2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape, a fourth-generation model, presented a blend of SUV and hatchback aesthetics. Its curved front and sleek roofline gave it a resemblance to an enlarged Ford Focus, yet it maintained the elevated ride height typical of an SUV. This design choice resulted in a less rugged appearance compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, but it also appeared more generic than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. For 2021, the Escape introduced new appearance packages across three of its four trim levels, enhancing its visual appeal with features like 19-inch alloy wheels and upgraded upholstery options. However, the interior design did not match the exterior's cohesiveness, with some odd design choices and lower-quality materials, even in the top-tier Titanium model.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a fresh take on a familiar design, echoing Jeep's traditional styling cues while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The new Grand Cherokee was available in multiple trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each offering distinct features and capabilities. Its design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a range of materials and features that varied by trim level. The Summit Reserve trim stood out with its premium leather, high-end audio system, and panoramic sunroof, while lower trims offered a more basic but still quality interior.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a variety of powertrains, including two gasoline engines and hybrid options. The base engine was a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, producing 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An upgrade to a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft, available only with AWD. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 200 hp. The plug-in hybrid's larger battery allowed for significant electric-only driving. Despite the variety, the Escape's chassis tuning was criticized for its sloppy suspension and steering, making it less enjoyable to drive. The 2.0-liter engine offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, but figures for the hybrid models were not provided.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. A 5.7-liter V8 was available on higher trims, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were offered, each catering to different off-roading needs. The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission was paired with a dial-style shifter, which some found challenging to use. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, equipped with features like Quadra-Drive II, an air suspension, and all-terrain tires, making it a standout for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Ford Escape, despite its car-like styling, offered competitive interior space among compact SUVs. It featured ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with a sliding rear seat to adjust for more legroom or cargo space. Non-hybrid models provided 40.7 inches of rear legroom, second only to the Hyundai Tucson. However, hybrid models sacrificed some legroom due to battery placement. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models offering up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while hybrid models offered slightly less. Despite these figures, competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester offered more cargo capacity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritized driver and front passenger comfort, with higher trims offering features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence, especially off-road. Rear-seat space was tighter, particularly for taller passengers, and the Grand Cherokee L was recommended for those needing more legroom. Cargo space in the two-row Grand Cherokee was 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the Grand Cherokee L offered more cargo space, the two-row model remained accommodating for most needs.

The 2021 Ford Escape featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with base models equipped with a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrading to the SE trim added an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM radio, while the Titanium trim offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Despite its ease of use, Sync 3 lacked some modern features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, found in competitors' systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a technological powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard across all trims, offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment and assistance for the driver.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and child-seat anchor ease of use. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and park assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, built on a structure composed largely of aluminum and high-strength steel. New features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to arrive in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads. While crash-test results were pending, the new Grand Cherokee's safety features and structural improvements suggested enhanced protection.