Jeep Cherokee vs Ford Escape
Are you looking for an SUV that combines power with grace, control, and comfort? Which vehicle will go the distance—the 2021 Jeep Cherokee or the 2021 Ford Escape?
Friendly Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is ready to lend a hand to car shoppers near Hamilton, Madison, and Smyrna, NY. We compared the two vehicles, and now we want to share our discoveries. Keep reading for the head-to-head comparison of the Cherokee vs. Escape.
Cherokee vs. Escape Performance
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A good engine is the core of any car. The available 2.0L engine makes the Jeep Cherokee a guaranteed powerhouse right off the bat. Effortless acceleration is the name of the game with its 270 horsepower, and heavy lifting comes easily as well with 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the most powerful engine for the Ford Escape generates only 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
For peak control over your SUV’s performance, you’ll want your engine paired with a versatile transmission. The standard 9-speed transmission on the Cherokee is well prepared for terrain changes—bring on the hills! An 8-speed transmission is standard on the Escape.
When you have gear to haul or a summer of camping trips in mind, towing capability is key. The Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Jeep Cherokee is prepared to carry a utility trailer with its 4,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.
Leaving the Beaten Path: All-Terrain Features
These small SUVs can take on big adventures. Both the 2021 Jeep Cherokee and the 2021 Ford Escape provide four driving modes that tailor traction and steering to suit specific terrain. Use the standard Selec-Terrain® traction management system to swap out Auto mode for Snow, Sport, or Sand/Mud mode as you travel in the Cherokee.
Drivers who prefer the added control of 4-wheel drive will find it available with the Escape and the Cherokee. The Jeep Cherokee has more options, with three distinct 4X4 systems to choose from. When you drive with available Jeep Active Drive II, the road is only the beginning. The Cherokee Trailhawk offers the Trail Rated® badge, certifying its ability, and adds Rock mode to the terrain options.
The Cherokee Trailhawk can forge streams up to 20 inches deep. The Escape was not designed with water fording capabilities in mind, and you won’t want water to reach any higher than the door’s sills. If creek-crossing will be a major factor in future adventures, only the Cherokee will perform at the level you need.
Interiors: Jeep Cherokee vs Ford Escape
While the outside of your SUV weathers the great outdoors, your vehicle keeps you comfortable and secure inside the cabin. Settle into available heated seating in the 2021 Cherokee or the 2021 Escape, but only the Cherokee has available ventilated front seats to keep you cool.
On long car trips, a little extra personal space can make your day. The maximum passenger interior volume for the Ford Escape is 104 cubic feet, while some trims of the Jeep Cherokee have 128 cubic feet.
With a grand total of eight trims, the Jeep Cherokee has something for everyone. Many of those layouts involve options for seating, climate control, and other convenience features. Your options are halved in the 2021 Ford Escape, which offers four trims.
Infotainment Technology
Your adventures may take you to some far-flung places! You can always stay connected, though, with the multimedia systems in the Jeep Cherokee and Ford Escape. Dubbed Uconnect® and SYNC® 3, respectively, they offer everything from navigation to smartphone connectivity.
Yes, with Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay®, you can link a compatible phone and access your apps on the go. From the touchscreen on the dashboard, send messages, make calls, and choose your favorite playlists—the list goes on.
Keep in mind, though, that the Cherokee has more standard infotainment features. Its Uconnect® system has a 7-inch touchscreen (8.4-inch available) with the above smartphone integration features. Should you choose a base Escape, you’ll have a 4.2-inch (non-touch) display without those features. You will need to upgrade beyond the base trim for the same experience that’s standard in the Cherokee.
Safety Ratings for the Cherokee and Escape
Safety behind the wheel is always important. To judge the 2021 Cherokee and Escape in this area, we can look the safety scores these vehicles earned from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). And both SUVs certainly performed well with a perfect score of “Good” in all six categories:
- Small overlap front: driver-side
- Small overlap front: passenger-side
- Moderate overlap front
- Side
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
Keep in mind, too, that both the Cherokee and Escape earn the second-highest rating of “Acceptable” for their available headlamps. However, the Cherokee has these headlights on more trim levels—the Limited and High Altitude. The Escape’s best-scoring headlamps are restricted to the Titanium trim only.
The Cherokee and Escape are committed to accident prevention and mitigation, too, with many standard and available driver-assistance technologies. These systems use cameras and sensors to detect possible problems and alert you to them, so you can take the appropriate action as you drive.
The Jeep Cherokee offers features such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, as well as LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning System, standard. You will find similar features standard on the Ford Escape. Watch and respond to your surroundings with an extra set of eyes when you need them!
Test Drive Your SUV Today
Whether you’re towing, off-roading, or just getting comfy, the choice for drivers near Hamilton, Madison, and Smyrna, NY is clear. In a faceoff between Jeep Cherokee vs. Ford Escape, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee leads the pack.
Make a call to Friendly Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram today if you’d like to learn more about this indomitable vehicle. A Jeep Cherokee test drive could be in your immediate future.