Ford Escape vs. Jeep Cherokee
In their most basic guises, the Ford Escape and Jeep Cherokee seem pretty well matched. Both are likeable compact crossover SUVs that do an excellent job of delivering confident handling and everyday practicality, though it should be noted the Ford has significantly more cargo room. Both have several powertrain choices available, including base engines that feel a bit anemic. The more pavement-focused Escape pulls ahead in terms of fuel economy, however, thanks to the availability of both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Where the two begin to really differentiate themselves though, is in terms of their potential capabilities in more rugged uses. This includes trailer towing, where the Cherokee’s rating is a healthy 4,500 pounds, a full half-ton more than the Escape. Add the Jeep’s surprisingly off-road capable Trailhawk model that will take you places the Escape just can’t—or at least shouldn’t—go, and the choices becomes a bit clearer if you’re looking for adventure versus daily-driven practicality.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$26,080 - $38,465
Used Asking Price:
$22,861 - $33,995
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
49.7%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$28,112 - $41,074
Used Asking Price:
$23,145 - $34,670
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
41.7%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
6.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Summary Review
The Ford Escape is a compact five-person SUV with a smooth ride and efficient engine options. The current Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,828 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,407.
Summary Review
The Jeep Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in 1974. The current generation, introduced in 2014, was given an exterior update in 2019, along with some added engine options. The Cherokee is best known for its fuel economy, off-road capability, and family friendly design. New models cost an average of $32,172 and 3-year-old models average $22,989.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy interior
- Sharp handling with a smooth ride
- Wide range of powertrains
- Cheap interior materials
- Top trims are too pricey
- Small front seat cushions
Pros and Cons
- Suspension capable for both on-road and off-road use
- Excellent infotainment touchscreen and user interface
- Smart interior design and comfort
- Base engines feel underpowered
- Wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Cargo capacity is limited compared to rivals
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
Trim Levels
Altitude, Latitude Lux, Trailhawk, X, Limited
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
190 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Tow/Haul Capacities:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Tow/Haul Capacities:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
414 / 503 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
128.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3302 lbs
Width:
85.6 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3590 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
