What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Escape takes the lead with an impressive 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway for the hybrid model, while the Journey offers 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with its base engine.
- In the realm of technology and features, the Ford Escape and Dodge Journey offer a range of amenities to keep drivers and passengers entertained and connected.
- It offers a more efficient powertrain, a more spacious and comfortable interior, a more advanced infotainment system, a better safety record, and a more engaging driving experience.
The Ford Escape and Dodge Journey are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, versatility, and style. Both vehicles have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, making it a tough choice for buyers. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Ford Escape and Dodge Journey head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.
Performance and Efficiency: Powertrains and MPG
Under the hood, the Ford Escape offers a variety of engine options, including a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a hybrid powertrain for those seeking maximum efficiency. The Dodge Journey, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with an optional 3.6-liter V6 for those desiring more power. In terms of fuel economy, the Escape takes the lead with an impressive 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway for the hybrid model, while the Journey offers 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with its base engine.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Passengers and Cargo
When it comes to interior space, the Ford Escape and Dodge Journey offer generous accommodations for passengers and cargo. Both SUVs can comfortably seat five adults, with ample legroom and headroom in both rows. However, the Journey has a slight edge in overall passenger volume and cargo capacity, with 106.7 cubic feet of passenger space and 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, compared to the Escape’s 104 cubic feet of passenger space and 60.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Technology and Features: Connectivity and Convenience
In the realm of technology and features, the Ford Escape and Dodge Journey offer a range of amenities to keep drivers and passengers entertained and connected. The Escape boasts a user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system. The Journey comes equipped with the Uconnect infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a six-speaker audio system. Both SUVs offer a variety of driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety and Reliability: Crash Ratings and Warranty Coverage
In terms of safety, the Ford Escape and Dodge Journey have both received impressive crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. However, the Escape has a slight edge in safety features, offering a wider range of standard and available driver assistance technologies. When it comes to reliability, the Ford Escape has a better track record compared to the Dodge Journey, based on data from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
Driving Dynamics and Handling: On-Road Performance
On the road, the Ford Escape and Dodge Journey offer different driving experiences. The Escape is known for its agile handling and responsive steering, making it a pleasure to drive in both urban and highway settings. The Journey, on the other hand, has a more relaxed and comfortable ride quality, but it may feel less engaging to some drivers.
Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck
The Ford Escape and Dodge Journey offer competitive pricing, with the Escape starting at around $27,000 and the Journey starting at around $26,000. However, the Escape offers more standard features and a wider range of available options, making it a better value proposition overall.
The Verdict: Which SUV Wins the Battle?
After a thorough comparison, the Ford Escape emerges as the winner in this head-to-head battle. It offers a more efficient powertrain, a more spacious and comfortable interior, a more advanced infotainment system, a better safety record, and a more engaging driving experience. While the Dodge Journey offers a lower starting price, the Escape’s overall value and superior qualities make it the better choice for buyers seeking a compact SUV that excels in all aspects.
Beyond the Comparison: FAQs
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Ford Escape or Dodge Journey?
A: The Ford Escape offers better fuel economy, with an impressive 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway for the hybrid model, compared to the Journey’s 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with its base engine.
Q: Which SUV has more interior space and cargo capacity?
A: The Dodge Journey has a slight edge in interior space and cargo capacity, with 106.7 cubic feet of passenger space and 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, compared to the Escape’s 104 cubic feet of passenger space and 60.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Q: Which SUV has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Ford Escape has a more advanced infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system, compared to the Journey’s 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a six-speaker audio system.