Ford Escape 73·Jeep Grand Cherokee 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Escape about $9,402 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Escape is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,402 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more towing capacity (6,200 vs 2,000 lbs) and more power (324 vs 180 hp).
Go with the Ford Escape for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more towing capacity and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Metric
Ford Escape
Jeep Grand Cherokee
MotiveGrid Score
73
73
Cost of Ownership
75
69
Powertrain
64
54
Driver Assistance
16
38
Livability
55
47
Safety
93
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$57,240
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$20,897
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$14,111
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$10,635
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$2,670
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$5,717
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$1,060
Starting Price
$30,350
$37,995
Horsepower
180 hp
324 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
37.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
6,200 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
Grand Cherokee
69
Winner: Escape
$9,402 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
Grand Cherokee
54
Winner: Escape
+10 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
Grand Cherokee
38
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+22 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
Grand Cherokee
47
Winner: Escape
+8 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ford Escape is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,402 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Ford Escape
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford Escape
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better safety rating with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Escape
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Escape
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$797
$47,839 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$797/mo
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford Escape comes out about $9,402 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.