2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Ford Explorer in Austin, TX
We at Nyle Maxwell CDJR Austin are proud to present you with the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Come to our dealership if you're interested in taking this midsize SUV home with you, and continue reading to see how it outmatches competitors like the 2026 Ford Explorer.
Performance
When you drive around Austin in the Grand Cherokee, you will see why drivers are excited about it. This model features a standard 3.6L V6 engine, which generates 293 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ford Explorer has a standard 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine that emits up to 300 horsepower1 and 310 lb.-ft. of torque1, but its 5,000-lb. maximum towing capacity2 leaves something to be desired. By comparison, the Jeep model has a standard 6,200-lb. maximum towing rating3, which allows you to bring even more gear with you to Mt Bonnell. Furthermore, the 2026 Grand Cherokee has standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that let you take acceleration into your own hands. Unfortunately, this is only available on higher trim levels of the 2026 Explorer.
Interior
Taking family adventures in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be both comfortable and memorable. That’s thanks to the plush amenities that it offers, such as the standard dual-zone automatic climate control feature that keeps you and your copilot at individual temperature levels. The 2026 Ford Explorer has a similar feature, and both offer voice-activated heating and cooling controls for maximum convenience. However, the Jeep Grand Cherokee takes the lead once again with its standard 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. This is significantly more comfortable than the 6-way manual chair in the Ford model. You will want to make the most of each drive down I-35 in the Grand Cherokee, thanks to its optional ventilated front-row chairs that cool you off in the heat of the summer.
Technology
One of the other key aspects of a quality car is the technology features that it offers in the cabin. Luckily, you will have all that you need within the doors of the 2026 Grand Cherokee. While this model and the Ford Explorer both have standard 6-speaker sound systems, the Jeep model has an optional 19-speaker McIntosh® alternative, while the Ford only possesses up to 10 available speakers. The Explorer also lacks the available 10-inch subwoofer that the Grand Cherokee uses to boost the base tones as you venture across the city. Not to mention, the Jeep SUV has an available front-passenger interactive touchscreen display to keep your copilot occupied. The Ford model lacks this feature, so come check out the winner at our nearby location.
Current Inventory
Crash-Test Ratings
2026 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SUV N/A 4WD
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| Front Crash Overall |
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| Front Crash Driver |
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| Front Crash Passenger |
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| Side Crash Overall |
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| Side Barrier Overall |
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| Side Barrier Driver |
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| Side Barrier Passenger |
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| Side Pole Driver |
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| Side Combined Front |
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| Side Combined Rear |
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| Rollover |
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Dealership Information
Testimonials
Isaac was absolutely wonderful to work with!
“ Isaac was absolutely wonderful to work with! From the very beginning, he gathered all of my information and had great options ready for me right away. I was very clear that I don’t enjoy spending time at dealerships and wanted to be in and out as quickly as possible—and Isaac truly made that happen. He was informative without being pushy, incredibly kind, and very easy to talk to, which made the entire experience stress-free. He respected my time, answered all of my questions clearly, and made the process smooth and efficient from start to finish. If you’re looking for someone who listens, communicates well, and genuinely wants to make the car-buying experience easy, Isaac is the person to work with. Highly recommend! ”
Warren is the best! Highly recommend
“ Warren is the best! Highly recommend ”
Overall a great experience
“ Brandon Marshall was great, overall experience was great. ”
Professional, Friendly, Awesome
“ Isaac was Professional, Friendly, Awesome ”
He listened very well and was efficient with our time
“ Robert was really great! I am so glad we had the opportunity to work with him. He listened very well and was efficient with our time. He was a great communicator and we absolutely love our vehicle. Thank you so much, Robert! ”
Had a great experience buying a vehicle at Nyle Maxwell and would definitely recommend it to my family, friends and anyone. 5 st
“ I’m not good at doing reviews but here is my experience. I called multiple dealerships in Texas and out of state. Nyle Maxwell was 1 of maybe 2 that’s didn’t have extras added to the price while other’s had $2K-$4K on extras. John S. was my sales representative. He was very professional and friendly. When I was there a customer (for a long time) brought John some fresh baked cinnamon rolls. That just says a lot when another customer says good things and I was glad that he was able to help me out. Had a great experience buying a vehicle at Nyle Maxwell and would definitely recommend it to my family, friends and anyone. 5 stars for the sales and finance department. When I get my first car service I will do an update. ”
Thank you Nyle Maxwell for making me feel secure in my decision to lease with you guys.
