[Kevog]

I've owned a 2017 Latitude 2.4 4x4 for a few weeks now, and after some extensive test drives and several longer road trips - I think I can offer a review between the Jeep and the 2015 Ford Escape SE, 2.0, AWD that I'm coming from. Everything below are simply my own humble opinions and observations.

- First, the Renegade just fits me much better, the head/leg/hip/shoulder room combo = much more comfort for my 6-2, 240 lb frame.
- Ride is slightly better in most situations, although the Escape may be slightly better at 70+ mph on the highway (I have the 18" wheels). The seat height is perfect and is super easy getting in and out.
- Many things are just easier in the Renegade - quickly setting the AC up or down, turning wipers on, changing stereo input/volume, checking fluid levels, scrolling thru the dash menu, etc!
- I love the audio buttons on the back of the steering wheel! Despite reading a few negative reviews of these, I think they're very easy and convenient. Speaking of audio - the whole system is better. Bluetooth works more seamlessly, without drooping or lagging...it just seems more intuitive to me.
** I owned the Escape for 2 years, and it seems like I never because accustomed to some of it's features, whereas I'm completely comfortable in the Renegade after just a few weeks?!
- My mpg has been better with the Jeep! Although both vehicles have similar EPA figures (with the Escape requiring premium gas) - the Ren has been 3-4 mpg better overall.
- Visibility is about the same.
- Rear seat room is greater in the Escape. And, although the total cargo space is less in the Jeep - the space is very usable and more upright.
- Overall road noise isn't quite as good as the Escape. The Ford was
* The only 3 areas where the Escape had an edge on the Renegade = the extra 40 hp! (although not as big of a difference as it may seem), slightly more quiet in some conditions, and very cool convex side mirrors that gave a really wide field of view.

SO, yeah, I'm really-really happy with the Renegade.

 

[tazzel]

I had the newer redesigned 2014 Ford Escape for about 6 months. Could not stand it the vehicle, not very good in the snow and the whole dashboard kept popping up about an inch. Would get it fixed and the next bump in the road would pop out again. Like the Renegade does not get the advertised gas mileage

 

[kbagrows]

Nice review. I totally agree regarding the sound system. The Beats upgrade took a lot of flack on this forum for a while, but I think it sounds really great, and I love the steering wheel controls!

 

[mistahhdj]

Nice review. I totally agree regarding the sound system. The Beats upgrade took a lot of flack on this forum for a while, but I think it sounds really great, and I love the steering wheel controls!

The regular sound system in the Limited, the regular 6 speaker system is really good, it has a lot of bass! How does the beats system actually sound?

 

[elf883]

we both have these 2 trucks i have the rene , the other half has the 17 escape -
both are good in the snow -

but the jeep is GREAT in the snow -mud - sand blah blah blah -
her ford does what she needs and pretty good - i just didnt like the look of it -it looks like everything else on the road these days


thats why i love the rene- there is no other truck that looks like it

 

[Spitfire]

I looked at an Escape briefly back around 2008 when I needed a vehicle, but it wasn't available with a manual transmission, so...

The Suzuki GV I bought at the time (with 5spd manual) was--and is--a great car. I still have it. A funny coincidence--when I stopped into a Ford dealership prior to buying my Renegade (doing due diligentce--they still don't offer a manual), one of the sales guys was interested in buying my GV if I was going to sell it. Turns out he sold Suzukis before he worked for Ford, and he preferred them.

 

[Kevog]

Yeah - I'm pretty pleased with the Beats option! I know there were issues in past years, but I think for a factory "upgraded" system - it's quite good. It has good clarity (which is more important to me over volume) and gives a nice spaciousness.
Again - I'd heard/read several bad reviews of the whole system or certain features - but I love it.

However, in the coming months - I do plan on swapping out all speakers and doing a pretty extensive sound deadening! I can't wait to hear it then!

 

[Kevog]

AND - one more thing that I forgot to mention as far as Renegade vs Escape - is that the Escape wasn't a bad vehicle. It did have a few annoying mechanical/electrical issues in the 30K miles I had it, but overall not bad...I just like the Jeep much-much more.
Finally, on a road trip this past weekend - I counted 13 Escapes when I'd only seen 1 Renegade. It's nice not to see yourself coming and going everywhere you go! Uniqueness!!!

 

[Robot Penguin]

I had an '09 Escape before the Jeep. Honestly a really great vehicle. Took it 200k miles before it finally crapped out; started eating 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. Only had one engine problem, but that was fixed by replacing the EGR valve myself. The rest of the money spent was just for maintenance purposes. The only thing I didn't really like was that the awd system was bit flaky.

Got the Renegade because I didn't like the shape/look of the newer Escapes, but most importantly, I could get the Renegade with a manual transmission.

 

[Kevog]

Actually - that 1st generation Escape kind-of reminds me of the Renegade in some ways. I had a friend with one - a V-6, that he drove for about a dozen years.
Speaking of good memories - just me personally, but my Renegade reminds me of some of my favorite vehicles I've owned over the last __ years!
- a good bit of a 1990 Isuzu Rodeo that I loved!
- some of my 2007 & 2011 Toyota Rav4 Sport V-6's!
- for some reason - there's a tiny bit of 1985 Pontiac Fiero in there...somewhere. Maybe it's the simplicity of controls, a "feel" ...something?