2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was a standard feature with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, a US-market special edition, was based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and included options like LED exterior lighting and a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop.

The 2023 Ford Escape, in contrast, embraced a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford blue oval logo. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trim levels: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. The ST-Line Elite test vehicle sported 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, with a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, making it suitable for long drives. Despite the abundance of plastic materials, the Escape's interior was designed to withstand years of use.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, providing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, ideal for slippery conditions. According to Natural Resources Canada, the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 consumed 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 14.0 L/100 km over 700 kilometres. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and touchy brakes, but it offered an immersive experience that appealed to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, exclusively with AWD. While the Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, it provided a comfortable ride on rough roads. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchy feel of some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, and visibility varied depending on the angle. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges, but once inside, they enjoyed good views and amenities like air conditioning vents and cupholders. Cargo space was ample, with 898 litres behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape offered 1,061 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the second row folded, falling short of some competitors. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than rivals, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for tall passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured Sync 4 technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look, and Sync 4 was well-organized with easy navigation between applications. A wi-fi hotspot was available with a subscription. The system was intuitive, though it could be slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a Bang & Olufsen system optional on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS in certain tests. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. The IIHS did not grant it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.