Ford Escape vs. Jeep Renegade

1. Introduction

It is also important to understand that small SUVs are not what they once were, but in fact are so much more than a taller car with all-wheel drive. The market has become saturated with options, and this can make the decision-making process overly strenuous and seem truly unending. This is just one of many reasons why you need to be concerned with making the right choice. In the present auto-manufacturing world, it is essential for consumers to be educated about the vehicles they are interested in purchasing and realize that there is more likely than not, a wealth of information about many vehicles currently on the market. The Ford Escape and the Jeep Renegade are undoubtedly just two SUVs out of over a hundred and both are manufactured by companies that have been in business for at least three-quarters of a century and have sold tens of millions of vehicles worldwide to date. With this in mind, it is overly optimistic to think that in the first or second year of production of a new model, that those vehicles will contain all of the latest and greatest technology and options and that it may be worth our time to revisit those vehicles after a couple of years. So needless to say, it is likely that the selection of a small SUV is paramount to the right selection, understanding that the selected vehicle is very likely to be a vehicle that its buyer will exist with for a number of years to come. (Wade)(Edwards et al.2023)(Seacrist et al.2020)

1.1. Overview of Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade

On the other hand, the Jeep Renegade is offering two engine options, 1.4L MultiAir turbo and 2.4L Tigershark engine. The main advantage of these engines is the fuel efficiency and the optional all-wheel-drive system. With the 1.4L engine, you could get fuel efficiency up to 31 MPG. This is a rare thing in the USA market today, as mostly the fuel efficiency for most crossovers and SUVs are just above 25 MPG today. This engine is also offering an on-demand automatic all-wheel-drive system. If you want more power for the Jeep, the 2.4L engine is the best option. However, the fuel efficiency is significantly decreased compared to the 1.4L engine. For off-road capability, Jeep Renegade is offering Trailrated model for all models, except for the Sport model. This is an advantage of Jeep Renegade compared to Ford Escape, which lacks an off-road capability.

Ford Escape is offering two engines, 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engine, both of them are with 4 cylinders and turbocharged. The 1.5L engine is the standard engine for Ford Escape. This engine is good enough for most people. However, the fuel economy is a bit disappointing for a compact crossover SUV. The fuel economy is only at 24-26 MPG for mixed driving conditions. The 2.0L Engine has significantly better power, but slightly worse fuel economy compared to the 1.5L engine.

Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade are both strongly competing SUVs in the crossover SUV segment. Both belong to USA manufacturers Ford and Jeep and have been selling in the United States. Although they are in the same segment, there are significant differences between Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade. Ford Escape is a proper compact crossover SUV while Jeep Renegade is a mini crossover SUV.

1.2. Importance of choosing the right SUV

Every consumer is a member of numerous systems, each with their own unique set of values and preferences. Utilizing SUV buying behaviour as a dataset, it is significant to choose the proper SUV when considering the various areas of the systems in which the vehicle is to be used: work, family, and recreation. Ford and Jeep target different consumers in offering their Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade models to potential SUV buyers. Ford's Escape is said to have the "world's largest automotive market segment" because it attempts to appeal to everyone with the various models it has to offer. Despite this, the regular Escape is intended for young families within the core family lifecycle with children. Marketed as a fuel-efficient, safe, and reliable vehicle, the Escape caters to working parents between the ages of 30 and 50, who need a durable vehicle that can be used for job and family-related activities. The Jeep Renegade, on the other hand, is targeted toward emerging adults or new families in the transition stages before the full family lifecycle. This vehicle would be useful for families in this lifecycle transition stage or for individuals who are concerned about the environment and conserving fuel. The two different vehicles fit the specification of SUVs that could be used by the family lifecycle consumer or the one-person consumer, in likeness to the models being advertised. It is important to look at the work sector of the family lifecycle consumer: the segment in which the Ford Escape is often used. The Ford Escape is marketed as a vehicle that will get the job done with space, safety, and durability for active lifestyles. This is highly contrasted to the Jeep Renegade, which is often seen as a bold statement in support of the environment due to its fuel efficiency and compact size. Although it is not a requirement, the Escape can be had with 4WD while most Renegades come with front-wheel drive. The two are different tools for different jobs, as the saying goes, one being more off-road capable and the other being better for fuel and cost-saving in primarily on-road usage. (Helmbold, 2022)(Drummond, 2021)(Freitas, 2023)

