neither SUV is offered with a diesel for 2025. EPA estimates come from fueleconomy.gov for the 2025 Explorer and the 2025 Grand Cherokee. For the bigger ownership picture, see our guide to the annual cost of car ownership.
How does the Grand Cherokee L's fuel economy compare to the Explorer?
The Explorer still wins. The three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway in 2WD), versus 24 mpg for the base Explorer 2.3L — a 3 mpg gap. The stretched L body and extra weight cost it about 1 mpg compared with the standard two-row Grand Cherokee's 22 mpg.
| 2025 Grand Cherokee variant | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD (two-row) | 19 | 26 | 22 mpg |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD (two-row) | 19 | 26 | 22 mpg |
| Grand Cherokee L 2WD (three-row) | 19 | 26 | 21 mpg |
| Grand Cherokee L 4WD (three-row) | 18 | 25 | 21 mpg |
If you need three rows, the Explorer comes standard with seven seats and still rates 24 mpg in base form — so it's both roomier per dollar of fuel and more efficient than the L. Grand Cherokee L ratings are listed on the Jeep's fueleconomy.gov page.
Does the Explorer's four-cylinder get significantly better MPG than the Grand Cherokee's V6?
Yes, but only the base engine. The Explorer's 2.3L turbo four-cylinder rates 24 mpg combined versus 22 for the Grand Cherokee's 3.6L V6 — a 2 mpg edge. Step up to the Explorer's optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST trims) and it drops to 21 mpg combined, actually falling behind the Jeep's V6.
- Explorer 2.3L turbo I4 (RWD): 24 mpg combined — the efficiency pick, and the only trim that beats the Jeep.
- Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST): 21 mpg combined — more power, but 1 mpg below the Grand Cherokee V6.
- Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6: 22 mpg combined in 2WD and 4WD — consistent regardless of drivetrain.
So the Explorer's mileage advantage is an entry-engine story: pick the turbo four and you save fuel, but choose the performance V6 and the Jeep is the more efficient of the two. Engine ratings are pulled from fueleconomy.gov.
How much more do you spend on gas with a Grand Cherokee vs an Explorer per year?
About $198 a year. At 15,000 miles a year and $3.50 a gallon, the 22-mpg Grand Cherokee costs roughly $2,386 in fuel, versus about $2,188 for the 24-mpg base Explorer 2.3L. Choose the Explorer's 3.0L V6 and its $2,500 cost edges past the Jeep — the matchup flips with the bigger engine.
| Model (combined mpg) | Gallons / yr | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L RWD (24) | ~625 | ~$2,188 |
| Explorer 2.3L AWD (23) | ~652 | ~$2,283 |
| Grand Cherokee V6 (22) | ~682 | ~$2,386 |
| Grand Cherokee L (21) | ~714 | ~$2,500 |
| Explorer 3.0L V6 (21) | ~714 | ~$2,500 |
These are estimates, not promises — your bill depends on gas prices, mileage, and how you drive. National average gas prices are tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. To squeeze more from each tank, see our tips on improving your gas mileage.
Is the Grand Cherokee 4xe worth considering if fuel economy matters?
Possibly, for short commutes. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid is EPA-rated around 56 MPGe with roughly 25 miles of electric range, so many daily trips can run on battery alone before the gas V6 engages. It's a separate, pricier model and isn't part of this gas-engine comparison.
The 4xe makes sense if you can charge at home and your daily driving fits inside that ~25-mile electric window — you'd burn little or no gas most days. Beyond that range it reverts to a heavier, thirstier gas SUV, so the payoff depends on your routine and charging access. Ford does not offer a plug-in Explorer for 2025. For when a plug-in or hybrid pays back its premium, see whether a hybrid is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Which gets better gas mileage, the Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer. The base 2025 Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost RWD is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined versus 22 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 3.6L V6 — a 2 mpg edge. The advantage comes from the Explorer's smaller turbo four-cylinder and standard rear-wheel drive.
How does the Grand Cherokee L's fuel economy compare to the Explorer?
The Explorer still wins. The three-row Grand Cherokee L is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined (19/26 in 2WD), versus 24 for the base Explorer 2.3L — a 3 mpg gap. The stretched L body and extra weight cost it about 1 mpg versus the standard two-row Grand Cherokee.
Does the Explorer's four-cylinder get significantly better MPG than the Grand Cherokee's V6?
Yes, by 2 mpg. The Explorer's 2.3L turbo four-cylinder rates 24 mpg combined (20/29 RWD) versus 22 for the Grand Cherokee's 3.6L V6 (19/26). But the Explorer's optional 3.0L V6 drops to 21 mpg, erasing the advantage against the Jeep.
How much more does a Grand Cherokee cost in gas than an Explorer per year?
About $198 a year. At 15,000 miles and $3.50 a gallon, the 22-mpg Grand Cherokee costs roughly $2,386 in fuel versus about $2,188 for the 24-mpg base Explorer 2.3L. Both use regular gas, and the gap narrows once you option the Explorer's V6.
What is the Jeep Grand Cherokee's MPG?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L V6 is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway, for 22 mpg combined in both 2WD and 4WD. The three-row Grand Cherokee L drops to 21 mpg combined due to its longer body and added weight.
What is the Ford Explorer's MPG?
The 2025 Ford Explorer with the base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway, for 24 mpg combined in RWD. Adding AWD trims it to 23 mpg, and the optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6 drops it to 21 mpg combined.
Is the Grand Cherokee 4xe worth considering if fuel economy matters?
Possibly, for short commutes. The Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid is EPA-rated around 56 MPGe with roughly 25 miles of electric range, letting many daily trips run on battery alone. It's a separate, pricier model and not part of this gas-engine comparison.
Sources
CarsLens is editorial guidance, not individualized advice. This comparison draws on EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus national gas prices from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Fuel-cost figures are estimates at a stated price and mileage.