In a contest between the 2023 Jeep Compass and Ford Escape, which small crossover will emerge as the winner? Our comparison guide is here to help you decide which model should be a part of your adventures.
Key Takeaways
- These crossovers have nearly the same starting price, and both give you a great deal on a sporty new ride.
- Although they’re priced similarly, the Jeep Compass actually gives you more standard features.
- The Escape is available with three engine options, offering the potential for more power or greater fuel economy.
- If you’re looking for an off-road-ready ride, the Compass leads the segment in rugged capabilities.
Best Price: It’s (Practically) a Tie!
These small crossovers are so similar in price that their differences are practically negligible. The 2023 Ford Escape starts at $28,000, and the 2023 Jeep Compass starts at $28,400.
Best Standard Lineup: 2023 Jeep Compass
In spite of these crossovers’ similar price tags, the base Compass is better equipped. For example, the standard lineup treats you to more convenience, with standard LED headlights and an adjustable load floor. The standard infotainment system includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Escape offers LED headlights, but they’re optional equipment. But its standard lineup does include an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and the aforementioned smartphone integration features. Although the Compass comes standard with a longer list of driver safety aids, both the Escape and Compass include forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring.
Peppy Power: 2023 Ford Escape
The Escape offers four engine options, leaving you to decide if you want maximum power or maximum fuel economy. The available 2.0-liter engine cranks out 250 horses for a speedy ride. And the available hybrid engine earns up to 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway), making it a great choice for a long commute.
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 199 lb-ft of torque) with eight-speed automatic transmission
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft) with eight-speed automatic
- 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder (192 hp, 155 lb-ft) with continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- 2.5L plug-in hybrid four-cylinder (210 hp, 155 lb-ft) with CVT
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Every 2023 Compass, meanwhile, comes with the same turbocharged powertrain. It actually gives you more standard horsepower than the Escape’s base engine, but there are no upgrades available. And there’s more good news, because every Compass comes standard with all-wheel drive, traction-boosting gear that will help you travel your favorite trails.
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (200 hp, 221 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
Rugged Performance: 2023 Jeep Compass
The Escape might have more power overall, but the Compass delivers extra off-road adventure. Not only does every Compass come standard with all-wheel drive (for extra traction in the dirt), but it’s also the only subcompact crossover to offer an off-road-ready trim model, the Trailhawk. Drive home in the Trailhawk for all-terrain tires, a raised suspension, and an upgraded all-wheel-drive system feature a rock crawl driving mode.
With the Escape, you can add all-wheel drive to any trim model. This performance gear will enhance your traction enough so that you can trod light trails without any issues. However, the Escape doesn’t offer any trail-friendly trim models. This compact crossover definitely feels more at home on the pavement.
Your New Small Crossover
It’s a tight race between these two crossovers, that’s for sure, but the 2023 Jeep Compass ultimately comes out on top. Choose this sporty Jeep for more adventure and more bang for your buck in general!