What To Know
- The Nissan Altima has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
- If you prefer a more rugged and capable crossover with a more powerful engine and advanced safety features, the Ford Escape is the better choice.
- The Nissan Altima has a slightly more spacious interior than the Ford Escape, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, with new models and technologies emerging all the time. In the ever-competitive crossover segment, two standouts have emerged: the Nissan Altima and the Ford Escape. These vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and performance, making them popular choices for families and individuals alike. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Nissan Altima against the Ford Escape to determine which crossover reigns supreme.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Altima exudes a sleek and sporty aesthetic, with its sharp lines and aggressive stance. The V-Motion grille and boomerang-shaped headlights give it a distinctive and modern look. The Ford Escape, on the other hand, has a more rugged and utilitarian appearance. Its boxy silhouette and pronounced wheel arches convey a sense of adventure and off-road capability.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Nissan Altima offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the materials used throughout are of high quality. The infotainment system is user-friendly and features a large touchscreen display. The Ford Escape also boasts a comfortable and spacious interior, but its design is more conservative compared to the Altima. The materials are not as premium, but the overall functionality and features are comparable.
Performance and Handling
The Nissan Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It provides adequate power for daily driving, but it can feel underpowered when overtaking or merging onto highways. The Ford Escape offers a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers a more spirited performance and is better suited for highway driving.
Fuel Efficiency
The Nissan Altima has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The Ford Escape, with its more powerful engine, has an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. However, the Escape’s fuel efficiency can be improved by opting for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants.
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Altima and the Ford Escape have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, the Ford Escape offers a wider range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.
Price and Value
The Nissan Altima has a starting price of $24,900, while the Ford Escape starts at $26,630. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and price points. The Altima is slightly more affordable, but the Escape offers a more comprehensive list of standard safety features and a more powerful engine.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The Nissan Altima and the Ford Escape are both excellent choices for crossover buyers. The Altima offers a sleek design, comfortable interior, and good fuel efficiency. The Escape, on the other hand, has a more rugged exterior, a more powerful engine, and a wider range of safety features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize style, fuel efficiency, and affordability, the Nissan Altima is a great option. If you prefer a more rugged and capable crossover with a more powerful engine and advanced safety features, the Ford Escape is the better choice.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: Both the Nissan Altima and the Ford Escape offer a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Does the Ford Escape offer all-wheel drive?
A: Yes, all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels of the Ford Escape.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Altima has a slightly more spacious interior than the Ford Escape, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
Q: Can the Nissan Altima tow heavy loads?
A: The Nissan Altima has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Q: Does the Ford Escape have a sunroof?
A: A sunroof is available as an option on all trim levels of the Ford Escape except the base S trim.