
Crossover SUVs have replaced the sedans in many family garages, and the Escape competes for one of those parking spaces along with a truly impressive group of compact vehicles.
As a direct rival, the Mazda CX-5 is probably the best-driving model in this class, so cross-shop that if you're fond of the Escape's sporty side.
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 newest Hyundai Santa Fe Sport pairs five seats with four-cylinder engines and a lovely and spacious interior.
while a stretched model adds two more seats and gets exclusive V-6 power.
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.
The Toyota RAV4 is only offered with a 4-cylinder engine, and it's not powerful, though it handles and looks better than in the recent past.
And finally, the Nissan Rogue was redesigned recently, becoming a much more refined and better-equipped model, though its CVT and four-cylinder make for dull acceleration.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2016 Ford Escape gives up a little comfort and utility in its quest to be the most exciting crossover SUV to drive. |
The 2016 Honda CR-V has its priorities in the right place, with lots of space and features—but performance takes a back seat. |
The 2016 Kia Sportage offers good looks, a quality interior, and the fun of available turbocharged power, but it is small inside and it's falling behind in safety ratings. |
The 2016 Nissan Rogue offers excellent fuel economy, an upscale interior, and a smooth, but uninspired ride. The available third-row seat is too small for most buyers. |
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is a competent crossover utility with a new Hybrid model this year, updated safety systems, and lots of interior space. |
MSRP From | ||||
$23,590 | $23,845 | $22,150 | $23,330 | $24,350 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Small SUV 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD |
Style Name | ||||
FWD 4-Door S | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door LX | FWD 4-Door S | FWD 4-Door LE (SE) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2016 Ford Escape vs. 2016 Honda CR-V | 2016 Ford Escape vs. 2016 Kia Sportage | 2016 Ford Escape vs. 2016 Nissan Rogue | 2016 Ford Escape vs. 2016 Toyota RAV4 |