Tuscaloosa Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
The 2027 Jeep Grand Wagoneer tows up to 10,000 lbs, doubling the Ford Explorer's 5,000-lb maximum. The Grand Wagoneer also adds one full row of seating and 11.6 cu ft more cargo behind the third row. This page breaks down every major difference so you can find the right vehicle at Tuscaloosa CDJR.
The 2027 Grand Wagoneer is the right choice for buyers who need genuine towing strength, three rows for up to eight passengers, and a cabin stacked with premium content from the base trim up. The 2027 Ford Explorer suits buyers who prioritize a lighter, more fuel-efficient crossover for daily family driving and want a lower entry point on the trim ladder. Both vehicles carry identical 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties, so the decision comes down to scale and capability.
2027 Grand Wagoneer trims and features
| Spec | 2027 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | 2027 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 (Hurricane) | 2.3L Turbo I-4 (standard) |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 468 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| EPA City MPG | 17 | 20 |
| EPA Hwy MPG | 24 | 27 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 19 | 24 |
| Max Towing | 10,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 10.0 in | 7.6 in |
| Length | 216.1 in | 198.7 in |
| Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 7 |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 27.9 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 116.7 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
EPA fuel economy ratings for both vehicles
The Grand Wagoneer's 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-6 produces 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic. Those numbers translate to a class-leading 10,000-lb maximum towing capacity on properly equipped Upland trims and above. The 4WD system includes the Selec-Terrain traction management system on 4WD trims, and the Upland trim adds a 2-speed transfer case, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and skid plates for genuine off-road work.
The Explorer's standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder puts out 300 hp and 310 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic. A 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 is available on the Tremor and Platinum trims and is standard on the ST. Maximum towing for the Explorer tops out at 5,000 lbs. The Explorer does post better EPA numbers, rated at 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined versus 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined for the Grand Wagoneer, making it the more fuel-efficient choice for high-mileage commuters.
Size is the Grand Wagoneer's most decisive advantage. At 216.1 inches long, it carries up to eight passengers across three rows and provides 27.9 cu ft of cargo behind the third row. Fold everything down and total cargo reaches 116.7 cu ft. Second-row legroom measures 42.7 inches, and third-row legroom comes in at 36.6 inches. Standard interior content starts with heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The Explorer measures 198.7 inches in length and seats up to seven passengers. Cargo behind the third row is 16.3 cu ft, and maximum cargo is 85.8 cu ft. Second-row legroom is 37.5 inches, and the third row provides 31.8 inches. Both figures fall short of the Grand Wagoneer's numbers in every cargo and legroom category. The Explorer does provide three-zone automatic climate control standard, which matches the Grand Wagoneer's base climate setup.
Both SUVs bring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and standard adaptive cruise control. The Grand Wagoneer pairs a 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with integrated navigation, a 9-speaker Alpine audio system at base (with available 19-speaker and 23-speaker McIntosh systems on upper trims), standard three-zone climate, drowsy driver detection, and available dual 10.1-inch rear entertainment screens with Amazon Fire TV Built-In. Head-up display and digital smartphone key capability come on Overland and above trims.
The Explorer runs a 13.2-inch center touchscreen with Google Built-In navigation and Google Assistant voice control standard. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist is available on ST-Line and above trims. A B&O Sound System by Bang and Olufsen (10-speaker or 14-speaker 980-watt upgrade) is available. Surround-view camera is standard on ST-Line and above. Both vehicles include forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and standard parking sensors or camera systems.
The Grand Wagoneer adds front cross-traffic warning with automatic braking, a pedestrian detection system with auto brake, and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking as standard equipment. The Explorer's Co-Pilot360 suite and BlueCruise capability give it a hands-free highway driving option the Grand Wagoneer does not match.
Both vehicles carry identical warranty coverage: 3 years/36,000 miles basic and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain. The Grand Wagoneer enters with a well-equipped base configuration that includes heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, three-zone climate control, standard navigation, remote start, and the full suite of safety features outlined above. Buyers stepping up to Overland and above trims gain the McIntosh audio system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, head-up display, and 360-degree surround view camera as standard content.
The Explorer's base Active trim enters the segment at a lower point on the trim ladder with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and Co-Pilot360. Fuel costs favor the Explorer substantially due to its 24-combined EPA rating versus 19 combined for the Grand Wagoneer. For high-mileage drivers, that difference adds up over time. Owners who need to tow boats, trailers, or campers will find the Explorer's 5,000-lb limit a hard ceiling the Grand Wagoneer's 10,000-lb rating removes entirely.
Tuscaloosa CDJR carries the 2027 Grand Wagoneer across the full trim lineup, from the well-equipped base Grand Wagoneer through the Summit Reserve. Shoppers in Tuscaloosa can view current inventory, compare trims side-by-side, and schedule a test drive to feel the Hurricane I-6's 468 lb-ft of torque firsthand. If towing capacity, third-row legroom, and available McIntosh audio matter to your buying decision, the Grand Wagoneer is the vehicle this comparison points toward.
Yes. The 2027 Grand Wagoneer tows up to 10,000 lbs on properly equipped trims, while the 2027 Ford Explorer tops out at 5,000 lbs. That is a 5,000-lb difference.
The 2027 Grand Wagoneer. It offers 27.9 cu ft behind the third row and 116.7 cu ft of maximum cargo volume. The Explorer provides 16.3 cu ft behind the third row and 85.8 cu ft maximum.
The 2027 Ford Explorer. It is EPA-rated at 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined with the standard 2.3L engine. The 2027 Grand Wagoneer is rated at 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined.
Yes. The Grand Wagoneer's Hurricane twin-turbo inline-6 produces 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer's standard 2.3L four-cylinder produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft.
The 2027 Grand Wagoneer seats up to 8. The 2027 Ford Explorer seats up to 7.
Yes. Both the 2027 Grand Wagoneer and 2027 Ford Explorer carry a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2027 Grand Wagoneer trim.
Tuscaloosa CDJR carries new Grand Wagoneer inventory. Browse inventory online to find available trims or schedule a test drive.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. All vehicles that are registered in another state other than Alabama will be accessed a $275 fee to properly handle that state's DMV paperwork.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.