What To Know
- The Escape achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with FWD, while the AWD model gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- The Duster, on the other hand, achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with FWD, while the AWD model gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- The Ford Escape and Renault Duster offer competitive pricing, with the Escape starting at $24,880 and the Duster starting at $21,590.
The Ford Escape and Renault Duster are two popular compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and affordability. While they share some similarities, these vehicles also have distinct differences that cater to different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Ford Escape and Renault Duster, providing a detailed analysis of their performance, features, and overall value.
Performance: Powertrains and Driving Dynamics
The Ford Escape and Renault Duster offer a range of powertrain options to suit various driving styles and conditions. The Escape comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.
On the other hand, the Renault Duster is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and FWD, while a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD are available as options.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Ford Escape provides a more refined and composed ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension. It handles corners with confidence and offers a comfortable ride on both paved and unpaved roads. The Renault Duster, on the other hand, has a simpler torsion beam rear suspension, which results in a slightly bouncier ride. However, it still manages to provide decent handling and stability.
Interior and Cargo Space: Comfort, Convenience, and Versatility
The Ford Escape and Renault Duster offer spacious and well-equipped interiors, each with unique strengths. The Escape boasts a modern and upscale cabin with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. It features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a range of advanced safety features. The Duster, on the other hand, has a more utilitarian interior with durable materials and straightforward controls. It comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and basic safety features.
When it comes to cargo space, the Ford Escape offers a generous 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Renault Duster provides slightly less cargo space, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Exterior Design: Bold and Rugged vs. Sleek and Sophisticated
The Ford Escape and Renault Duster have distinct exterior designs that reflect their respective personalities. The Escape features a bold and rugged look with a prominent grille, muscular lines, and available 19-inch alloy wheels. The Duster, on the other hand, has a more sleek and sophisticated design with a sloping roofline, sharp creases, and available 17-inch alloy wheels.
Safety Features: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones
Both the Ford Escape and Renault Duster offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to ensure the protection of occupants and other road users. The Escape comes standard with a range of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Duster also offers a variety of safety features, including airbags, ABS brakes, and electronic stability control.
Fuel Efficiency: Sipping Fuel or Gulping Gas?
The Ford Escape and Renault Duster offer comparable fuel efficiency, with the Escape slightly edging out the Duster in terms of overall fuel economy. The Escape achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with FWD, while the AWD model gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Duster, on the other hand, achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with FWD, while the AWD model gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck
The Ford Escape and Renault Duster offer competitive pricing, with the Escape starting at $24,880 and the Duster starting at $21,590. However, the Escape offers a more comprehensive range of standard features and a more refined driving experience, justifying its slightly higher price tag.
Takeaways: Choosing the Right Compact SUV for Your Needs
The Ford Escape and Renault Duster are both excellent compact SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Escape offers a more refined driving experience, a more upscale interior, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. The Duster, on the other hand, is more affordable, has a more rugged exterior design, and offers decent off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice between the two depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Escape has a more powerful engine, with 181 horsepower compared to the Renault Duster’s 150 horsepower.
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Ford Escape has slightly better fuel economy than the Renault Duster, achieving up to 34 mpg on the highway compared to the Duster’s 33 mpg.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Escape has a more spacious interior, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats compared to the Duster’s 18.2 cubic feet.