Ford Escape vs Jeep Compass

In Michigan, we test-drove the 2024 Jeep Compass, heading straight for a model with a fetching red two-tone paint job and blacked-out trim. However, technical difficulties—none of the doors unlocked, and the tailgate remained shut—led us to a white Compass, trimmed with black plastic door handles and modest wheels. This version blended seamlessly into the environment, almost like a fleet vehicle. On the road, the Compass Sport's design became practically invisible, with no distinguishing features except Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille. Its body, reminiscent of the Toyota RAV4's U-shaped wheel wells and cladded design, lacked the distinctiveness one expects from a Jeep. Unlike the Trailhawk, which stands out with its unique bumpers, mild lift, and red tow hooks, the other Compass trims failed to impress visually.

Our prior experience with a fully-loaded 2023 Compass Limited—boasting a sleek black and gray interior amplified by caramel leatherette—set high expectations. The 2024 base model, however, still showcased significant improvements. With push-button start, a sizeable 10-inch infotainment screen, and silver plastic accents, the cabin felt upscale and pleasant. Nonetheless, we yearned for a more unique external look, feeling that a Jeep should be easily recognizable.

Ford's 2024 Escape sought rejuvenation with the overhaul initiated in 2023. The front end got an aggressive touch, the wheels were redesigned, and new trims were added. The shift from a wide-eyed, toothless grin to a more determined demeanor was striking. While the overall body silhouette remained soft and broadly appealing, it lacked the vibrancy we hoped for in a total transformation.

Ford's 2024 line-up offered multiple trims—Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid—each progressively more costly, peaking at $40,500, excluding destination charges. Our test model was the ST-Line Elite, costing $43,650 and boasting a Rapid Red paint finish, black 19-inch wheels, and extensive tech upgrades. The Escape’s interior aimed for luxury but fell short with overly glossy surfaces and overly stiff upholstery, which didn't justify the high price tag. In contrast to the Compass, the Escape felt confused, aspiring to sportiness but only managing a middle-ground design and feel.

The 2024 Jeep Compass received a much-needed upgrade with the adoption of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, pushing out 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Compass delivered smoother, more agile driving, particularly when merging onto highways. The previous 2.4-liter engine was noisy and underpowered, but the new powertrain brought the Compass up to competitive standards.

Driving modes catered to various terrains, with auto, snow, and sand/mud options, plus a torque lock feature for better traction. However, the off-road prowess was somewhat hindered by a slow-reacting rear-axle disconnect system. For dedicated off-roaders, the Trailhawk model came with a robust low-range transfer case, rock mode, all-terrain tires, and enhanced underbody protection, albeit at a significantly higher cost. The Compass could tow up to 2,000 pounds, matching many of its rivals. Fuel efficiency was rated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice: a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain or a more robust 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Our test unit had the latter, achieving 26 mpg combined. This version could tow up to 3,500 pounds, outperforming the Compass's towing capacity.

Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Slippery, but there was no dedicated off-road mode, signaling its more urban focus. The Escape boasted quick acceleration thanks to the turbocharged engine, but the overall driving dynamics were softer than anticipated. The ride was comfortable but lacking in agility, and the steering felt disconnected. Despite its sporty appearance, the driving experience was subdued and less engaging than the Jeep Compass.

The Jeep Compass excelled in utility and functionality. Its intuitive layout featured clear analog gauges, a sizable center display, and easily reachable controls—including a row beneath the touchscreen. While the lack of temperature readouts felt odd, visibility was impressive. Headroom and legroom were ample both front and back, even without a sunroof. Rear passengers enjoyed vents, USB ports, and a fold-down armrest, a feature often missing in luxury competitors.

Cargo space was commendable, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet when folded. Additionally, trims with a manual front passenger seat offered extra functionality as it could also fold flat, enhancing cargo versatility.

Inside the 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite, black was the dominant hue, with red stitching outlining sportiness. The seats featured cloth inserts with artificial leather bolsters, and although leather upholstery was optional, it offered little comfort. Our test model came with ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. Its front seats were generously sized, providing excellent long-term support, whereas the rear seats offered comfort when slid back.

The Escape outshone the Compass in cargo capacity, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet when folded. However, rear passengers had fewer storage options compared to the Compass. Despite its interior space and comfort, the leather's poor quality detracted from the overall experience.

Both vehicles came loaded with tech features, yet offered different user experiences. The Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 software. The interface was user-friendly, clear, and responsive, though the home screen navigation could be more straightforward. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports, with optional factory navigation and a wireless charging pad. Higher trims could be kitted with a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, panoramic moonroof, and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo.

Ford's 2024 Escape ST-Line Elite excelled with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system. This landscape-oriented screen was intuitive and well-organized. Still, the washed-out color scheme and thin fonts were drawbacks, as were the climate controls embedded in the screen. Lower trims featured smaller 8-inch screens with wireless smartphone integration, while higher trims added Amazon Alexa and connected navigation.

Our test vehicle's Bang & Olufsen sound system couldn't be fully appreciated due to damaged speakers. The Escape also featured a unique head-up display and semi-autonomous parking assistance, although the HUD's plastic screen felt less refined compared to competitors.

As of this writing, the 2024 Jeep Compass lacked an official rating from NHTSA, though the near-identical 2022 model received four stars overall. It performed best in side-impact tests but showed vulnerability in rollovers. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick designation, excelling in all crash tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Ford Escape earned strong safety marks from NHTSA, achieving five stars overall except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. IIHS ratings for 2024 were pending, but the 2023 Escape performed well, except for a marginal score in a new side-impact test. Standard safety features included post-collision automatic braking and the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, encompassing forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Our test vehicle also included adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the lane-keeping system showed inconsistent performance, particularly in curves, which occasionally frustrated drivers.