![ford escape vs subaru forester forum ford escape vs subaru forester forum](https://pictures.dealer.com/w/wilsonvillesubaruorsoa/1050/3ad1b93fd1611e862b6374f362620713x.jpg)
The CR-V on the other hand has changed in no-nonsense, evolutionary ways, keeping it at the top of the class for the mission it has in mind. The Escape's far from the faux-SUV it once was, and it's now a much sportier vehicle-almost a tall sport wagon if you see it in the right light. In the end, if you've narrowed it down to these two, it's more an inward question about those priorities. One thing to remember, however, is that the Escape gets pricey with options, while the CR-V tops out under $35,000. The Escape feels in a class above, if you shop by feature lists, with options for leather, a panoramic sunroof, MyFord Touch's voice-command controls, even a hands-free tailgate that opens or closes with the wave of a foot. The CR-V now has standard Bluetooth, and streaming audio and mobile connectivity are reality.
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That tech is now available on select Escape trim levels, but it can't hide the fact that this crossover hasn't performed especially well in the IIHS and the NHTSA's testing.Īs for features, the Escape triumphs, though Honda's made good progress.
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One important thing to note is that its advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking is standard on EX and higher trim levels. On the safety front, the CR-V hasn't yet been tested, so this is an incomplete story. Its back seats fold forward too, though not with the final flourish of fold-forward fancy that Honda's mustered in the CR-V. Its cabin has much firmer seats with much thinner padding, which telegraphs a sportier feel without delivering discomfort. By comparison, the Escape reads more like a tall station wagon, with the combination of a rather low dash but upright driving position feeling a little more car-like overall.įor those times when running around off-road is part of the plan, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and has optional all-wheel drive, just like the CR-V. The seats are more plushly upholstered, too-and the flip-fold mechanism that turns the second-row seat from passenger perch to cargo bench is the most clever touch in its class. It's a little smaller than the new Escape in some critical dimensions, but it delivers more usable interior space thanks to a more upright shape with more efficient packaging. The area often most important for families-quality and comfort-is one in which the CR-V shines. (A pair of less powerful engines are available in the Escape, too: a 2.5-liter four with 168 hp, and a 1.5-liter turbo-4 with 179 hp.)įuel economy ends up in Ford's corner: the CR-V's top EPA ratings hit as high as 34 mpg ion the highway, while the best Escape model is rated at a mere 30 mpg highway. The electric power steering at least feels like it's in the game, the ride's very well damped-even taut- and the 240-horsepower inline-4's able to hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds, even with only a 6-speed automatic running plays underfoot. Not only does it look the part of a hot hatchback-the CR-V's hunched-over back has nothing on Ford's rally-ready air intakes and rakish angles-the Escape's turbo thrust, ride and handling hold up to repeated thrashings. That said, after a day's drive in the athletic, attractive new Escape, we'd give it the enthusiast nod, each and every time. That translates to far quicker acceleration and passing power with from the turbo model than from the standard engine in the LX. All other trim levels, including the EX, EX-L, and Touring, make use of a more advanced 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that checks in with 190 hp and 179 pound-feet, the latter of which is spread across a much wider range of the engine's revolutions. CR-V LX models utilize a largely carried over 2.4-liter inline-4 engine rated at 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque.