2023 Ford Escape vs KIA Sportage: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Ford Escape vs KIA Sportage – The year 2023 promises to be an exciting one for SUV enthusiasts, as two popular models, the Ford Escape and the KIA Sportage, are expected to receive significant updates.

The Ford Escape and KIA Sportage are both impressive SUVs that have been around for a while, but they are set to go head-to-head in 2023.

If you are planning to buy a new SUV and considering these two options, you may be wondering which one is the better buy.

In this article, we will compare the 2023 KIA Sportage vs Ford Escape in detail, covering all the important factors that can help you make an informed decision.

What is The Main Difference Between the 2023 KIA Sportage and Ford Escape?

2023 Ford Escape vs KIA Sportage
2023 Ford Escape vs KIA Sportage

The main difference between the 2023 KIA Sportage and Ford Escape is their pricing. While the exact prices of these SUVs are not yet announced, we can expect the KIA Sportage to be cheaper than the Ford Escape, as it has been the case in the past.

However, there are other factors that distinguish these two SUVs, including their engine, transmission, performance, fuel economy, real-world MPG, exterior dimensions, interior, comfort, infotainment, safety, and driver-assistance features.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Hyundai Tucson

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to pricing, the 2023 Ford Escape and KIA Sportage are both affordable compact SUVs that offer good value for their respective price points.

The base 2023 Ford Escape S starts at an MSRP of $36,965, while the top-of-the-line Titanium trim starts at an MSRP of $37,615.

The hybrid versions of the Ford Escape start at an MSRP of $27,500 for the SE Sport Hybrid trim and go up to $34,440 for the Titanium Hybrid trim.

The 2023 KIA Sportage is expected to have a similar price range, with the base LX trim starting at an MSRP of around $24,000 and the top-of-the-line SX Turbo trim starting at an MSRP of around $34,000.

When it comes to which one to buy, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. The Ford Escape offers better fuel economy with its hybrid powertrain and has a slightly more spacious cargo area.

The 2023 KIA Sportage offers a stylish design and is expected to offer good value for its price.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 Ford Escape is expected to come with three engine options: a 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, and a hybrid powertrain.

The 1.5-liter engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter engine generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The hybrid powertrain is expected to produce around 200 horsepower and offers impressive fuel economy.

On the other hand, the 2023 KIA Sportage is expected to come with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain.

The 2.5-liter engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid powertrain is expected to produce around 226 horsepower and offer impressive fuel economy.

Overall, both the Ford Escape and KIA Sportage offer good performance, but the Ford Escape has a slight edge when it comes to power and engine options.

Read also: 2023 Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when buying an SUV, as it can save you money on gas in the long run.

The 2023 Ford Escape is expected to offer good fuel economy, especially with the hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Ford Escape hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 41 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, which is impressive for an SUV.

The non-hybrid versions of the Escape also offer decent fuel economy, with the 1.5-liter engine getting an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, and the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

The 2023 KIA Sportage is also expected to offer good fuel economy, especially with the hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 KIA Sportage non-hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, which is respectable for its class. The hybrid powertrain is expected to improve fuel economy even further.

Overall, both the Ford Escape and KIA Sportage offer good fuel economy, with the Ford Escape having a slight edge with its hybrid powertrain.

Exterior Dimensions

The exterior dimensions of an SUV can impact its maneuverability and practicality, especially if you plan to park it in a tight space or drive it on narrow roads.

The 2023 Ford Escape and KIA Sportage have similar exterior dimensions, with both being compact SUVs.

The Ford Escape has a length of 180.5 inches, a width of 74.1 inches, and a height of 66.1 inches, while the KIA Sportage has a length of 176.4 inches, a width of 73 inches, and a height of 64.4 inches.

Overall, both the Ford Escape and KIA Sportage are easy to maneuver and practical for daily use, with the Ford Escape being slightly longer and taller.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Honda CRV

Interior and Comfort

The interior of an SUV is where you will spend most of your time, so it’s important to have a comfortable and practical cabin.

The 2023 Ford Escape and KIA Sportage both offer spacious and well-designed interiors, with comfortable seats and modern features.

The Ford Escape has a seating capacity of five, with 39.3 inches of headroom in the front and 39 inches in the rear. The legroom is also decent, with 42.4 inches in the front and 40.7 inches in the rear.

