SUVs have become increasingly popular over the years. To the point that automakers like Ford have decided to focus less on sedans, and more on SUVs. Such popularity means that when shopping for a new SUV, there are plenty of options to choose from. Among them? Ford and Jeep. 

You may be asking yourself, though, how do these two brands stack up to one another? While they both offer an extensive lineup of SUVs to choose from, there are a few differences between these two brands that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Check out Ford’s lineup of SUVs

Stop by any Ford dealership, and you’re bound to find an endless selection of SUVs. Choose between models like the Ford EcoSport, Escape, Edge, Explorer, MACH-E, and the Ford Expedition. 

There are several award-winning SUVs among Ford’s lineup. J.D. Power recognized the 2020 Ford Escape as a performance award winner. The Ford Escape was also included in WardsAuto’s ‘2020 Wards 10 Best User Experiences’ list.

The Ford Expedition has also landed the top spot on Kelley Blue Book’s list of ‘12 Best Family Cars’ for three years runnings. And if that’s not enough to convince you that Ford has a stellar lineup of SUVs to pick from, then consider this: Multiple vehicles among Ford’s selection of SUVs have been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS.)

Most recently, the IIHS tapped the 2020 Ford Explorer as a Top Safety Pick+, the IIHS’ highest honor. According to Ford, the new Explorer, “aced all six areas of the Institute’s crashworthiness testing and is recognized for the lighting capabilities of its headlamps across all series levels.”

Take a look at Jeep’s selection of SUVs

Jeep is known for its SUVs. Then again, Jeep has a long history of putting out trail-tested SUVs. It’s just what they do. Nowadays, Jeep offers several models to choose from, including the Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and the Jeep Renegade.

Much like Ford, a handful of Jeep models have also earned several awards. According to Jeep, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has received more awards than any other SUV currently on the market. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler four-door has the Best Resale Value in the Off-Road SUV category too, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Though, unfortunately for Jeep, it’s not all good news. Unlike Ford, not a single 2020 model was tapped by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick, or a Top Safety Pick+. The last time a Jeep model earned such a title was in 2019 when the Jeep Renegade and the Jeep Cherokee were recognized as Top Safety Picks.

How do Ford and Jeep compare?

First things first, let’s talk pricing. While Jeep’s lineup of SUVs starts at $22,280, Ford’s starts at $19,995. Because there are many different options to choose from, finding an SUV from either brand that falls within your budget is relatively simple. 

Of course, price isn’t everything. The SUV of your choosing should also be able to satisfy all of your daily driving needs. If you’re looking for a spacious family hauler with three-rows of seating, shopping the new Ford lineup is likely your best bet. While Jeep says it will be releasing a three-row SUV, it hasn’t done so just yet.

If you’ve got a hankering for a day at the trails, then look no further than Jeep’s lineup. Unlike Ford, Jeep trail rates its vehicles. Opt for a Jeep SUV outfitted with the Trail Rated badge, and you can have confidence in its ability to take on even the most grueling of terrain.

And if safety rankings and reviews are a concern for you? Consider a Ford SUV. While both brands have SUVs boasting 5-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only Ford has a model recognized by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+

Is a Ford SUV the right pick for you? Or should you opt for an SUV from Jeep?

Buying a new SUV is akin to making a long term investment. That’s why it’s crucial to choose one that checks off all of your boxes. When it comes to both Ford and Jeep, you’re likely to find one that does exactly that.

Fortunately, you can’t go wrong when choosing between a Jeep or Ford SUV. Both lineups offer plenty of options to choose from, and neither will leave your wallet screaming. In the end, choosing between these two brands comes down to personal preference.