2017 Toyota 4Runner, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2017 Ford Explorer Comparison - Which Should You Buy?
Detailed comparison of 2017 Toyota 4Runner, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2017 Ford Explorer. Compare specs, reliability, features, and value to find the best choice for your needs.
Specifications Comparison
| Spec | 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2017 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 295 hp | 290 hp |
| MPG (City) | 17 | 19 | 17 |
| MPG (Highway) | 21 | 26 | 24 |
| MSRP (New) | $33,970 | $30,395 | $31,990 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,550 lbs | 1,260 lbs | 1,510 lbs |
Overview
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2017 Ford Explorer are frequently cross-shopped because they sit in the same midsize SUV price band and can be configured for family duty, light towing, and year-round weather capability. The 4Runner tends to attract buyers who prioritize durability, body-on-frame toughness, and strong resale value over fuel economy and on-road refinement. The Grand Cherokee is a common pick for shoppers who want a more premium feel and strong powertrain choices (including V8), while still offering legitimate 4WD systems. The Explorer is often the default family choice thanks to available three-row seating, easy road manners, and strong turbocharged V6 performance in Sport trims. Key decision factors usually come down to seating needs (2-row vs 3-row), off-road capability, ride/handling comfort, powertrain preference, and long-term ownership costs. HEAD-TO-
Performance Comparison
The 2017 4Runner drives like a traditional truck-based SUV: stable and confident at speed but with more body motion, slower steering response, and a less polished ride on broken pavement compared with the unibody competitors. Its 270-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic are durable but dated, and real-world acceleration is merely adequate; 0–60 mph is commonly in the mid-to-high 7-second range (often around 7.5–8.0 seconds depending on conditions and trim). The 2017 Grand Cherokee feels the most “premium” from behind the wheel in most trims, with better steering weight and a more controlled ride, especially when equipped with air suspension. The 3.6L V6 is competitive for daily driving, with many tests landing around 7.3–7.8 seconds 0–60. Step up to the 5.7L HEMI V8 and it becomes notably quicker (commonly about 6.5–7.0 seconds 0–60), plus it provides stronger passing power and a more satisfying tow-capable feel. The SRT is in a different performance category (typically low 4-second 0–60 times) with big brakes and far sharper handling, but it sacrifices some ride comfort and operating costs rise significantly. The 2017 Explorer is tuned primarily for road comfort and family use. In base 3.5L V6 form it’s comparable to the V6 Grand Cherokee for straight-line speed, often around 7.5–8.0 seconds 0–60. The 2.3L EcoBoost delivers strong midrange torque and typically matches or slightly improves on the base V6 while returning better fuel economy, making it one of the best-balanced Explorer powertrains. The Explorer Sport/Platinum with the 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost is the surprise performance pick for many shoppers: 0–60 mph is commonly in the mid-5-second range (about 5.3–5.7 seconds), with strong highway acceleration, though it can feel less precise than the Grand Cherokee SRT when pushed hard.
Reliability & Common Issues
2017 Toyota 4Runner (common issues) - Brake/rotor wear and brake pulsation complaints can show up earlier than expected on some vehicles, especially with frequent towing or mountain driving (often noticed around 30,000–60,000 miles). - Suspension wear items (front shocks/struts, sway bar links, bushings) can start to clunk with age and mileage, particularly on rough-road use (commonly 70,000+ miles). - Occasional interior rattles and infotainment/USB connectivity glitches; more annoyance than failure, but it’s a recurring owner complaint. 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee (common issues) - Air suspension (Quadra-Lift) problems on equipped models: compressor failure, leaks, or height sensor issues leading to sagging or warning lights, more common as miles climb (often 60,000–100,000 miles). - Electrical/electronics faults: Uconnect screen issues, intermittent camera/sensor faults, and “service” warnings that can be difficult to diagnose; can appear at various mileages. - 8-speed transmission behavior complaints (harsh shifts or hesitation) on some vehicles; sometimes improved with software updates, but persistent cases occur. 2017 Ford Explorer (common issues) - Water pump failure risk on the 3.5L V6 (and related coolant leaks). Because it’s internally mounted, failure can be expensive and can lead to overheating if not caught early; failures often reported in the 70,000–120,000 mile range. - PTU (power transfer unit) and AWD system fluid overheating/maintenance neglect can lead to failures on some AWD models, particularly with heavy loads or infrequent fluid service (commonly 60,000–120,000 miles). - Turbo-related maintenance sensitivity on EcoBoost models (spark plugs, coils, carbon buildup patterns vary by use); not universal, but costs can rise if maintenance is deferred.
