Compare Ford Escape vs Honda CRV – As we enter the 2023 model year, there are a plethora of compact SUVs available on the market, but two of the most popular options are the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V.
Both of these vehicles offer a great combination of versatility, practicality, and performance, making them popular choices among drivers.
If you’re in the market for a new compact SUV and are considering the 2023 Ford Escape or Honda CR-V, you might be wondering which one is right for you.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the differences between the two vehicles, including pricing, performance, fuel economy, interior features, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
What is The Main Difference Between Ford Escape and Honda CR-V?
Before we dive into the details, let’s start by taking a broad look at the main differences between the Honda CRV vs Ford Escape.
- Pricing: The Honda CR-V has a starting price of around $29,705, while the Ford Escape starts at around $27,500.
- Performance: The Ford Escape offers a more engaging driving experience, with a sportier suspension and more powerful engine options.
- Fuel Economy: The Honda CR-V is slightly more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined for the base model, while the Ford Escape gets an estimated 28 mpg combined.
- Interior: Both vehicles offer comfortable and spacious interiors, but the Ford Escape has a slightly more modern and upscale feel.
- Infotainment: The Ford Escape’s infotainment system is more user-friendly and responsive, while the Honda CR-V’s system can be slow and cumbersome to use.
Now let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
When it comes to pricing, the Honda CRV vs Ford Escape are both fairly affordable for compact SUVs, with starting prices just a few thousand dollars apart.
However, when you start to add on extra features and options, the price difference can become more significant.
The base model of the Honda CR-V comes standard with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option for an additional cost.
The base model of the Ford Escape comes with a 181-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
All-wheel drive is also available as an option, but it’s slightly more expensive than the Honda CR-V’s all-wheel drive system.
When it comes to which one to buy, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a vehicle. If you want a slightly sportier driving experience, the Ford Escape is the way to go.
However, if you prioritize fuel economy and a more comfortable ride, the Honda CR-V is the better choice.
Read also: Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape offer a range of engine and transmission options to suit different driving styles and needs.
The Honda CR-V’s base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque.
This engine comes standard with a CVT that provides smooth and efficient acceleration. There is also a hybrid option available that combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 212 horsepower.
The Ford Escape’s base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque.
This engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and responsive shifts.
There are also two other engine options available: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 221 horsepower.
In terms of performance, the Ford Escape offers a more engaging driving experience with its sportier suspension and more powerful engine options.
The hybrid powertrain in the Ford Escape also provides impressive acceleration and a smooth and quiet ride.
On the other hand, the Honda CR-V prioritizes comfort and efficiency over performance, with a more comfortable suspension and a slightly more fuel-efficient engine.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
When it comes to fuel economy, both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape offer impressive numbers, but the Honda CR-V comes out slightly ahead.
The base model of the Honda CR-V with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 30 mpg.
With all-wheel drive, those numbers drop slightly to 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 29 mpg.
The base model of the Ford Escape with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 30 mpg.
With all-wheel drive, those numbers drop slightly to 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 28 mpg.
While the Honda CR-V has slightly better fuel economy numbers, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions and habits.
In real-world testing, the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V have been found to have similar fuel economy numbers.
Read also: Ford Edge vs Ford Escape
Exterior Dimensions
Both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape are similarly sized compact SUVs, but there are some differences in their exterior dimensions.
The Honda CR-V measures 182.1 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 66.5 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 104.8 inches. It has a ground clearance of 7.8 inches and a curb weight of around 3,500 pounds.
The Ford Escape measures 180.5 inches long, 74.1 inches wide, and 66.1 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 106.7 inches. It has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and a curb weight of around 3,400 pounds.
While the differences in dimensions are minor, they can make a difference in terms of practicality and maneuverability.
The Honda CR-V’s slightly larger dimensions provide a bit more interior space, while the Ford Escape’s slightly shorter length can make it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
H3: Interior and Comfort
Both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape offer comfortable and spacious interiors, but there are some differences in their design and features.
The Honda CR-V’s interior is straightforward and functional, with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system.
The cabin is spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers in both the front and rear seats.
The Ford Escape’s interior has a slightly more modern and upscale feel, with a stylish dashboard design and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers.
The Ford Escape also offers more cargo space than the Honda CR-V, with up to 65.4 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
Overall, both vehicles offer comfortable and practical interiors, but the Ford Escape has a slight edge in terms of design and cargo space.
Infotainment
When it comes to infotainment, both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape offer user-friendly systems with standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen display, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Honda CR-V’s infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen and physical buttons for commonly used functions.
It also offers a standard 5-inch display or an available 7-inch touchscreen display on higher trim levels.
The Ford Escape’s infotainment system is similarly user-friendly, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display and physical buttons for climate and audio controls.
The system also offers Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes features like voice recognition, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Overall, both vehicles offer excellent infotainment systems with plenty of features to keep passengers entertained and connected on the road.
Read also: 2023 Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
When it comes to safety and driver-assistance features, both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape offer a wide range of advanced technologies to help keep drivers and passengers safe.
The Honda CR-V comes standard with features like a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
Higher trim levels offer additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Escape also comes standard with a rearview camera and automatic emergency braking, as well as features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.
Higher trim levels offer additional features like adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies.
Both vehicles have earned excellent safety ratings from independent organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Honda or Ford more reliable?
Both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape have a good reputation for reliability, but Honda has historically been known for producing vehicles with higher reliability ratings.
According to the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Honda ranks third among all brands in terms of dependability, while Ford ranks 16th.
However, it’s worth noting that both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape have had some reliability issues in the past, particularly with their turbocharged engine options.
It’s important to do your research and consider factors like warranty coverage and maintenance costs before making a decision.
Which car is bigger Ford Escape or Honda CR-V?
The Honda CR-V is slightly larger than the Ford Escape in terms of exterior dimensions, with a longer length and a larger wheelbase. However, the differences in size are minor and both vehicles offer similar interior space and practicality.
What SUV is equal to a Ford Escape?
If you’re considering the Ford Escape but want to explore other options, there are several comparable SUVs on the market. Some of the top alternatives to the Ford Escape include:
- Mazda CX 9: As we’ve discussed, the Honda CR-V is a similarly sized and popular compact SUV with a reputation for reliability and practicality.
- Toyota RAV4: The Toyota RAV4 is another popular compact SUV that offers excellent fuel economy, a spacious interior, and a long list of standard features.
- Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and sporty compact SUV with excellent driving dynamics and a comfortable and upscale interior.
Ultimately, the choice between the 2023 Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
Both vehicles offer excellent value, reliability, and practicality, and are worth considering if you’re in the market for a compact SUV.
By comparing the key differences and features of each vehicle, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget.
Read also: Ford Escape vs Hyundai Tucson
Conclusion
Which is better Honda CRV or Ford Escape? In summary, the 2023 Ford Escape vs Honda CRV is an excellent option for those looking for a practical and reliable compact SUV.
Both vehicles offer a range of features and technologies and have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The Honda CR-V stands out for its spacious and comfortable interior, excellent fuel economy, and reputation for reliability.
It also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for families and long road trips.
On the other hand, the Ford Escape offers a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, with responsive handling and a range of powerful engine options.
It also offers a range of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize safety and security.
When it comes to pricing, the Honda CR-V is generally slightly more affordable than the Ford Escape, making it a better choice for those on a tighter budget.
However, both vehicles offer excellent value for money, and it’s worth considering factors like fuel economy, maintenance costs, and resale value when making a decision.
Ultimately, the choice between the 2023 Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V will depend on your personal preferences and priorities.
By considering the key differences and features of each vehicle, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget.
