What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape are two of the most popular options on the market.
- 0-liter EcoBoost engine is a good choice for those who want more power, and the hybrid engine is a great option for those who want to save on fuel.
- The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the right choice for you?
To help you make a decision, we’ve compared the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape in several key areas. We’ll look at their performance, fuel efficiency, interior space, features, safety, and price.
Performance
The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Escape, on the other hand, offers three engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of performance, the Toyota Highlander has the edge over the Ford Escape. The V6 engine provides plenty of power for merging onto the highway and passing other vehicles. The four-cylinder engine is also adequate, but it can feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded.
The Ford Escape‘s 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is the least powerful of the three engine options, but it still provides adequate performance for most drivers. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is a good choice for those who want more power, and the hybrid engine is a great option for those who want to save on fuel.
Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander’s V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Ford Escape‘s 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The hybrid engine gets an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape has the edge over the Toyota Highlander. The Escape’s hybrid engine is particularly impressive, offering excellent fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
Interior Space
The Toyota Highlander offers more interior space than the Ford Escape. The Highlander has a total of 158.1 cubic feet of passenger space and 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The Escape has a total of 104.2 cubic feet of passenger space and 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats.
In terms of interior space, the Toyota Highlander is the clear winner. The Highlander offers more space for passengers and cargo, making it a better choice for families and those who frequently transport large items.
Features
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape both offer a variety of features, including:
- Standard features: Air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, and a rearview camera
- Available features: Navigation, leather seats, heated seats, ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system
In terms of features, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape are evenly matched. Both vehicles offer a wide range of features, so you can choose the ones that are most important to you.
Safety
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a variety of safety features, including:
- Standard safety features: Anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and airbags
- Available safety features: Blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking
In terms of safety, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape are both excellent choices. Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to help protect you and your family.
Price
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,655. The Ford Escape has a starting price of $27,495.
In terms of price, the Ford Escape is the more affordable option. However, the Highlander offers more features and interior space, so it may be worth the extra cost for some buyers.
Which One is Right for You?
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape are both excellent midsize SUVs. The Highlander offers more interior space and features, while the Escape is more fuel-efficient and affordable. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you need a spacious SUV with plenty of features, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient and affordable SUV, the Ford Escape is a good option.
Questions You May Have
Which SUV has more horsepower?
The Toyota Highlander has more horsepower than the Ford Escape. The Highlander’s V6 engine produces 295 horsepower, while the Escape’s most powerful engine produces 250 horsepower.
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Toyota Highlander has more cargo space than the Ford Escape. The Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, while the Escape has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats.
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Ford Escape is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Highlander. The Escape’s hybrid engine gets an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, while the Highlander’s most fuel-efficient engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Which SUV has a better safety rating?
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape have both received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Both vehicles come standard with a variety of safety features, so they both offer excellent protection for you and your family.
Which SUV is more affordable?
The Ford Escape is more affordable than the Toyota Highlander. The Escape has a starting price of $27,495, while the Highlander has a starting price of $35,655.