2. Performance and Features

The Ford Escape and the Jeep Renegade both have one engine option each. The Ford Escape comes with a 2.5-liter iVCT 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, which gives it a total of 200 horsepower on the SE and Titanium trims when using premium gas. It gets 44/37 mpg and has an E-CVT automatic transmission. The cheaper S trim comes with a 2.5L iVCT engine, which puts out 168 horsepower and 34 mpg on the front wheel drive model and 31 mpg on the all wheel drive model. There is also a 1.5L Ecoboost engine option for the SE and Titanium trims, which puts out 179 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, getting 30 mpg. On the other hand, the Jeep Renegade has a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine that gives it 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It gets a fuel economy of 24/31 mpg and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. The other engine option for the Renegade is a 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir engine that puts out 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, with a 22/31 mpg fuel economy. Both cars have similar power output for their base engines and the Escape gets slightly better gas mileage with its base engine. However, the Renegade gets significantly worse mileage with its second engine option than the Escape.

2.1. Engine power and fuel efficiency

We first look at the Jeep. The only engine currently available for the US-produced Renegade is a 2.4L, Inline 4 Tigershark engine that can generate 180hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Although you would arguably think that a bigger Jeep would have a V6 engine as a minimum, the 2.4L engine is in line with Jeep’s aim of improving fuel efficiency. The Renegade has an optional 4x4 drivetrain for all specifications. This drivetrain uses a rear axle disconnection system that seamlessly switches between two and four-wheel drive to save fuel when the extra grip is not required. This is available for both the 2.4L engine and a 1.4L, Inline 4 MultiAir Turbo engine that is available for some overseas specifications of the Renegade. This 1.4L engine can produce power of 160hp with 184 lb-ft of torque, and despite a slightly lower power output than the 2.4L engine, the turbo engine will give faster acceleration and better drivability for a lower overall running cost due to higher fuel efficiency. The two-wheel drive specifications for the 1.4L Renegade will have a fuel economy rating of an impressive 24/31 mpg (city/highway), and the 4x4 versions with both engines weigh in with a 21/29 mpg rating. Though this fuel efficiency is wise for an off-road driving Jeep, it is quite low for a compact SUV, particularly when compared to the Escape or other rivals. This point may put off potential Escape buyers who are also considering a Jeep.

Both the 2016 Ford Escape and 2016 Jeep Renegade are a family of 5-door, 5-seater sports utility cars that conjure a reminiscence of their predecessors in both utilitarian themes. Since the close of World War II through to the 1980s, the original Jeep was a tough, no-nonsense off-road vehicle for farmers, ranchers, and other rural folk; what was later known as the Wrangler has clung tenaciously to that image. Ford’s first-generation Escape came out in 2000, and it too sought to project an image of ruggedness and capability, although primarily the Escape was designed for urban and suburban use. This comparison is interesting as the Renegade actually weighs a few hundred pounds more than the current Escape, and the extra weight is death to fuel economy for acceleration and constant speed. Jeep never meant Renegade to be an escape from the city; it’s an urban assault vehicle designed to have an edge for off-road travels with the performance of city travel.

Engine power and fuel efficiency

Performance and Features

2.2. Safety features and technology

Overall, both the Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade prioritize safety with their ESC systems and additional features like side curtain airbags. However, the Ford Escape offers more advanced features with its ESC, making it a compelling choice for those seeking enhanced safety.

In addition to ESC, the Ford Escape also offers a safety canopy system with side curtain airbags. This system provides extra head protection for front and rear outboard passengers in the event of a side impact. The airbags utilize Roll Fold technology, allowing them to slide between the glass and the passenger's head. They remain inflated for a few seconds after a collision, reducing the risk of head trauma from window impacts in certain types of accidents.

In terms of safety, both the Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade provide a similar level of protection. However, the Ford Escape offers additional features with its ESC, including RSC and curve control.

The Jeep Renegade also offers ESC, along with roll mitigation. This system helps to keep the vehicle on its intended path and reduces lateral skidding. Additionally, roll mitigation can detect potential rollover situations and automatically apply the brakes to prevent it. Even if the electronic stability program (ESP) does not detect a rollover, it can still reduce engine torque to help regain stability.

ESC has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of fatal crashes by 11% and single-vehicle crashes by 20%. It is effective on all types of road surfaces, making it a valuable safety feature.

The Ford Escape's ESC includes roll stability control (RSC) and curve control. RSC is designed to detect and correct oversteer and understeer, helping to maintain control during turns. Curve control, on the other hand, automatically slows the vehicle when entering or exiting a corner, enhancing stability.

