2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Ford Escape

Jeep is now a luxury brand. That's why the 2022 Grand Cherokee L can ask, with a straight face, that you pay up to $70,000 for the privilege of ownership. But because Jeep is a proudly American brand, a war veteran that helped Allied troops defeat fascism, the company has earned the kind of unvarnished reputation and universal praise given only to a handful of U.S. presidents.

As such, a $60,000 Wrangler or a $100,000 Grand Wagoneer doesn't seem snooty, while a Mercedes-Benz or a Lexus sure does. Jeep's heritage as a hardcore 4x4 brand and its newer image as a bougie city truck maker can coexist. We took a Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve across Tennessee to prove it.

The Ford Escape holds a special place in crossover history as part of the vanguard that ushered in compact crossovers as a dominant segment of the automotive landscape. But now, more than two decades after its initial debut, the Escape looks like somewhat of an afterthought. While “Escape” may still be a household name, the emergence of the Ford Bronco Sport has relegated it to second-fiddle status. Regardless, the Escape still sells well in a competitive field, and its available up-powered engine gives it an advantage for shoppers who feel a need for extra passing speed.

Verdict: The 2023 Ford Escape offers an impressive array of safety and infotainment technology, and it’s available with a powerful engine upgrade, too. This handsome crossover should appeal to shoppers looking for an upscale design and a tech-forward approach. However, it may feel a bit cramped for some shoppers, and it’s priced on the higher end of the segment.