2016 Ford Escape vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.