Ford Escape vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling, while the wheel center caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and the use of aluminum and composite materials helped reduce weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the blocky exterior of its predecessors. The 2023 refresh introduced a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. The Escape offered various trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite showcasing 19-inch wheels and a sleek design. Inside, the ST-Line Elite featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided ease of adjustment. Despite the abundance of plastic, the Escape's interior was designed to withstand wear and tear, offering a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle various terrains, although its size limited its off-road capabilities. The cabin was quiet, and the air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the vehicle felt ungainly at higher speeds.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This engine could be paired with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Higher trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, available exclusively with all-wheel drive. While the Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, it wasn't designed for performance driving. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. With 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed, the Grand Wagoneer provided ample storage. However, its total cargo space of 94.2 cubic feet fell short of some rivals. The vehicle boasted a towing capacity of 9,850 pounds and included features like a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The front-door armrests were well-positioned, and the head-up display was easily adjustable. While the Escape's cargo space of up to 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded was adequate for daily use, it lagged behind segment leaders. Passenger space was slightly limited in the rear, but the back seat offered good headroom, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air updates. While the screen response was slow, the head-up display was clear and legible.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. Although Sync 4 was occasionally slow to respond, its layout and ease of use were commendable. The volume knob's placement was a minor inconvenience, but the overall tech experience was positive.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. Active Driving Assist offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS' updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.