2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L continued the legacy of its predecessors with a design that was both tough and upscale. Its Hydro Blue variant, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured a bold aesthetic with blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L, especially in upper trims, was impressive, offering a mix of luxury and practicality. While not every material was top-tier, the overall feel was justified for its price range. The vehicle's design elements, such as the U-shaped fenders and slim LED lighting, combined classic Jeep characteristics with modern touches, ensuring it remained a standout in the midsize SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky exterior. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar. The Escape, particularly in the ST-Line Elite trim, presented an upscale appearance with 19-inch wheels and sleek body-colour elements. Inside, the Escape offered diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the vehicle's ergonomics were well thought out, making it a pleasant choice for long drives.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was somewhat hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was considered outdated and lacked the low-end torque needed for a heavy SUV. However, an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, significantly improved towing capacity and overall performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and its air suspension allowed for smooth cornering and adjustable ride height. The vehicle's 4WD systems were robust, offering permanent engagement for all four wheels, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. While the Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, making it comfortable for everyday driving, it lacked the performance tuning found in sportier crossovers. The Escape's brakes provided predictable stopping power, and its steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children. The vehicle offered generous cargo space, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured a well-organized layout, though some infotainment graphics were difficult to read.

The 2023 Ford Escape, while comfortable with supportive seats and good ergonomics, fell short in cargo space compared to some competitors. It offered up to 1,061 litres of storage behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the second row folded. Passenger space was adequate, with impressive headroom in the back seat, though rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some rivals. The Escape's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came equipped with Uconnect 5, featuring an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system was generally user-friendly, though some legibility issues were noted. The Grand Cherokee L boasted advanced tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent media control. The vehicle's tech offerings were extensive, setting it apart from many competitors.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 system, available with an 8-inch or 13.2-inch touchscreen. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and provided an intuitive interface with easy navigation between applications. While Sync 4 was occasionally slow to respond, its overall feature set and layout were commendable. The Escape offered a standard six-speaker sound system, with a Bang & Olufsen upgrade available on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA in most tests. It came standard with a suite of safety features, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. Standard safety features included in Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite were forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology.