Ford Escape Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars

By Marty Padgett

Marty Padgett

Editorial Director BIO

Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

LATEST ARTICLE
30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Gas Mileage, So Far
As we roll through our 30-day road test of the 2013 Ram 1500, we're ready to file our first report... Read More

• #5LEADERBOARD RANK
• 5170ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 111COMMENTS POSTED

19 34,658 views Feb 18, 2013

Follow Marty

Add to circle

Ford Escape Vs. Honda CR-V

Enlarge Photo

To date, we've only driven just the most sporty, 240-horsepower version of the new Ford Escape. Still, it's easy to pick out the ways in which the new Escape excels--and the ways in which Honda's crossover carves out an even bigger niche for itself.

It boils down to size and fun. If you're looking for the flexible, utility-driven safety specialist, take the CR-V. It's not rated as highly here, but in several critical categories, we've put it ahead of the Escape. The most important scores for families--quality and comfort--are the ones in which the CR-V shines. 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 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. 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 carlike overall.

The CR-V also rules the safety rankings, earning not just a top five-star score from the federal government but also IIHS Top Safety Pick status; the Escape is also a Top Safety Pick but it earns only four stars from the feds. It's not a complete smack--down though, as the Escape offers more advanced safety technology like parking sensors and active park assist.

For families hunting down a new commuting appliance, the CR-V works extremely well. That said, after a day's drive in the athletic, attractive new Escape, we'd give it the enthusiast nod, each and every time. 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. The electric power steering at least feels like it's in the game; the ride's very well damped, even taut; the 240-horsepower four's able to hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds, even with only a six-speed automatic running plays underfoot. (A pair of less powerful engines are available, too: a 2.5-liter four with 170 hp, and a turbo 1.6-liter four with 178 hp.)

Fuel economy ends up in Ford's corner: the CR-V's top EPA ratings hit 30 mpg, while the best Escape model is rated at 33 mpg highway.

For 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. Its cabin has much firmer seats with much thinner padding, which telegraphs a sportier feel without delivering discomfort. Its back seats fold forward too, though not with the final flourish of fold-forward fancy that Honda's mustered in the CR-V.

As for features, the Escape triumphs, though Honda's made good progress. The CR-V now has standard Bluetooth, and streaming audio and mobile connectivity are reality. 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.

In the end, it's a decision between brand-new and carefully updated crossovers. The Escape's a wholly different vehicle that the faux-truck that was not so long ago discontinued. 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. Our advice: If you're so busy you barely have time to think of the driving itself, get the CR-V; but if you want a little fun sprinkled in, the Escape stays true to its name.

2013 Ford Escape	2013 Honda CR-V
Meta Rating
8 After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance.	7.8 The 2013 Honda CR-V hits all the right marks for cost-conscious families—with its interior layout and safety ratings both best-in-class—although it doesn't feel as sprightly as former CR-V models.
Styling
8With dynamic looks that ditch its past, the 2013 Escape crosses over far from its former SUV-lookalike territory. Read more	7There's nothing all that memorable or attention-getting about the CR-V from the outside, but simplicity is an asset inside. Read more
Performance
8Taut handling and quick steering work well with the 240-hp turbo four; the Escape is one of the best-handling crossovers in its class. Read more	6The 2013 Honda CR-V is smooth and confidence-inspiring, but it's not at all exciting. Read more
Quality
7The Escape has more interior space than before, but the seats are firmer, and it's still down on volume to the CR-V. Read more	8The CR-V has one of the best rear seat-folding arrangements in any vehicle; yet materials and trims are lackluster. Read more
Safety
8With an all-new structure and good safety ratings, plus some new safety technology, the new Escape is a secure pick. Read more	9With top safety ratings from both U.S. testing agencies, the 2013 Honda CR-V is one of the most secure vehicles of any kind. Read more
Features
9MyFord Touch is improved; leather, a panoramic sunroof, and Sony sound lift the Escape into the near-luxury leagues. Read more	9Connectivity features are offered throughout the lineup, and available entertainment systems are on part with those in luxury vehicles. Read more
Green
8Some Escapes will hit EPA-rated highway mileage in the 30s; we've observed low 20s on the sportiest model. Read more	7The 2013 Honda CR-V has some of the highest mileage ratings in its class, but tall gear ratios mean that you're not as likely to see them in real-world driving. Read more
MSRP
from $22,470	from $22,795
Invoice
from $21,178	from $21,413
Fuel Economy - Combined City and Highway
25	26
Front Leg Room (in)
40.400	41.3
Second Leg Room (in)
36.800 Read Full Specs	38.3 Read Full Specs