What To Know
- 5-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.
- While the price difference is negligible, the Escape offers a more generous standard equipment list, including features like a larger touchscreen display, a power liftgate, and heated front seats.
- Ultimately, the choice between the Escape and the CR-V comes down to personal preferences, budget, and the specific features that matter most to the individual buyer.
When it comes to compact SUVs, two titans of the automotive industry come to mind: the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V. Both vehicles have garnered accolades for their versatility, efficiency, and overall driving experience. However, discerning drivers seek to delve deeper, seeking the nuances that set these two exceptional SUVs apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Escape against the Honda CR-V, scrutinizing their key features, performance metrics, and overall value proposition to determine which compact SUV emerges victorious.
Performance Prowess: Unleashing Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Ford Escape offers a range of engine options, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers a spirited 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. For those craving more muscle, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine cranks out an impressive 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring seamless power delivery.
The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, boasts a refined 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that generates 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), known for its smooth and efficient operation. While the CR-V’s power output is slightly higher than the Escape’s base engine, it falls short of the Escape’s more potent 2.0-liter EcoBoost option.
Fuel Efficiency: Sipping Fuel Responsibly
In terms of fuel economy, the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V demonstrate remarkable efficiency. The Escape’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine returns 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The Honda CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. While these figures are comparable to the Escape’s, it’s worth noting that the CR-V’s CVT may provide a slight edge in real-world fuel economy, especially in urban driving conditions.
Interior Comforts and Amenities: Embracing Luxury and Convenience
Inside, the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V offer spacious and well-appointed cabins. Both vehicles feature comfortable seating, ample headroom and legroom, and intuitive infotainment systems. However, the Escape’s SYNC 3 infotainment system stands out with its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics, while the CR-V’s infotainment system, while capable, may feel somewhat dated in comparison.
When it comes to cargo space, the Escape provides 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The CR-V offers slightly more cargo capacity, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Safety Features: Shielding You from Harm’s Way
The Ford Escape and Honda CR-V have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a comprehensive suite of airbags, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and other safety technologies.
The Escape’s Co-Pilot360 suite of ADAS includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The CR-V’s Honda Sensing suite of ADAS offers similar features, along with a few extras like traffic sign recognition and low-speed automatic braking.
Price and Value: Striking a Balance
The Ford Escape has a starting price of $27,495, while the Honda CR-V starts at $27,650. While the price difference is negligible, the Escape offers a more generous standard equipment list, including features like a larger touchscreen display, a power liftgate, and heated front seats.
The CR-V, on the other hand, counters with a slightly higher fuel economy rating and a more spacious cargo area. Ultimately, the choice between the Escape and the CR-V comes down to personal preferences, budget, and the specific features that matter most to the individual buyer.
Verdict: Crowning the Compact SUV Champion
In the realm of compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V stand as formidable contenders, each possessing unique strengths and appeals. The Escape impresses with its spirited performance, generous standard equipment, and sharp pricing, while the CR-V captivates with its fuel efficiency, spacious cargo area, and comprehensive safety features.
Ultimately, the decision between these two exceptional SUVs hinges on individual priorities and preferences. Those seeking a thrilling driving experience, a well-equipped cabin, and a competitive price tag may find solace in the Ford Escape. Conversely, those prioritizing fuel economy, cargo capacity, and a long list of standard safety features may gravitate towards the Honda CR-V.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which SUV has better performance, the Ford Escape or the Honda CR-V?
The Ford Escape offers more powerful engine options, including a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The Honda CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine generates 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
2. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Ford Escape or the Honda CR-V?
Both the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V offer impressive fuel economy. The Escape’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
3. Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Ford Escape or the Honda CR-V?
The Honda CR-V offers slightly more interior space than the Ford Escape. The CR-V provides 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, compared to the Escape’s 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
4. Which SUV has better safety features, the Ford Escape or the Honda CR-V?
Both the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. They come standard with a comprehensive suite of airbags, ADAS, and other safety technologies. The Escape’s Co-Pilot360 suite of ADAS includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, while the CR-V’s Honda Sensing suite of ADAS offers similar features, along with a few extras like traffic sign recognition and low-speed automatic braking.
5. Which SUV is a better value for money, the Ford Escape or the Honda CR-V?
The Ford Escape offers a more generous standard equipment list for a slightly lower starting price compared to the Honda CR-V. However, the CR-V counters with a slightly higher fuel economy rating and a more spacious cargo area. Ultimately, the choice between the Escape and the CR-V comes down to personal preferences, budget, and the specific features that matter most to the individual buyer.