What To Know
- The Escape’s turbocharged engine delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Crosstrek’s naturally aspirated engine returns 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
- After weighing the performance, efficiency, interior space, technology, off-road capability, and pricing of the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek, the Subaru Crosstrek emerges as the overall winner.
- While the Ford Escape is a capable and efficient compact SUV, the Crosstrek’s combination of features, value, and ruggedness make it the better choice for those seeking a versatile and adventure-ready SUV.
When it comes to compact SUVs, two of the most popular choices are the Ford Escape and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both offer a blend of versatility, capability, and efficiency, making them ideal for navigating urban streets and outdoor adventures alike. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek head-to-head to determine which compact SUV emerges victorious.
Performance and Efficiency:
Under the hood, the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek offer a range of powertrain options to suit different needs. The Escape boasts a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, while the Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles offer optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in slippery conditions.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Escape and Crosstrek are closely matched. The Escape’s turbocharged engine delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Crosstrek’s naturally aspirated engine returns 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. However, the Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive system slightly diminishes its fuel economy compared to the Escape’s front-wheel drive configuration.
Interior Space and Comfort:
Inside, the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek offer spacious and well-appointed cabins. Both vehicles provide ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows, making them comfortable for long road trips or daily commutes. The Escape’s interior features a modern and user-friendly dashboard layout, while the Crosstrek’s cabin exudes a more rugged and adventurous vibe.
When it comes to cargo space, the Escape offers slightly more room than the Crosstrek. With the rear seats folded down, the Escape provides up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Crosstrek offers 55.3 cubic feet. This makes the Escape a better choice for hauling large items or transporting bulky gear for outdoor activities.
Technology and Features:
The Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek come equipped with a range of advanced technology and convenience features. Both vehicles offer user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and navigation capabilities. They also feature a suite of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
However, the Crosstrek stands out with its standard EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The Escape offers these features as optional extras, giving the Crosstrek a slight edge in terms of standard safety equipment.
Off-Road Capability:
For those who venture off the beaten path, the Subaru Crosstrek offers superior off-road capability compared to the Ford Escape. With its standard all-wheel drive system, X-Mode all-wheel drive system, and increased ground clearance, the Crosstrek is better equipped to handle rough terrain, muddy trails, and snowy roads. The Escape, on the other hand, is more suited for light off-roading and daily driving.
Price and Value:
When it comes to pricing, the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek are competitively priced. The Escape starts at an MSRP of $26,245, while the Crosstrek starts at an MSRP of $25,845. However, the Crosstrek offers more standard features and a more comprehensive safety suite, making it a better value proposition for the price.
The Verdict:
After weighing the performance, efficiency, interior space, technology, off-road capability, and pricing of the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek, the Subaru Crosstrek emerges as the overall winner. It offers a more well-rounded package with superior off-road capability, a more comprehensive safety suite, and a more spacious cargo area. While the Ford Escape is a capable and efficient compact SUV, the Crosstrek’s combination of features, value, and ruggedness make it the better choice for those seeking a versatile and adventure-ready SUV.
Alternatives to Consider:
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek, here are a few other compact SUVs worth considering:
- Honda CR-V: Offers a spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride.
- Toyota RAV4: Known for its reliability, off-road capability, and user-friendly technology.
- Mazda CX-5: Boasts a stylish design, sporty handling, and a premium interior.
- Hyundai Tucson: Impresses with its sleek looks, extensive warranty coverage, and a long list of standard features.
- Kia Sportage: Offers a spacious cabin, a powerful engine, and a generous list of standard equipment.
What People Want to Know
1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape or Subaru Crosstrek?
Both vehicles offer similar fuel efficiency, with the Escape slightly edging out the Crosstrek in terms of highway MPG. However, the Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive system slightly diminishes its fuel economy compared to the Escape’s front-wheel drive configuration.
2. Which vehicle offers more cargo space, the Ford Escape or Subaru Crosstrek?
The Ford Escape offers slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Crosstrek, with 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down compared to the Crosstrek’s 55.3 cubic feet.
3. Which vehicle has a better safety rating, the Ford Escape or Subaru Crosstrek?
Both vehicles have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Subaru Crosstrek stands out with its standard EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The Escape offers these features as optional extras.
4. Which vehicle is better for off-roading, the Ford Escape or Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek offers superior off-road capability compared to the Ford Escape. With its standard all-wheel drive system, X-Mode all-wheel drive system, and increased ground clearance, the Crosstrek is better equipped to handle rough terrain, muddy trails, and snowy roads. The Escape, on the other hand, is more suited for light off-roading and daily driving.
5. Which vehicle offers a better warranty, the Ford Escape or Subaru Crosstrek?
Both vehicles offer competitive warranty coverage. The Ford Escape comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Subaru Crosstrek offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with an additional 5-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the drivetrain.