Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 41 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Jeep Wrangler, a 16 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Escape leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Jeep Wrangler
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 104 configurations
2015–2026
Ford Escape
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 68 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Jeep Wrangler | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg | 41 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 23 mpg | 44 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 38 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 | $1,500 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 230 g/mi | 52 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 3.6, SIDI, 6.4, SIDI; PHEV | Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Manual 6-spd, Automatic 8-spd, Automatic 5-spd | Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium, Regular Gas and Electricity | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Gasoline or E85 |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 104 | 68 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Wrangler vs Escape: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Jeep Wrangler or the Ford Escape?
The Ford Escape is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 41 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Jeep Wrangler, a 16 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Escape runs about $1,500 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Jeep Wrangler — a difference of roughly $1,050 per year.
What engines do the Wrangler and Escape offer?
Jeep Wrangler: 3.6, SIDI, 6.4, SIDI; PHEV. Ford Escape: Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Jeep Wrangler as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and the Ford Escape as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Wrangler comparisons
Comparison id: jeep-wrangler-vs-ford-escape