Ford Escape vs Jeep Compass

The 2024 Jeep Compass was tested in Michigan, where it initially presented some confusion due to its generic appearance. The test vehicle, a white Compass Sport, was indistinguishable from a fleet vehicle, lacking distinctive Jeep features except for the seven-slot grille. Its design was reminiscent of other small crossovers, with U-shaped, cladded wheel wells similar to a Toyota RAV4. The interior, however, was a different story. The Compass boasted a well-designed cabin with supportive cloth seats, a large 10-inch infotainment screen, and stylish silver plastic accents. The interior quality was a significant improvement over older models, offering a modern and cohesive design, although the exterior still lacked uniqueness.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape underwent a significant facelift in 2023, which carried over into the 2024 model. The front end was restyled to present a more aggressive look, while the rest of the SUV maintained a soft and generic appeal. The Escape was available in various trims, with the ST-Line Elite trim offering a sporty appearance. However, the interior, despite its upscale initial impression, was marred by excessively glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery. The updates made the Escape more appealing, but the interior quality did not justify the high price tag, leaving room for improvement.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass offered improved performance over its predecessor. It had three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. However, the steering and handling were weak points, with too much play and low grip. The Compass Trailhawk variant offered additional off-road capabilities, but at a higher cost. Fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine provided quick acceleration, but the driving dynamics did not match the sporty appearance. The ride was soft, and the handling allowed too much body motion. The Escape's fuel economy was rated at 8.4 L/100 km with AWD, but our test vehicle averaged 9.8 L/100 km. The Escape could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, offering more towing capacity than the Compass.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. It featured clear analog gauges, a large colour display, and physical climate controls. Visibility was good, and the interior offered ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats had vents, USB ports, and a fold-down centre armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres when folded. The front passenger seat could also fold, allowing for longer items to be carried.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line offered a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters. The front seats were large and supportive, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The rear seats were comfortable when slid into their rearmost position. Interior storage was generous in the front, but rear passengers had less accommodation. Cargo volume measured 1,061 litres behind the back seat and 1,852 litres when folded. The test vehicle had deep storage areas and a grocery bag hook in the cargo area.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software. The display was clear and easy to navigate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims. Optional features included a wireless charging pad and factory navigation. The Limited trim offered additional features like a power liftgate and ventilated seats.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured digital instrumentation, with a 12.3-inch display on upper trims. The 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system was impressive, offering a landscape format and intuitive layout. However, the display appeared washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen. The test vehicle had a Bang & Olufsen sound system, but the speakers were damaged. The Escape also offered a head-up display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which worked well but was impractical in busy areas.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard on all but the base trim. A 360-degree camera was optional on most trims.

The 2024 Ford Escape came with a standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driving assistance systems. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The ST-Line Elite trim added adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Escape received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not rated the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received Good ratings.