Interior & Features
The 4Runner’s interior is functional and rugged, with straightforward controls and good outward visibility, but it feels older in design and materials compared with the other two. It’s a two-row SUV with a usable second row and optional third row on some trims, though the third row is tight and best for kids. Cargo space is strong for camping and gear, with roughly 47 cubic feet behind the second row and around 89 cubic feet with seats folded (varies slightly by configuration). Tech is adequate for 2017, but it’s not the leader in screen responsiveness or advanced driver assistance compared with newer designs. The Grand Cherokee offers the most upscale cabin options in this group, especially in Limited/Overland/Summit trims with nicer leather, stronger sound insulation, and a generally more premium dashboard design. It’s a two-row SUV, so it prioritizes rear-seat comfort and cargo depth rather than maximum seating. Cargo room is competitive at about 36 cubic feet behind the rear seats and about 68 cubic feet max. Uconnect is generally considered one of the better infotainment systems of the era, and the Grand Cherokee’s feature availability (ventilated seats, high-end audio, air suspension, advanced 4WD systems) is a major draw. The Explorer is the most family-oriented layout thanks to standard three-row seating on most trims. It’s typically the easiest to live with when you regularly need to carry 5–7 people, and second-row access to the third row is more practical than in a 4Runner with the optional third row. Cargo space is a strong point: roughly 21 cubic feet behind the third row, about 43 behind the second, and around 81 max (varies by seat type). Interior quality is decent, but some materials and switchgear feel less premium than a comparable Grand Cherokee; its advantage is space, storage, and road-trip comfort.
Value & Cost of Ownership
New pricing overlapped heavily in 2017, but real-world ownership costs diverge. The 4Runner’s fuel economy is the weakest (17/21 mpg), yet it often offsets that with strong resale value and generally lower surprise repair frequency. Used prices tend to remain high for the 4Runner even at 7–10 years old, so you may pay more up front on the used market but often lose less at resale. The Grand Cherokee can be a strong used buy because depreciation is typically steeper than the 4Runner, meaning you may get more features for the money. However, operating costs can swing widely: V8 models and air-suspension-equipped trims can carry higher maintenance and repair risk as they age, and insurance can be higher on SRT and higher-output trims. The EcoDiesel can offer excellent highway economy, but emissions-related components and diesel-specific maintenance can increase long-term complexity. The Explorer usually offers good value for families because the three-row packaging is hard to match dollar-for-dollar, and used prices are often reasonable versus a similar-year 4Runner. Insurance is typically moderate, but AWD/PTU upkeep and the 3.5L V6 water pump risk can materially affect long-term costs if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles. Resale value is generally good but not as strong as the 4Runner’s, especially in lower trims.
The Verdict
Best for families: 2017 Ford Explorer. If you routinely need a usable third row and want strong cargo flexibility (about 21 cu ft behind the third row and around 81 cu ft max), the Explorer is the most practical choice, and the 2.3L EcoBoost is a smart balance of torque and efficiency. Best for commuters: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 (2WD if you don’t need 4WD). With up to about 19/26 mpg on the V6, an 8-speed that keeps revs low on the highway, and a quieter, more refined ride than the 4Runner, it’s the easiest daily driver here. If you can find a well-maintained EcoDiesel, it can be an even better highway commuter on fuel economy, with added complexity. Best for enthusiasts: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT for outright performance (475 hp and typically low-4-second 0–60), or 2017 Ford Explorer Sport for a quicker, more family-friendly sleeper (365 hp and mid-5-second 0–60) with three rows. The 4Runner is the enthusiast pick only if the enthusiasm is for trails, overlanding, and long-term ruggedness rather than speed. Best value overall: 2017 Toyota 4Runner for long-term ownership and resale stability, especially if you keep vehicles a long time and want fewer headaches. If your “value” definition is maximum features for the money on the used market and you’re comfortable budgeting for potential repairs, a carefully vetted 2017 Grand Cherokee V6 can be a strong second-place value buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more reliable, 2017 Toyota 4Runner or 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Both vehicles have their strengths. Check our detailed reliability section above for specific issues to watch for in each model.
Which has better resale value?
Resale value depends on condition, mileage, and market demand. Generally, 2017 Toyota 4Runner tends to hold value well.
Which is better for towing?
Neither vehicle is designed primarily for towing. Check manufacturer specs for light towing capabilities.
Get Your Complete Owner's Guide
Create a personalized guidebook for any of these vehicles with detailed maintenance schedules, specs, and more.
Create Your GuidebookRelated Comparisons
2018 Toyota 4Runner, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2018 Ford Explorer Comparison - Which Should You Buy?
suv • three way
2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Ford Explorer Comparison - Which Should You Buy?
suv • three way
2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Ford Bronco Comparison - Which Should You Buy?
suv • same year
2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Ford Bronco Comparison - Which Should You Buy?
suv • same year