2021 Jeep Cherokee vs Ford Escape
The Jeep Cherokee has a long history of being one of the most capable compact SUVs on the market. With three powerful engines backed by Jeep's legendary drivetrains, a comfortable and convenient interior, and an attractive exterior, there's a lot to love about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee! The Ford Escape has been competing with the Cherokee for years with upgrades to the engine lineup and interior and exterior design. Perhaps the most exciting upgrade to the 2021 Cherokee is the ProTech I driver aid suite is now standard. This includes electronic stability control, lane-keep assist, full-speed collision mitigation with active braking, and blindspot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert. Having to choose between just these two can be difficult. At Grogan's Towne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we want to make this decision easier for you, so we've taken both vehicles and put them in a side-by-side comparison to help you make the best educated decision for you. Continue reading to learn more!
2021 Jeep Cherokee Power & Handling
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee can be home to three different engine options, two drivetrains, and one transmission. The standard engine is a 2.4-Liter Inline-4 cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The next available engine is standard on the Trailhawk and Limited trims. It is a 3.2L V6 that cranks out an impressive 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. Those seeking more hauling power will be drawn towards the turbocharged 2.0L I-4 with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All Jeep Cherokee engines pair nicely with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, while four-wheel drive is an available option. If you choose the Trailhawk trim, four-wheel drive will come standard. All Cherokee equipped with 4WD have Jeep's Selec-Terrain Traction Management system. This has five selectable drive modes, including Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand, and Mud.
2021 Ford Escape Power & Handling
There are two gas engines available for the 2021 Ford Escape. The base engine is a 1.3L turbocharged I-3 with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The one Escape engine that attempts to keep up with the Cherokee's V6 is a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Like the Cherokee, all Escape trims come standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is an available option. Unlike the Cherokee, however, all-wheel drive isn't standard on any of the Escape trims. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 Escape also has two hybrid engines available on exclusive trims.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Features & Design
Four main trim levels make up the 2021 Jeep Cherokee lineup. 2021 also brings the 80th Anniversary Edition trim level with commemorative badging, premium interior features, and granite crystal exterior accents. Kicking off the Cherokee lineup is the Latitude with a full standard driver-assist suite, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors. Latitude LUX adds premium features like keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, heated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a V6 engine. The Limited trim kicks it up a notch with a dual-pane panoramic moonroof, a powered lift-gate, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and leather upholstery. The ultra-capable Trailhawk trim walks on the wild side with red tow hooks, skid plates, Active Drive Lock with a rear locking axle, all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels, increased ground clearance, and an off-road-tuned suspension. The Trailhawk's Selec-Terrain system adds Rock mode.
2021 Ford Escape Features & Design
Similar to its Jeep counterpart, the 2021 Escape comes in five trim levels. The entry-level S trim brings features like manual single-zone climate control, second-row sliding seats, 16-inch steel wheels, and a 4.2-inch touchscreen with radio only. The SE brings more appealing features with heated front seats, keyless entry/ignition, an 8-inch touchscreen, and smartphone integration. The SEL trim kicks it up a notch with an available turbocharged engine, remote start, simulated leather seating, and a heated steering wheel. The two hybrid trims top off the lineup with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Conclusion:
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee and Ford Escape are in tough competition with the all-terrain capability, power, and comfort of the Cherokee and the fuel efficiency of the Escape. But when you put them side-by-side, it becomes clear that the Jeep Cherokee is the clear winner with more powerful engines, better all-weather capability, comfort, and convenience. Not to mention the full suite of driver assists. If you're interested in taking home a 2021 Jeep Cherokee, come on down to Grogan's Towne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and speak with any member of our friendly sales team. We look forward to earning your business!