Versatility and Performance
In today's competitive automotive market, finding the right SUV to suit your lifestyle can be a challenge. With the expertise of Dorian Ford's auto experts in Clinton Township, MI, we've prepared a comprehensive, in-depth comparison review to help you navigate the choices between the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Jeep Cherokee. We've evaluated both vehicles from a user's perspective, discussing their benefits and drawbacks while comparing their features and performance.
The interior showcased in this Ford 360 virtual tour represents the specific trim package 2023 Ford Escape® Active™ SUV and may not accurately depict the interior of the compared model. Please refer to individual model specifications and trim options for a precise representation of each vehicle's interior features and design.
The 2023 Ford Escape boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design, a comfortable and spacious interior, and a range of efficient powertrain options that make it an ideal choice for those who value comfort and utility. With its versatile performance and focus on advanced safety features, the Ford Escape also caters to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable partner in their adventures.
On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is known for its off-road prowess and rugged exterior. While it offers a variety of features and capabilities, the Cherokee's focus on performance and off-roading may make it less appealing to those who prioritize comfort and convenience.
In this review, we will delve into the features, design, comfort, and performance of both vehicles, highlighting the advantages of the Ford Escape for a wide range of drivers. Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and accurate information possible so you can make an informed decision when choosing the perfect SUV to fit your needs.
Striking Exterior Design and Customization
The 2023 Ford Escape showcases a sleek and modern facelift that aligns it with its larger siblings, the Edge and Escape, while maintaining its unique identity separate from the boxy Bronco Sport. Its refreshed front bumper design, revised grille, and fascia, combined with new headlights and a “coast-to-coast” LED light bar on select trims, give the Escape a distinctive and stylish appearance. The new ST-Line trim further enhances the exterior with a black mesh grille, rear wing, rear skid plate, body-colored cladding, new wheels, and a flat-bottom steering wheel, adding sporty touches that are sure to turn heads on family road trips or weekend adventures.
On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee maintains its familiar boxy look with slightly curvy edges. While the exterior design has not been updated, the Cherokee still offers some appealing features for off-road enthusiasts. Built on a 107.1-inch long wheelbase, the Cherokee measures 182.9 inches long, 74.9 inches wide, and 67.8 inches high, proportions that help its off-roading capabilities. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels are available across all trims, with an optional upgrade to 19-inch alloys for the Limited version.
Power, Efficiency, and Drive Experience
The 2023 Ford Escape offers a wide range of powertrain options, catering to diverse driving preferences and environmental considerations. The lineup starts with a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost® three-cylinder engine available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. According to the EPA, this engine offers the highest fuel economy estimates among non-hybrid Escape models, rated at 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive version, and 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive model with the turbo three-cylinder has been reported by Car and Driver to achieve an impressive 35 mpg on a 75-mph highway fuel economy route during their tests.
The Escape also offers two hybrid options, including a plug-in version, which earns EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 40 mpg combined. Those seeking more power can opt for the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine, which, despite its EPA rating of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, has been reported by Car and Driver to achieve a 32-mpg highway result in their own testing.
In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee has among the worst fuel economy in its segment, according to the EPA. The most fuel-efficient version, equipped with the 180-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine, gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Trailhawk's more powerful 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is rated less favorably, at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, which is still 2 mpg better in both city and highway than the previously offered V-6-powered Trailhawk from last year.
The Cherokee's driving experience is characterized by a sense of heftiness and solidity, making it feel larger than its rivals. Its relatively firm suspension offers controlled body roll in corners, while maintaining a comfortable ride. Steering feedback could be improved, but it remains decently weighted and accurate. Braking performance is average for its class, with a firm-feeling brake pedal.
Staying Connected and Entertained on the Go
The 2023 Ford Escape's cabin is handsomely styled and spacious, making it perfect for family outings and weekend adventures. Both front- and rear-seat occupants enjoy ample space, with the ST-Line and Platinum models featuring a more premium look and feel. Textured cloth seat upholstery comes standard, while the Platinum model offers convincing faux-leather seating surfaces. The capacious cargo hold behind the Escape's rear seat accommodates up to eight carry-on suitcases, providing plenty of room for all your gear.
Ford's Sync 4 infotainment interface comes in the Escape, with base models offering an 8.0-inch system and higher trims providing the option for a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display. Both screens support Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity for your devices. Over-the-air updates keep the system up-to-date, eliminating concerns over outdated software. Optional features include a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, in-dash navigation, a pop-up head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display for a comprehensive driving experience.
