2012 Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Ford Explorer

My wife has a 2011 Sonata but really wants to get back into an SUV.

I'm with her, because it's a pain in the butt if we have to move/haul anything bigger than a couple of suitcases. My Genesis Coupe is even worse.

So we are looking at the Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer. My observations:

1. Motor Trend seems to downright hate the Explorer from the cramped interior, myTouch being all messed up to the crappy ride and handling, etc. But they seem to like the Grand Cherokee quite a bit.

2. Other publications aren't as vocally critical of the Explorer.

3. My brother bought a Grand Cherokee a few months ago but it's been in the shop a lot. We spent the Thanksgiving weekend in the Smoky mountains in a cabin. His car was in the shop, but he got a rental Grand Cherokee. The roads were pretty rough to and from the cabin so I had some fun with it.

It's not a bad car at all, but his car being in the shop so much scares me off.

So what's AZ's take on this? We will probably go test drive and kick the tires next weekend but I wanted to hear your opinions. Thanks.

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Between the 2 I'd opt for the Jeep but you should also check out the Dodge Durango as well.

Don't know enough about either. But the new Durango is nice.

Every time I read anything about the new Explorer, it's bad. I would say avoid it, hyung.

The new GC looks and performs awesome!

I have seen a lot o he new jeeps on the road but the durango looks pretty bad ass

I know people that have both, and there doesn't seem to be any harsh complaints with either one. The two that have the Jeep have been a little concerned because they've been been in the shop more than they should be (driveline, quality of materials and assembly), but are hopeful this isn't representative of the product.

The only complaint of the three I've heard that have the Explorers is that it is somewhat cramped for large individuals. As far as I know, none have had the quality issues of the Jeep.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either, but each take a different approach. The Jeep is more off-road ready than the Ford, with the Explorer being designed more for urban adventures.

+1 for the Jeep.

Really enjoyed test driving the Jeep when i was considering one.

From what I hear, stay away from the ones with the air suspension.

Motor Trend likes whoever pays them more to like it....

I don't like jeeps. Never have. The only jeep I'd get though would be the SRT8.

Look into the 4 runner.

I'd take the GC any day. It looks better and drives nicer, in my opinion. Plus I had to deal with that MyTouch system in a used Explorer we took in on trade and that system is INFURIATING. I had to mash the 'buttons' numerous times just to get it to do what I wanted and there was no resorting to the voice commands. I have a buddy who works for a Ford/Hyundai dealer and he hates that system, too. It's clear to both of us that it was rushed into production and the buggy operation is a result of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS



Motor Trend likes whoever pays them more to like it....

I don't like jeeps. Never have. The only jeep I'd get though would be the SRT8.

Look into the 4 runner.



It's the same for all other magazines.

If you're looking at something the size of the Jeep, why not look at the new Edge?

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliemike



If you're looking at something the size of the Jeep, why not look at the new Edge?

My wife mentioned that, but I thought the Edge is largely the same as the one in 2007, despite the updates for 2011. That's a 5-year-old platform and I'm not sure how I feel about that. It's an outgoing model.

Or am I wrong in my perception of the updates for 2011? I know the engine choices were updated and the interior was redone.

^+1

but if these were the only choices, then i'd go with the explorer. i'm just not convinced yet that chrysler has improved their reliability.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS



Motor Trend likes whoever pays them more to like it....

I don't like jeeps. Never have. The only jeep I'd get though would be the SRT8.

Look into the 4 runner.

Well, yeah. Haha.

But man, they really don't like it. I've been a subscriber for like 10+ years, and I'm not sure if I can recall another review that was as negative as the one for the 2011 Explorer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Acura



Really enjoyed test driving the Jeep when i was considering one.

From what I hear, stay away from the ones with the air suspension.

We would probably go with the Limited. Good old metal suspension.

I've never been a believer in air suspensions in terms of durability. I see way too many older Lincolns, Range Rovers and what-have-you that are slumped forward or backward because the air suspension has pooped out. That also means $$$.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teranfon



I know people that have both, and there doesn't seem to be any harsh complaints with either one. The two that have the Jeep have been a little concerned because they've been been in the shop more than they should be (driveline, quality of materials and assembly), but are hopeful this isn't representative of the product.

The only complaint of the three I've heard that have the Explorers is that it is somewhat cramped for large individuals. As far as I know, none have had the quality issues of the Jeep.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either, but each take a different approach. The Jeep is more off-road ready than the Ford, with the Explorer being designed more for urban adventures.

LOL, that's two people that you know with the Jeep who are having problems, and one person I know with the Jeep also having trouble.

That's 0 for 3.

Not good so far.

+1 on the 4Runner

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline



My wife mentioned that, but I thought the Edge is largely the same as the one in 2007, despite the updates for 2011.

Ford Flex. It's a pretty cool looking car, akin to a station wagon, with lots of interior room and not burdened with the jacked-up chassis of an SUV.

FWIW, I'd rather drive a minivan than an SUV, except on trails where 4WD would be helpful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyasiantl



+1 on the 4Runner

Yep...I have an 96 and an 06. Best suv's for the money.

We like our Highlander