Ford Escape vs. Jeep Wrangler
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Escape and the Jeep Wrangler.
In comparing the Ford Escape's and the Jeep Wrangler's specifications and ratings, the Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Jeep Wrangler has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Escape's and the Jeep Wrangler's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler is a better car than the Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Escape ranges from $25,440 to $35,460 while a used 2025 Jeep Wrangler is priced between $31,880 to $69,999. For a new model, the Ford Escape's price is between $27,126 and $38,293, with the Jeep Wrangler priced between $35,685 and $71,864.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Escape loses 51.3 percent of its value and the Jeep Wrangler loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Wrangler retains 15.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Escape.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Escape is 7.7 out of 10 while the Jeep Wrangler's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 8 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Jeep Wrangler being ranked 2 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Escape is 7.5 out of 10. For the Jeep Wrangler the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Wrangler a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Escape.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Escape’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Jeep Wrangler base engine makes 285 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 503 miles. The Wrangler is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 403 miles. This gives the Ford Escape the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Wrangler. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Wrangler, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Ford Escape, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Escape has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
27126 - 38293
Starting MSRP:
29515
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
35685 - 71864
Starting MSRP:
32095
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30338
Price Range:
25440 - 35460
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
48693
Price Range:
31880 - 69999
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
15244
Depreciation %:
0.51647538
Resale Value $:
14271
Residual Value %:
0.48352461999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
11575
Depreciation %:
0.36064429
Resale Value $:
20520
Residual Value %:
0.63935571
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Jeep Wrangler Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Escape
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.088
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Wrangler
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
16.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.103
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.10046094977485
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2016226315772536
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Ford Escape Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 54Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 54Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 66Jeep Wrangler Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 31Summary 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 Wrangler is a compact SUV with off-road prowess few vehicles can match. The current Wrangler was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $41,959 and 3-year-old models averaging $34,489.
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
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Powerful engine options
- Pricing climbs quickly with higher trims and options
- Fuel economy isn’t great
- Lots of road and wind noise
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Ford Escape Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Elite, ST-Line Select
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
Rubicon, Rubicon 392 Final Edition, Rubicon X, Sahara, Sport, Sport RHD, Sport S, Willys
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
199 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
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):
27 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
400 / 503 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 403 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
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:
137.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3291 lbs
Width:
85.6 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4012 lbs
Width:
73.9 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
166.8 inches
Wheelbase:
96.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Red
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Space Silver
White
Oxford White
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clear Coat
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl Coat / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Anvil Clear Coat / Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Red
Firecracker Red Clear Coat
Silver
Not available
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Green
'41 / Mojito! Clear Coat
Orange
Joose
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Space Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
