Jeep Cherokee vs Ford Escape

If you’re looking for the best of both a smooth-riding sedan with the roominess of an SUV, you should consider buying a crossover—let’s say, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee or 2019 Ford Escape.

These versatile vehicles offer quite a bit, but with such a crowded market, it can be difficult finding the best one for your needs. So how can you know which offers your ideal performance ratings, space, features, and rugged capabilities?

For drivers in New Holland, Lancaster, and Reading, our team at New Holland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has placed the 2019 Jeep Cherokee and the 2019 Ford Escape side by side, so you can compare the key differences between the two and decide which is right for you.

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Jeep Cherokee vs Ford Escape: Performance

Before anything else, you need to be sure your crossover can drive like you expect. While both vehicles here can offer satisfying rides, the Cherokee offers a bit more power – which is ideal for those weekly drives to soccer practice or daily commutes to work.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee base is equipped with a 2.4L 4-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. If that’s not enough power, opt for the 3.2L V6 engine that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to the same 9-speed automatic and available in 2- or 4-wheel drive.

Unfortunately, the Escape only offers an engine option with up to 245 horsepower, so it doesn’t quite measure up to the Cherokee’s power. However, the two vehicles are neck and neck when it comes to fuel economy ratings. The Jeep Cherokee offers an EPA-estimated 23/31 MPG city/highway, while the Escape falls slightly under, with an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG city/highway.

2019 Cherokee vs 2019 Escape: Off-Roading Capability

Jeep vehicles have always been the leader in off-roading capabilities, and the Cherokee doesn’t disappoint. It includes the Selec-Terrain® system which allows you to adjust the drivetrain to different modes including mud and snow. This optimizes traction in hazardous environments to keep you in control. The Escape has limited off-road capabilities as well, but it doesn’t hold up to the Jeep.

Haul some extra cargo with you as both these vehicles have incredible towing capacities for their class. While the Escape has one of the highest towing capacities in its class maxing out at 3,500 pounds, the Cherokee is slightly superior with a 4,500-pound towing capacity.

Jeep Cherokee vs Ford Escape: Interior Comfort and Space

Inside these impressive crossovers, you’ll find a spacious and luxurious interior. Both the Cherokee and the Escape offer at least 39.4 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches of legroom for the driver, which is typically plenty for a taller person, and means you’ll have no problem volunteering to be the carpool parent on game day.

The Cherokee opted out of the popular third-row seating in favor of an expansive cabin and loads of head- and legroom for passengers. You’ll find a range of high-quality seating options throughout the trim levels, but the Limited model offers Nappa leather and ample bolstering for maximum comfort.

The Cherokee’s cargo bay is large, offering 54.9 cubic feet of space and a folding front seat for long objects, as well as a cargo-management system for smart storage. Many cubbies, bins, and pockets can be found throughout the cabin for small-item storage as well. That means that you’ll be able to load up moving boxes, smaller pieces of furniture, or have plenty of space for your furry friend to roam around!

While the Escape offers 68 cubic feet of cargo space, it unfortunately does not offer a cargo-management system within, so you may have less of an easier time organizing your items.

Safety and Entertainment: 2019 Cherokee vs 2019 Escape

So, by now we understand the comfort and power of the Cherokee and the Escape, but we’re left with one very important category: what will keep the kiddos safe and entertained on the road? The short answer is: the latest technology features. Let’s dive into more detail of what the Cherokee and Escape have to offer.

As far as entertainment goes, the Cherokee takes the lead. With a standard infotainment system via a 7-inch touchscreen display, you’ll always be connected to your smartphone, music, and apps through programs like Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. Unfortunately, and you’ll have to upgrade in the Escape to enjoy such programs and only a 4.2-inch display comes standard.

When it comes to keeping your loved ones safe on the road, both the Cherokee and Escape come standard with a rearview camera, and the Cherokee adds on standard parking sensors. You can upgrade both vehicles to add advanced assistance features such as Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and many more!

Our Verdict: 2019 Jeep Cherokee vs 2019 Ford Escape

At the end of our Jeep Cherokee vs. Ford Escape comparison, you can see that both vehicles are excellent choices when deciding on your next family-friendly SUV. However, we think that the Cherokee’s powerful base engine, roomy interior, and standard technology features make this crossover worth the test drive.

You won’t know until you try it for yourself, though, so come down to New Holland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for test drive. We invite all local New Holland, Lancaster, and Reading drivers to take any vehicle in our expansive inventory for a spin. Our knowledgeable sales team stands ready to help find the right vehicle for your needs. Contact us to schedule your test drive today!