Ford has produced many SUVs throughout the years. The 2023 Ford Edge is quite the competitor as it is sleek and powerful. When comparing this SUV to the others in the Ford lineup many may wonder how it compares to the Ford Escape. In this review we will look into those key similarities and differences.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Edge comes with two different engine options, one of which has been designed for performance and power. The Ford Escape on the other hand has three engine options, with one being a hybrid.
- Ford focuses on safety when it comes to the Ford Edge. The Edge has been named a top safety pick by the IIHS when it is equipped with certain safety features.
- Just because these two vehicles are compact doesn’t mean that they will be small. The Ford Edge has an impressive amount of legroom while the Ford Escape has features such as sliding rear seats to give enough room for anyone who rides in them.
Drivetrains Available:
In the Ford Edge you will see two engine options. Many of the trim levels come standard with the smaller of the two engines as the larger has been designed for power and performance. There is also standard front wheel drive with an optional Intelligent All Wheel Drive system seen in the sport trim levels. This intelligent all wheel drive system will kick in when the vehicle senses that the vehicle may be in bad conditions.
Engines Available:
- 2.0 liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine (250 horsepower, 280 pounds of torque)
- 2.7 liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine (335 horsepower, 380 pounds of torque) (Available on the ST trim level, which adds sports performance and style all in one package)
The Ford Escape on the other hand will see three different engines that are available. The two smaller engines will provide great power, while the third, and largest engine, will be available in both a hybrid platform and a plug-in hybrid option. Similar to the Edge model there will be standard front wheel drive drivetrain options as well as all wheel drive with all wheel drive disconnect. This system will sense when all wheel drive is not needed and will disconnect the rear drive line to effectively drive the car with only the front wheels.
Engines Available:
- 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine (181 horsepower, 180 pounds of torque)
- 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine (250 horsepower, 280 pounds of torque)
- 2.5 inline 4 hybrid engine (210 horsepower, 155 pounds of torque)
Safety Features:
As stated above the Ford Edge is a top pick for safety from the IIHS, who tests the safety of all cars which are manufactured in the U.S. The specific feature that IIHS focused on was that of Bi-LED headlights and fog lights to give clear vision no matter the visibility. That is just one of the many features that will be seen on these SUVs. Some of the other major safety features are contained in the following list.
- Pre-Collision Assist
- Lane-Keeping System
- Automatic HighBeams
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Ford Co-Pilot 360
The Ford Escape will see many of these same features that the 2023 Ford Edge will have as well. One impressive feature that is seen on the Ford Escape in the 2023 year is that of an available 360 degree camera that will give you a birds eye view when backing up, or while driving in tight spaces so that you can see all the potential obstacles around you.
Cargo Space:
Ford has designed the Edge to give an impressive amount of room in the cabin for both passengers as well as luggage and gear. Sporting an impressive 39.2 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are up you will be able to fit both passengers and gear. If you need to only throw in large objects you can lay that second row down and get a total of 73.4 cubic feet of space to put whatever you may need in the rear of this SUV.
The Ford Escape also offers a good amount of room, but in a slightly different way. One of the prominent features in the 2023 Ford Escape is the ability to slide the rear seats forward and aft to create more legroom for those who may sit in the rear. The seats are able to slide back and create a total of 5.9 inches of extra legroom for those taller friends you may be bringing along. To complement the large amount of cargo space you will see, these Ford Escapes will also feature a hands-free liftgate that will open with the wave of a foot under the rear bumper. This is helpful when your hands may be full, trying to pack up the last of your gear.
What's the Best Option?
The 2023 Ford Escape may offer just a little bit more legroom in the rear and come in a hybrid option, however, the 2023 Ford Edge has two gas engines available you will be able to have your choice of the standard engine which will do great or the upgraded 2.7 liter EcoBoost which appears in the ST line to give you that smooth shifting power. Come in to see which option best suits your needs.