Electronic stability control (ESC) is a crucial safety feature in vehicles. The Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade both offer ESC, but with some differences in their specific features.

2.3. Interior space and comfort

As a subcompact SUV, the Renegade comes with a more specific advantage. Despite its status as a base model front-wheel drive Sport, the Renegade feels outlandishly spacious for a subcompact, thanks mostly to its tall, boxy shape. Hop in the driver's seat no matter your height, and a few in either row will find plenty of headroom to work with. The Renegade is one of the rare smaller vehicles to offer its drivers a non-compromising seating position because of how elevated off the ground it is. This is size-wise a big plus for the Renegade as it is much more comfortable for the average driver to feel as if they are in a more sizeable vehicle. However, the Ford still comes out on top with 41.2 inches of front headroom, 40.3 inches of front legroom, and 24 cubic feet of cargo space. Compare this to 41.1 inches of front headroom, 41.1 inches of front legroom, and 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space in a Jeep. Though the differences in size are not hugely significant, both models come with front-wheel and rear seat legroom that makes them comfortable to drive. Rear head and legroom convince a bit more in favor of the Escape. You might feel a bit cramped in a Renegade with a passenger in the back if the driver is tall. Though this comparison might not matter, as the Renegade's most comfortable and beneficial seating position is with only two seaters with the rear seats folded down. This creates 50 cubic feet of cargo space and the front seat reclining back all the way, providing undeniably the most room and comfort compared to any seating position in a Renegade.

3. Off-Road Capability

The Escape is offered with Ford's intelligent 4WD system. It will sense traction conditions and use an advanced control module to transfer torque to the rear wheels before front wheel slip can occur. The system will split the torque front to rear 100:0 and can send up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels. The system is able to vary the torque to the rear wheels and provides maximum torque to the rear wheels for a quicker response. To help the vehicle stick to the direction you have chosen, the intelligent 4WD system has curve control, which will slow the vehicle down when it senses that it is going too fast for a particular curve. Trailer sway control will also assist in keeping the vehicle on its intended path. The standard 4WD system will send torque to the rear wheels only when front wheel slip is detected. The system is able to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels. The rear differential is open, which means that it does not sense what one wheel is doing relative to the other and can send both wheels the same amount of torque even if one is slipping. All Escape models come with traction control. The 4WD system that is offered in the UK is quite different from the 4WD system that is offered in the US. It is a full-time 4WD system to provide improved traction without the need to switch into modes all the time. It was first brought in for the previous generation. The UK Escape only had one powertrain option, and it used to be pretty FWD biased. This is no longer the case for the global market. The current generation global Escape has an AWD system available that provides power to all four wheels. This is to align it more with the Kuga since both are the same vehicle now. The AWD system has some fairly advanced features and is quite similar to the Kuga AWD system – just go to the Kuga AWD page for all the information. All in all, the global AWD system is a definite improvement over what past the limited editions had to offer. The US 4WD system is the same as the US 4WD system that was previously available popular options during generation one and two. That's right, the global Escape and the US Escape are more different than most people would think. This is because the US Escape is now in sync with the current generation Ford Focus being based on the C1 platform, while the current generation global Escape is based on the EUCD platform being shared with the Kuga. Last edited by escc420; 06-14-2014 at 05:37 PM. The Trailhawk's Active Drive Low 4x4 system is actually quite sophisticated for what the Renegade is. It is essentially an AWD system which can put the vehicle into a 4x4 mode with low range. This is achieved from having a power transfer unit and a rear drive module which essentially forms an AWD system in the front. From the rear drive module, power can be transferred up to entirely to the front to achieve the AWD mode. The power transfer unit essentially works as a traditional AWD system with no actual physical connection to the drive modules but can send power to them by means of the rear shaft and front propeller shaft. The 4x4 mode is available on the fly up to 45 km/h. The low range mode is achieved by a disconnect in the rear drive module and a switch to a mechanical operation in low speeds to vary the front to rear torque. The torque is split from left to right at the front and rear axle to get the best possible traction and it can send up to 100% of the torque to any one wheel if it is the best choice. This is a very similar concept to the Land Rover Terrain Response system. The Trailhawk also has a rock mode in the Selec-Terrain control which optimizes the throttle, brakes, powertrain, and transmission in extreme off-road conditions. All Renegades have traction control which can slow a slipping wheel and funnel torque to the other wheels. An ABS system with off-road calibration can be useful off-road where the wheels can lock up, giving a shorter stopping distance.

