2014 Ford Escape vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

As SUVs have gotten smaller, more efficient, and more truly family-friendly this past decade, the benchmark that Ford used when it created its original 2001 Escape changed dramatically—and thankfully last year with the introduction of this new model the Escape is the more carlike, stylish model that today's crossover shoppers want.

The chief rivals for the Escape remain familiar.

The latest Honda CR-V, a makeover of the prior model with slightly better space and efficiency than before, has improved styling and infotainment features, and a unique fold-away second-row seat that's best in the class.

The Toyota RAV4 is the other big seller, and it's new this year; it's only offered with a four-cylinder engine, and it's not powerful, though it handles and looks better than in the recent past.

The newest Hyundai Santa Fe does double duty: the smaller Sport model pairs five seats with four-cylinder engines, while a stretched model adds two more seats and gets exclusive V-6 power.

The Nissan Rogue has athletic looks and a roomy cabin, but its CVT and four-cylinder drivetrain are sluggish.

The Escape also competes with the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, smaller crossovers with very good gas mileage and in the Kia's case, fun turbo power.