You’re on the prowl for a new SUV, and your top picks are the 2020 Jeep Cherokee and the 2020 Ford Escape. Both vehicles offer a similar look and price point, so how do you choose between the two? Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee

The 2020 Cherokee offers the luxury of choice when it comes to what’s under the hood. Standard with a 180 hp 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine, the 2020 Cherokee is also available with a 3.2-liter V6 or a 2.0-liter Turbo engine. Though the 2020 Cherokee is by no means quick, Kelley Blue Book says both its ride and handling are “spot-on.”

What’s most intriguing about the 2020 Cherokee are its off-road capabilities. With three available 4×4 systems and trail-ready features like Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Lock, the 2020 Cherokee makes for a formidable off-roader. 

The 2020 Cherokee also offers plenty of creature comforts. Opt for a 2020 Cherokee with a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats for a truly comfortable ride. Also enjoy available features like a panoramic view sunroof and an Alpine Premium Audio System featuring a 12-channel 506-watt amplifier, nine speakers, and an 8-inch subwoofer.

The 2020 Ford Escape

Driven by a standard 165 hp 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology, the 2020 Escape can also be had with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, a hybrid 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I4 engine, or a plug-in 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I4 engine. Based on what Consumer Reports has to say, this year’s Escape is both nimble and fun to drive. 

The 2020 Escape is available with all-wheel drive. Also equipped with Eco, Sport, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Snow/Sand driving modes, you can count on this year’s Escape to take no issue with uneven or slippery terrain.

The 2020 Ford Escape offers no shortage of interior features either. Much like the 2020 Cherokee, this year’s Escape is available with a panoramic sunroof and a premium sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

How does the 2020 Cherokee compare to the 2020 Escape?

Now, let’s get down to the crux of the matter. How does the 2020 Cherokee compare to the 2020 Escape? 

First things first, the 2020 Escape offers more engine choices than the 2020 Cherokee. Though, it is worth mentioning that the 2020 Cherokee’s standard 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine provides more horsepower than the 2020 Escape’s standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine.

If you’re less concerned with speed and more concerned with fuel-efficiency, though, the 2020 Escape becomes the clear pick with its available plug-in and hybrid engines.

And if you want to take one of these SUVs off-road? The 2020 Cherokee has what it takes. Unlike this year’s Escape, the 2020 Cherokee is a trail-rated and capable of conquering various weather and road conditions.

If safety features are at the top of your list, these two SUVs don’t even compare. Unlike the 2020 Cherokee, the 2020 Escape comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes safety-centric features like blind-spot warning, pedestrian detection, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a lane-keeping system. Such features on the 2020 Cherokee mean opting for costly upgrades. 

Should you buy a 2020 Cherokee? Or is the Ford Escape more your style?

What are you looking for in your next SUV? If you have your heart set on a trail-ready vehicle that has no qualms about varied terrain, then the 2020 Cherokee is your best bet. If tech-savvy features and a broader lineup of engines to choose from is what entices you most, then the 2020 Escape was made with you in mind.