On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee offers a comfortable cabin with supportive seats and easy-to-use controls. However, its exterior size may lead to expectations of a more spacious interior, which is hampered by small windows and high windowsills. The Cherokee's cargo area is smaller than most vehicles in its class, and loading items can be more challenging due to its high lift-over height.
The Cherokee comes with the Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen. Latitude Plus trims and above include two USB ports for rear-seat passengers. While the Cherokee supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is available for those seeking additional connectivity options.
Advanced Safety Features for Peace of Mind
The 2023 Ford Escape ensures a confident driving experience with its advanced safety technology and driver assistance features. The Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite offers a range of standard and available features that help you navigate both city streets and open roads with ease. Key Ford Co-Pilot360 technology features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, lane-keeping system, and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert. Additional features like automatic high beams, rearview camera, Active Park Assist 2.0, and evasive steering assist further enhance the safety and convenience of your drive.
The 2023 Jeep Cherokee also offers a variety of safety features to protect passengers during their journey. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-impact airbags, side impact airbags for the front and rear seats, overhead airbags, knee airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. The Cherokee also has anti-whiplash head restraints and a security system with an ignition disabled device to prevent unwanted vehicle intrusion.
Off-Road Capabilities for the Adventurous
The 2023 Ford Escape is a versatile vehicle that can handle light off-roading trails, thanks to its adequate ground clearance, drivetrain, and other specifications. The Escape offers a ground clearance of 7.8 inches, which, while not ideal for intense off-roading, is sufficient for tackling light trails and terrain. The Escape's base and lower-tier models provide 199 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm, while the Titanium trim's 2.0L inline-four engine offers 280 lb-ft of torque at the same rpm. This torque enables the Escape to manage basic off-road encounters. Additionally, all Escape trims are available in either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, making them suitable options for heading off the asphalt. The Escape's approach and departure angles are 23.5 and 23.7 degrees, respectively, which are ideal for light off-roading.
On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is designed for off-road adventures, featuring two available 4x4 systems and two engine options. The Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 system automatically engages four-wheel drive when needed, while the Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system offers a more capable and feature-rich option. The Cherokee's 2.4L MultiAir I4 engine generates 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engine in the Cherokee Trailhawk trim produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Pricing and Overall Value for Families and Enthusiasts
The 2023 Ford Escape is available in various trims, including Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), with prices ranging from $28,000 to $40,500. For a balanced blend of power, features, and value, the ST-Line model is an excellent choice. Starting at $30,340, the ST-Line trim comes with a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, courtesy of the Select package. The ST-Line also features unique 18- or 19-inch wheels, body-colored lower cladding, a mesh grille, and a rear spoiler. The interior is elegantly dressed in all black with red contrast stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Upgrading to the Premium Technology package enhances the Escape ST-Line's digital experience with a 13.2-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display.
In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is available in two trims: Altitude Lux and Trailhawk, priced at $39,290 and $42,890, respectively. While the Trailhawk model is the pricier option, it offers more off-road capabilities with a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, higher towing capacity, and Jeep Active Drive Lock. This system enhances the drivetrain with a locking rear differential and a special traction mode for challenging off-road situations. The Trailhawk also has nearly an inch of additional ground clearance, more aggressive tires, and a larger infotainment screen.
The Perfect Blend of Style, Comfort, and Adventure: The 2023 Ford Escape
Throughout our comprehensive comparison of the 2023 Ford Escape and 2023 Jeep Cherokee, it's evident that the Ford Escape stands out as the superior choice for drivers seeking a blend of style, comfort, and adventure. With its sleek, modern design, impressive fuel efficiency, and a range of powertrain options, the Escape caters to a wide array of drivers. The spacious and well-appointed cabin, advanced safety features, and user-friendly technology ensure a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
While the Jeep Cherokee offers off-road prowess and a rugged exterior, its focus on performance and off-roading may not appeal to those who prioritize comfort and convenience. Additionally, its subpar fuel efficiency and less spacious interior further emphasize the advantages of choosing the 2023 Ford Escape for your next SUV.
Discover the 2023 Ford Escape at Dorian Ford
Experience the outstanding features and performance of the 2023 Ford Escape for yourself by scheduling a test drive at Dorian Ford in Clinton Township, MI. Our team of auto experts is ready to assist you in finding the perfect vehicle to suit your needs, whether it's for family outings, weekend adventures, or daily commutes. Don't miss your chance to discover why the 2023 Ford Escape is the ultimate choice for those who value comfort, utility, and outdoor adventure without sacrificing style and performance. Visit Dorian Ford today!