The cargo space is also impressive, with up to 65.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

The KIA Sportage also has a seating capacity of five, with 39.3 inches of headroom in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear.

The legroom is also decent, with 41.5 inches in the front and 38.2 inches in the rear. The cargo space is also respectable, with up to 60.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

Overall, both the Ford Escape and KIA Sportage offer spacious and comfortable interiors, with the Ford Escape having a slight edge when it comes to cargo space.

Infotainment

The infotainment system of an SUV can enhance your driving experience by providing access to entertainment, navigation, and other features.

The 2023 Ford Escape and KIA Sportage both come with modern infotainment systems that offer a range of features.

The Ford Escape comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

It also comes with a 6-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offer more features, such as a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The KIA Sportage comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio.

Higher trims offer more features, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, and a wireless charging pad.

Both SUVs offer intuitive and easy-to-use infotainment systems, with the Ford Escape having a slight edge with its larger screen and more advanced features.

Read also: Ford Escape PHEV vs RAV4 Prime

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for any SUV, and both the 2023 Ford Escape and KIA Sportage come with a range of safety and driver-assistance features.

The Ford Escape comes with a suite of standard safety features, including a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.

Higher trims offer more advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The KIA Sportage also comes with a suite of standard safety features, including a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.

Higher trims offer more advanced features, such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Overall, both the Ford Escape and KIA Sportage offer impressive safety and driver-assistance features, with the Ford Escape having a slight edge with its more advanced features.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a Ford Escape bigger than a KIA Sportage?

Yes, the 2023 Ford Escape is slightly larger than the 2023 KIA Sportage, both in terms of exterior dimensions and interior space.

What is the equivalent of the 2023 KIA Sportage?

The 2023 KIA Sportage is the latest iteration of KIA’s popular compact SUV.

Which is better, Ford Edge or KIA Sportage?

The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV, while the KIA Sportage is a compact SUV. Both vehicles offer unique features and capabilities, so the better option depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Is the 2023 KIA Sportage worth buying?

Yes, the 2023 KIA Sportage is a well-rounded and reliable SUV that offers impressive features and capabilities for its price point.

What is the disadvantage of KIA Sportage?

One disadvantage of the KIA Sportage is its smaller cargo capacity compared to some of its rivals in the compact SUV segment.

Is the KIA Sportage expensive to maintain?

The KIA Sportage is generally affordable to maintain, with average annual maintenance costs ranging from $300 to $500.

However, the cost of maintenance can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s age, mileage, and specific maintenance needs.

Read also: Ford Edge vs Escape

Customer Reviews

When it comes to choosing between the 2023 KIA Sportage and Ford Escape, many customers have shared their thoughts and experiences. Here are some customer reviews on the comparison of these two popular SUVs:

“I recently purchased a 2023 KIA Sportage, and I am extremely happy with my decision. The Sportage offers great value for the price, with a range of features and capabilities that are on par with much more expensive vehicles. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and the infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use.” – John R.

“I test-drove both the 2023 Ford Escape and KIA Sportage before making my decision, and I ultimately chose the Escape. While both vehicles offer a similar driving experience, I found the Escape to be slightly more refined and luxurious. The interior is spacious and comfortable, and the advanced safety features give me peace of mind on the road.” – Sarah L.

“If you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable SUV, I highly recommend the 2023 KIA Sportage. The Sportage offers great fuel economy and plenty of standard features, making it an excellent value for the price. Plus, KIA’s industry-leading warranty gives me added confidence in my purchase.” – Tom D.

“I was torn between the Ford Escape and KIA Sportage, but ultimately decided on the Sportage. The Sportage’s sporty styling and responsive handling make it a fun car to drive, while the practicality of its compact size and excellent fuel economy make it a great choice for everyday use.” – Emily S.

“After test driving both the Ford Escape and KIA Sportage, I ultimately decided on the Escape due to its more advanced safety features and larger touchscreen display. The Escape also felt more solid and substantial on the road, which gave me added confidence in its performance.” Michael K.

Read also: Ford Escape vs KIA Sorento

Conclusion

Overall, the 2023 Ford Escape vs KIA Sportage are two impressive compact SUVs that offer good value and modern features.

The Ford Escape has a slight edge when it comes to fuel economy and cargo space, while the KIA Sportage offers a stylish design and is expected to offer good value for its price.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and priorities, so it’s recommended to test drive both and see which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.