Clash of the titans: ford escape 2017 vs. dodge journey – who emerges victorious?

When it comes to compact SUVs, the Ford Escape 2017 and the Dodge Journey stand out as two popular contenders. Both vehicles offer a versatile blend of practicality, style, and affordability, making them ideal choices for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. However, to determine the ultimate winner, a thorough comparison of the Ford Escape 2017 vs Dodge Journey is essential.

Performance and Power:

Under the hood, the Ford Escape 2017 offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four that delivers 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The Dodge Journey, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.4-liter inline-four that generates 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.6-liter V6 is available as an upgrade, producing 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel economy, the Ford Escape 2017 with the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the EcoBoost engine offers 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Dodge Journey with the 2.4-liter engine delivers 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Space:

Inside, the Ford Escape 2017 boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating for five. The dashboard is ergonomically designed, with user-friendly controls and a SYNC 3 infotainment system that features an 8-inch touchscreen display. The Dodge Journey offers a more spacious interior, with seating for up to seven passengers. However, the third row of seats is best suited for children or occasional use. The infotainment system in the Journey is less intuitive, with a smaller 4.3-inch touchscreen display.

Safety Features:

Both the Ford Escape 2017 and the Dodge Journey offer a range of safety features to ensure the well-being of occupants. The Escape comes standard with a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Journey includes a rearview camera, stability control, and traction control as standard. Additionally, the Escape offers optional features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, while the Journey offers optional features such as rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Cargo Capacity and Towing:

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Ford Escape 2017 offers 34.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 68.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Dodge Journey provides a more generous cargo capacity, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 67.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

In terms of towing capacity, the Ford Escape 2017 with the 2.5-liter engine can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the EcoBoost engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The Dodge Journey with the 2.4-liter engine can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while the V6 engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Value and Price:

The Ford Escape 2017 has a starting MSRP of $23,600, while the Dodge Journey starts at $22,995. However, it’s important to consider that the Escape offers more standard features and a more refined driving experience than the Journey.

The Verdict:

After a comprehensive comparison, the Ford Escape 2017 emerges as the superior choice over the Dodge Journey. It offers a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine lineup, a more spacious and comfortable interior, a wider range of safety features, and a better overall value proposition. While the Journey may offer a slightly lower starting price, its inferior performance, outdated interior, and lack of advanced safety features make it a less compelling option. Ultimately, the Ford Escape 2017 is the better choice for SUV seekers who prioritize performance, comfort, and value.

Takeaways:

The Ford Escape 2017 and the Dodge Journey are both capable compact SUVs, but the Escape stands out as the more well-rounded choice. Its superior performance, spacious interior, advanced safety features, and competitive pricing make it the better option for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Ford Escape 2017 with the 2.5-liter engine offers better fuel economy than the Dodge Journey with the 2.4-liter engine.

Q: Which vehicle has more towing capacity?
A: The Ford Escape 2017 with the EcoBoost engine has a higher towing capacity than the Dodge Journey with the V6 engine.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Dodge Journey offers a more spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers, while the Ford Escape 2017 has a more comfortable interior with better ergonomics.