Differences Between 2018 Jeep Cherokee & 2018 Ford Escape

Serving Cincinnati, OH, Fort Thomas, KY, and Lawrenceburg, IN

Attracting similar buyers, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee and the 2018 Ford Escape are competing midsize crossovers. Let’s take a look at how these two compare in terms of performance, spaciousness and features.

Performance

The Cherokee has a one mpg advantage in highway fuel economy. You might assume that it had lower horsepower as a result. However, the opposite is true. The Cherokee is rated for 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Escape’s engine generate 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. One thing that helps the Cherokee driver is the nine-speed automatic transmission. Having been in use for several years, this transmission has proven itself on the road. An Escape has a more typical six-speed automatic. If you want to tow, you can step up to the Cherokee V6. Generating 271 horsepower, it is rated for 4,500 pounds. The Ford Escape offers a 179-horsepower turbo, which raises the city and highway fuel economy by a gallon or two. Then there’s the 245-horsepower turbo with a top tow rating of 3,500 pounds. You get a modern Stop-Start fuel-saving system with the Cherokee V6 turbo and with the Ford turbo engines.

Four-Wheel Drive

The Ford Escape offers a typical front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive alternative. The Jeep Cherokee shows its deep Jeep roots by offering three all-wheel drive systems in addition to front-wheel drive. One is best for on-road travel. One does double duty, on road and off. The third is standard on the off-roading Trailhawk version. This system benefits from the automotive industry’s first use of the on-road rear-axle disconnect. This reduces energy loss during normal driving and improves fuel efficiency. For control on the road or off, there’s a Jeep Selec Terrain system. It has special Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock modes. While the Escape has more ground clearance, the Cherokee has the capability to do more if it goes off the beaten path.

Spaciousness and Style

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee models come in five trims, including the new second-tier Latitude Plus. It comes dressed in leather-and-cloth upholstery. The dash tech includes Jeep’s 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and special remote access features via Amazon Alexa. Limited editions add a power liftgate and leather upholstery. Escape models come in four trims and have a new third-tier SEL model. It features leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and the Sync Connect eight-inch touchscreen. There are 12 Cherokee exterior color choices and six Escape color choices. The Escape measures 98.1 cu.ft. in passenger volume. It has 36 inches of rear legroom. The Jeep Cherokee is larger, offering 105.4 cu.ft. for passengers. It has 40.3 inches of rear legroom, four more than its rival.

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You can test the 2018 Jeep Cherokee for yourself. Get behind the wheel at your nearest Jeff Wyler Jeep dealership. Nothing beats a hands-on experience.