3.1. Terrain handling and traction control

The Jeep Renegade is essentially unmatched in the urban environment, and Jeep is typically built around SUV and off-road-based platforms. Handling in the Renegade is safe and secure. It is surprisingly nimble, and the small size of the vehicle makes it quite easy to maneuver in and out of tight spots. The Ford Escape is also quite nimble and easy to maneuver due to its size, but it would be more suited to on-road handling and driving dynamics. Patterns in consumer surveys suggest the Escape isn't the most reliable vehicle, but it does feature smooth and polished road manners along with a compliant ride and a very quiet interior. Although it isn't a bad handler, the Escape doesn't have the same level of stability control and reliability of traction as it does off-road. This would still be enough for the average commuter or parent, but the difference in driving dynamics is still quite significant between the two vehicles.

Although both vehicles are capable of handling off-road conditions, the systems used to mitigate wheel spin differ. The Jeep Renegade Limited and Trailhawk models come equipped with the Jeep Active Drive (AWD full-time) system, and the Jeep Active Drive Low (20:1 crawl ratio) is standard on Renegade Trailhawk and optional on Renegade Limited. Both systems feel capable and provide good levels of control and reliance when tackling slippery or uneven terrain. However, in relation to the Ford Escape, the Renegade overall provides a better level of wheel control and traction. This is due to the fact that the Jeep system runs a wet clutch and is capable of simulating torque at the rear differential. When the system detects wheel slippage, it can fully engage the rear axle and simulate torque to the wheel with the most traction. This limits the loss of initial traction at the front wheels and is significantly more effective than a brake-based system. An example of brake-based traction control is the Ford Escape, which uses a torque vectoring control system. The Escape doesn't have a torsen center differential in any model, so the system is improved slightly but still uses the brakes to simulate an electronically controlled limited slip differential, which isn't as effective as the Jeep system.

3.2. Suspension and ground clearance

When purchasing a car with off-road capability, one must absolutely factor in the vehicle's ability to handle rough terrain with poise and grace. Ask a seasoned four-wheeler what makes a vehicle fantastic off-road and the answer will always include "good ground clearance." Both Ford and Jeep have made their vehicles' ground clearance big selling points. The Escape boasts an impressive 7.85 inches, enough to best the Mazda Tribute, which it is based upon. The lifted Jeep Renegade took its game and offsets this with an awesome 8.7 inches from the base model...exciting for a vehicle rated at 200 hp. Jeep's long-standing reputation of building vehicles with superior ground clearance has kept off-road enthusiasts dedicated to the brand's products. Suspension design is every bit as important as ground clearance in deciding how a vehicle will tackle off-road. Ford has gone with a fully independent control blade rear suspension, with an isolated sub-frame in the Escape. The suspension is designed to improve ride quality, energy management, and weight savings. The system boasts a smooth and quiet ride and also comes equipped with an innovative feature called torque vectoring control that will assist in the vehicle's traction by assessing road conditions and driver input to ensure the best line through a corner. Although it performs well on dirt roads, the Escape still may not have the off-road win over the Renegade. The Renegade cashes in on the Jeep brand image and installs a fully independent suspension system called "strut type" on all four wheels. This highly evolved and flexible suspension system was installed in order to blend comfort and handling with a rugged stance and capability due to Jeep's claims that a large portion of Renegade owners will actually never go off-road. This system forces a special kind of tuning fork-type motion which allows for lateral and radial wheel travel, which is beneficial in maintaining tire traction over undulating terrain. The end result is that the Renegade will have a very consistent and stable feel, whether on the road or off. Due to the improved suspension and ground clearance, Jeep has the off-road advantage here.

4. Price and Value

While the Escape offers better performance and more space, the Renegade is clearly the better value. Its base price is $2685 less than the Escape's, without the disadvantage of fewer features. The Latitude model we tested had an as-tested price of $25,360 with the popular equipment package, MySky sunroofs, and trailer tow group. The Escape Titanium 4WD's as-tested price was $33,110. Both vehicles are going to have fairly high depreciation, but based on how much each car costs, the Ford will lose almost $1,300 more per year in its first five years. The Renegade is said to have very good value with a five-year depreciation of 48%. With slightly better depreciation, the Renegade is projected to have ownership costs of $32,052 for 5 years. This gives it the lowest ownership costs in its class. The Escape on the other hand, is rated as having a much worse than average value. With Ford's long-term reputation for having far worse reliability than average, it would not be a stretch to say that this is not only the Escape's lowest ownership cost compared to the rest of its first batch of model years, but also the best it will ever see. For that reason, it is clear that the Renegade is the better long-term value.

