What To Know
- The side profile is characterized by a sloping roofline and prominent wheel arches, while the rear features a full-width taillight that accentuates the vehicle’s width.
- The Lexus UX delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with its 2.
- The Ford Escape, while offering a spacious cabin and a potent powertrain, falls short in terms of overall refinement and driving experience.
In the realm of compact luxury crossovers, two formidable contenders emerge: the Lexus UX and the Ford Escape. Both vehicles boast distinct personalities, offering a blend of style, performance, and practicality. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of each model, uncovering their strengths and weaknesses to determine which one emerges victorious. From sleek designs to cutting-edge technology, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to find the ultimate compact crossover champion.
Exterior Design: A Study in Contrasts
The Lexus UX exudes an air of sophistication with its sharp lines and sculpted surfaces. Its signature spindle grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by sleek LED headlights and aggressive air intakes. The side profile is characterized by a sloping roofline and prominent wheel arches, while the rear features a full-width taillight that accentuates the vehicle’s width.
In contrast, the Ford Escape embraces a more rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. Its boxy silhouette conveys a sense of robustness, with a bold grille and muscular fenders. The Escape’s higher ground clearance and available all-wheel drive system hint at its adventurous spirit.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Battle of Refinement
Inside the Lexus UX, occupants are greeted by a luxurious cabin adorned with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Soft-touch surfaces, ambient lighting, and a panoramic moonroof create an inviting and serene atmosphere. The front seats provide excellent support and adjustability, while the rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom for passengers.
The Ford Escape’s interior is spacious and functional, with a focus on practicality. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the infotainment system is easy to use. However, the Escape’s cabin materials feel less luxurious compared to the Lexus UX, and some of the interior design elements appear dated.
Performance and Handling: A Balancing Act
Under the hood of the Lexus UX, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 189 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth and efficient power delivery. The UX handles nimbly, with precise steering and a well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections.
The Ford Escape offers a choice of two powertrains: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Escape’s handling is competent, but it feels less agile and engaging than the Lexus UX.
Technology and Safety Features: A Clash of the Titans
The Lexus UX comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is intuitive to use and responds quickly to inputs. The UX also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Escape‘s infotainment system is powered by an 8-inch touchscreen that is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is user-friendly and features a variety of connectivity options. The Escape also offers an impressive array of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
Fuel Efficiency: A Battle of Wits
The Lexus UX delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with its 2.0-liter engine. The Ford Escape‘s 1.5-liter engine achieves 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine returns 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Verdict: The Ultimate Compact Crossover Champion
After a thorough examination of the Lexus UX and Ford Escape, we have reached our verdict. The Lexus UX emerges as the victor, thanks to its superior interior refinement, more engaging driving dynamics, and impressive fuel efficiency. The Ford Escape, while offering a spacious cabin and a potent powertrain, falls short in terms of overall refinement and driving experience.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Additional Aspects
Lexus UX:
- Hybrid Powertrain: The UX also offers a hybrid variant that combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- F Sport Trim: For those seeking a sportier driving experience, the UX F Sport trim adds a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a unique interior design.
Ford Escape:
- Plug-In Hybrid Variant: The Escape offers a plug-in hybrid variant that allows for all-electric driving for short distances, providing increased fuel savings and reduced environmental impact.
- All-Wheel Drive System: The Escape’s available all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in inclement weather and off-road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which vehicle has a more spacious cargo area?
The Ford Escape offers a more spacious cargo area than the Lexus UX, with 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
2. Which vehicle offers a more powerful engine?
The Ford Escape’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces more horsepower and torque than the Lexus UX’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
3. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
The Ford Escape has a higher towing capacity than the Lexus UX, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds compared to the UX’s 2,000 pounds.