“ The sales team here really made the difference. I had been shopping for a new car to get out of a bad equity situation in a used car I had purchased right out of college with my aunt as a co signer. My aunt decided to join the US Military about 3 years into the note and asked me to find a way to trade it in now that my credit was more established. My quickly depreciating Ford had put me in a situation that made that almost impossible , however Brandon and Josh found a way to make it possible with the great rebates on EVs (among other amazing rebates on Mopars at Maxwell right now). I came in initially to took at one vehicle and Brandon was able to turn my head to another that made a lot more sense in my equity situation. I was able to get into a new lease with a kick ass charger that will eventually eat the remaining negative equity, all while driving a brand new car. They didn’t stop there though. After a minor issue with the new car rendering it inoperable, and no help from Stellantis (as my paperwork was too new to register benefits) Brandon and Josh found a way to bring my vehicle in and provide me with something to drive that same morning until the issue was resolved (MY CAR WAS FIXED THE NEXT DAY). They made the process so easy and even with that small mechanical hiccup these guys went ABOVE AND BEYOND to get me taken care of, and even came to me! I’ve never seen a dealer or sales team that continues to take care of you AFTER the sale. Needless to say after test driving cars with at least 4 other dealers, they were able to find a miracle deal that worked for me. Next time I will just come here first. Thank you Nyle Maxwell for making me feel secure in my decision to lease with you guys. ”
Had a really good offer for a new 2025 Rubicon from another dealership out of town.
“ Had a really good offer for a new 2025 Rubicon from another dealership out of town. Took the offer to Brent @ Nyle Maxwell and they actually beat it by just a few bucks. Whole process was great and the even waited for me to go price my trade at CarMax matching that offer as well. They were easy to work with, this is the second Jeep I've bought from them and they will very likely be my first choice when it's time to get another in the future. ”
All in all this dealership has great people and great inventory, definitely check them out. Ask for Isaac, Ray and George.
“ God led me to this dealership a few days ago and I managed to drive off in my hemi, the staff was great. My salesman Isaac was awesome, honest, direct and wasn't pushy or anything at all y'all definitely have to ask for him when you visit. The finance manager Ray was cool, upfront and surprisingly he even beat my credit union, UFCUs rates and terms got me approved for much higher limit without a down-payment, I was skeptical but man did he do it and broke everything down step by step. George the sales manager was great too, he even helped me ease through some nerves I had Making a big purchase. All in all this dealership has great people and great inventory, definitely check them out. Ask for Isaac, Ray and George. ”
I will definitely go back to Nyle Maxwell.
“ My experience at nyle maxwell 620 The GM really did a great job of working with an irate customer (me) and helped me get into the truck I needed. The service director Luis was able to assist me with making a few changes to the updated truck I purchased and was one of the best representatives of this company. His assistant Jacob was also a pleasure to work with. I will definitely go back to Nyle Maxwell. Thank you for your help, Brian Bosserman ”
1. Rating achieved using premium fuel
**2. When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.
*3. When properly equipped. Additional options, equipment, passengers and cargo weight may affect towing weights. Contact dealer for details.
“ Hi, I'm Siah, and I recently got into an accident in my Challenger Hellcat and asked ChatGPT the Best Collision Center in Austin TX and it said Nyle Maxwell Collision Center. I really want to give a big shoutout to Kim, Misty and Tammie. Immediately when I got there, you know I felt like family and they welcomed me with open arms. They told me everything was going to be okay. I had doubts, I didn't think they were going to be able to fix the vehicle. I thought it was going to be totaled but it didn't turn out that way. I'm super grateful for that . I 100% recommend Nyle Maxwell Collision Center. If you wrecked your vehicle or any damage, minor damage, major damage....100% Nyle Maxwell Collision Center!! ”