Ford EcoSport vs. Ford Escape: Which Compact SUV Is Right for You?

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If you're in the market for a compact SUV, two of Ford's popular models are likely on your radar: the Ford EcoSport and the Ford Escape. Both vehicles offer impressive features, strong performance, and versatile designs, but which one is the better fit for your lifestyle? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Ford EcoSport and Ford Escape to help you decide.

1. Performance and Engine Options

Ford EcoSport:

The Ford EcoSport is the smaller of the two SUVs, making it an ideal choice for city driving and tight parking spaces. Under the hood, the EcoSport offers two engine options:

  • A 1.0L EcoBoost® engine with turbocharged power, providing 123 horsepower.
  • A 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 166 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) on this engine option.

While the EcoSport is nimble and easy to handle, it prioritizes efficiency over raw power, which makes it perfect for daily commutes and urban settings.

Ford Escape:

The Ford Escape, being a slightly larger and more powerful SUV, offers more variety in engine options:

  • A 1.5L EcoBoost® engine with 181 horsepower.
  • A 2.0L EcoBoost® engine delivering 250 horsepower.
  • A hybrid option combining a 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, offering impressive fuel economy.

The Escape delivers more horsepower and is a better fit for those who seek a balance of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency for both city and highway driving.

2. Fuel Efficiency

Ford EcoSport:

The EcoSport is designed with fuel efficiency in mind. With the smaller 1.0L engine, it achieves around 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The AWD-equipped 2.0L engine offers slightly lower fuel economy but still remains efficient for its class.

Ford Escape:

The Escape offers excellent fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid model, which boasts 44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The gasoline-powered 1.5L engine provides an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, making it a strong contender for those looking to save on fuel costs.

3. Interior Space and Comfort

Ford EcoSport:

Despite its compact size, the EcoSport offers a surprisingly roomy interior with seating for up to five passengers. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space to 50 cubic feet, making it convenient for small families or solo travelers with occasional road trips in mind.

Ford Escape:

The Escape, being larger, offers more space overall. With rear seats up, you'll find around 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding the seats down expands this to over 65 cubic feet. The Escape's interior is designed for comfort on long drives, with higher-end trims offering luxury features like leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and an available panoramic sunroof.

4. Technology and Safety Features

Both the EcoSport and Escape come with Ford's SYNC® 3 infotainment system, which offers Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and a responsive touchscreen for easy navigation.

Ford EcoSport:

The EcoSport offers an affordable set of tech features, including:

  • 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC® 3
  • Rearview camera
  • FordPassâ„¢ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

However, it lacks some of the advanced driver-assistance systems that come standard in larger SUVs.

Ford Escape:

The Escape steps up the tech game with more available safety and convenience features:

  • Ford Co-Pilot360â„¢ suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
  • Heads-up display on higher trims.
  • Wireless charging and hands-free power liftgate for extra convenience.

If cutting-edge safety and technology are top priorities for you, the Escape offers more advanced features across the trim levels.

5. Price and Value

Ford EcoSport:

The EcoSport starts at a lower price point, with a base MSRP of around $23,000, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. It provides solid value for a subcompact SUV, especially for those who primarily drive in the city.

Ford Escape:

The Escape starts at a higher price, with a base MSRP of about $28,000, but its additional space, performance, and features justify the extra cost. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models may cost more upfront but could save money in the long run due to fuel efficiency.

6. Which Should You Choose?

  • Choose the Ford EcoSport if: You prefer a smaller, more affordable SUV that excels in city driving and offers great maneuverability. If budget-friendliness, ease of parking, and daily urban commutes are your top priorities, the EcoSport is a practical and efficient choice.

  • Choose the Ford Escape if: You need more power, space, and advanced technology. The Escape is perfect for families, road trip enthusiasts, or anyone who needs the extra cargo room and higher performance for both city and highway driving. The hybrid options are also ideal for eco-conscious buyers looking to save on fuel costs.

Final Thoughts

Both the Ford EcoSport and Ford Escape have their strengths, so your decision will depend on your specific needs. The EcoSport is great for urban dwellers or first-time SUV buyers, while the Escape offers more features, space, and versatility, making it a great option for families or adventurers.

Test drive both models at your nearest Ford dealership to see which one feels like the right fit for you!