4.1. Cost comparison of Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade

It was noted by Ford President of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs, that Ford was focusing on "buyers in the new millennium, by the sophistication and value of more fuel efficient and smaller vehicles, which are in increasing demand for the younger generation." With the cost of fuel constantly on the rise, there is a probability that small vehicle demand will increase. This is a factor with self-proclaimed considerations for the future of Ford and the SUV market. With the future in consideration, the Ford Escape may be a diminishing product in the Ford SUV line compared to the Jeep Renegade's selection of compact and cost-effective SUVs. With changing and considering all these points, the Ford Escape provides a better and more advanced product for the consumer. But the fact noted here is that it will not be providing a cost-effective vehicle in comparison to the Jeep Renegade for the present generation and generations to come.

Long run costs such as fuel efficiency and maintenance are also defining factors. The Jeep Renegade, which boasts a fuel efficient IOFST-16 engine, will be cheaper to maintain in the long run in comparison to the Ford Escape's EcoBoost engine. Both vehicles are relatively evenly placed when comparing the fuel efficiency for the base models, with the Ford Escape offering 10L/100km and the Jeep Renegade at 9.9L/100km. Renault parts are also available online and can be ordered cheaper from Rental's Auto website. Again, it appears that the cost here is relative, but the Jeep Renegade will generally be cheaper to operate and maintain in comparison to the Ford Escape.

One of the most important aspects of purchasing a new vehicle is the cost. This involves not only the initial price, but also the reliability and fuel saving efficiency in the long run. It is important for the consumer to look into all the aspects and figure out which automobile will be the best investment. This section aims to compare the costs between the Ford Escape and the Jeep Renegade. It is clear from the beginning to note that the Ford Escape, although offering 3 models, is in essence a more costly automobile than the Jeep Renegade. This is due to the long history Jeep has of making cheaper and more affordable automobiles in comparison to Ford. With 2 models of the Renegade, customers will be looking to pay within the region of around $19,000-$23,000 depending on features and location of purchase. The Jeep Renegade Latitude will be the best option for buyers and its price falls around $21,000-$23,000, offering most of the features in comparison to the Ford Escape, which ranges from $23,600 for the base 'S' model to $25,100 for the 'S' model.

4.2. Resale value and long-term ownership costs

All things considered here, it is hard to make an accurate judgment of which vehicle will have lower ownership costs. But it is likely that the difference will not be substantial. An important thing to note here is that the enjoyment gained from ownership of a vehicle should also be taken into consideration as part of the overall cost. And what defines an enjoyable vehicle is something different for every person.

What may work in favor of the Renegade with regard to long-term ownership costs is that the cost of insurance would be less due to the vehicle being cheaper to replace and the fact that a typical Jeep owner is a more mature driver who has a clean driving record. The Escape has a higher rate of incidence for collisions than the national average. So although it is a safe vehicle, this will drive the insurance costs higher, particularly for a young driver. An advantage to the Escape is likely to be reliability. Being a first-generation vehicle, the Renegade may suffer some mechanical issues that are common in the first release of a vehicle model. This will cost the owner both time and money, having to deal with the inconvenience of a less reliable vehicle and the associated repair costs.

When it comes to resale value, it is expected that the Ford Escape would hold up better than the Jeep Renegade, based on the predicted trend of lower depreciation rates for compact SUVs. Predicting the long-term ownership costs for both vehicles is a little more difficult. However, what can be expected is things like maintenance costs, insurance costs, and fuel economy. The Escape offers fuel economy in the city and on the highway nearly even to the Renegade. And although the maintenance costs for both vehicles are unpredictable, the cost of parts and labor for a Ford vehicle are generally less than those of a Chrysler vehicle.

References:

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Seacrist, T., Sahani, R., Chingas, G., Douglas, E.C., Graci, V. and Loeb, H., 2020. Efficacy of automatic emergency braking among risky drivers using counterfactual simulations from the SHRP 2 naturalistic driving study. Safety science, 128, p.104746. nsf.gov

Helmbold, L. R., 2022. Making Choices, Making Do: Survival Strategies of Black and White Working-Class Women during the Great Depression. researchgate.net

Drummond, L., 2021. How the Car Won the Road: The Surrender of Atlanta's City Streets, 1920-1929. gsu.edu

Freitas, L. R. L., 2023. Beyond the five-day paradigm: Assessing the four-day workweek revolution. iscte-iul.pt