2012 Ford Escape vs. Its Competition

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

Given the Escape Hybrid's advanced age, it's fair to say there are more up-to-date crossovers, but few that match its utility-to-economy equation.

The Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson earn gas-mileage ratings close to that of the Escape Hybrid's highway numbers, but they're significantly smaller inside.

The CR-V's new this year, and it promises to be far more evolution than revolution, which means an Escape-sized-or-more interior with meager acceleration and slightly improved fuel economy.

For a left-turn approach, a Mazda5 MPV makes a suitable replacement for the crossover Escape, and posts great gas mileage and a nimble feel, while also offering two additional seats.

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid2012 Ford Escape
Browse Used Listings		2012 Honda CR-V2012 Honda CR-V
Browse Used Listings		2012 Hyundai Tucson FWD 4-door Auto GLS Side Exterior View2012 Hyundai Tucson
Browse Used Listings		2012 Kia Sportage 2WD 4-door EX Angular Front Exterior View2012 Kia Sportage
Browse Used Listings		2012 Mazda MAZDA5 4-door Wagon Auto Sport Angular Front Exterior View2012 Mazda MAZDA5
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.2
If you're keen on green in crossover form, the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid earns good gas-mileage ratings, but its styling and handling are showing their age.
7.8
The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs.
8.0
One of the most improved crossovers, the 2012 Hyundai Tucson has size and value in its corner.
8.0
The Kia Sportage cuts a rakish new figure and spins out 260 turbocharged horsepower for a total image reboot--watch the options, though.
7.2
The nimble and fuel-efficient 2012 Mazda5 appeals to parents who don’t mind being seen in a minivan but don’t want to feel like they’re driving one.
MSRP From    
$21,440$22,495$19,145$18,500$19,625
Gas Mileage    
20 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas I4Gas I4Gas I4Gas I4Gas I4
EPA Class    
2WD Sport Utility Vehicles2WD Sport Utility2WD Sport Utility2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Minivan
Style Name    
FWD 4-Door XLS2WD 5-Door LXFWD 4-Door Manual GL2WD 4-Door Base4-Door Wagon Manual Sport
Drivetrain    
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
55556
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
4 DoorSport Utility Vehicle4 Door Sport Utility4 Door5 Door Wagon
Transmission    
ManualAutomaticManualManualManual
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Ford Escape vs. 2012 Honda CR-V2012 Ford Escape vs. 2012 Hyundai Tucson2012 Ford Escape vs. 2012 Kia Sportage2012 Ford Escape vs. 2012 Mazda MAZDA5