Choosing between the 2023 Ford Escape and Honda CR-V is a matter of knowing what you want in a daily driver! With your unique needs in mind, take a look at our comparison guide. We examine the pros and cons of each of these small crossover SUVs, leaving you to make the final decision.
Key Takeaways
- These small crossovers offer many of the same creature comforts, infotainment features, and driver safety aids!
- Although it’s a very close call, the Escape offers some extra passenger space. However, the CR-V provides extra cargo space.
- With its four engine options, the Escape ultimately delivers both the quickest ride and the thriftiest.
- For drivers on a budget, the Escape’s slightly lower MSRP may make it the more attractive choice!
Modern Features: It’s a Tie!
The 2023 Ford Escape and Honda CR-V are so competitive that they offer many of the same comfort and convenience features!
The Escape is available as seven trim models, each of which builds on the previous one to offer more comfort and convenience items. Choose from the Base, Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. The Escape’s standard lineup includes smartphone-savvy infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And it also provides enhanced safety with driver aids like blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance.
With the CR-V, you’ll enjoy a similar range of options, with four trim models: EX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring. Compared to the Escape, this Honda offers a similar infotainment setup and many of the same standard safety aids (though it adds adaptive cruise control). And, like the Escape, the CR-V’s higher trim models offer upgrades like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control
Roomiest Cabin: 2023 Ford Escape
Although these small crossovers are highly competitive in terms of interior space, the Escape cabin does offer slightly more wiggle room. Up front, the Escape delivers a few extra inches of headroom and legroom, making it the better option for taller drivers. Compared to the CR-V, the Escape’s rear seats are a little wider, with extra shoulder and hip room.
On the other hand, the Honda CR-V offers slightly more cargo space, with 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Escape will still hold plenty of stuff, however, with 37.5 cubic feet available.
Most Powerful Ride: 2023 Ford Escape
With its four engine options, the Escape is very unique in the small crossover segment. If you’re the kind of driver who appreciates speed, then you’ll love the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It provides 250 horsepower, much more than you’ll get from the Honda CR-V. Incidentally, the Escape also has the potential to provide the thriftiest ride, compliments of its available plug-in hybrid engine, which delivers 44 city/ 41 highway mpg.
The available 2023 Escape engine options:
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 199 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder engine (200 total hp, 155 lb-ft)
- 2.5L four-cylinder PHEV (210 total hp, 155 lb-ft)
Honda CR-V shoppers can choose between two engines. Although neither is as powerful as the Escape’s 250-horsepower engine, both options put plenty of pep in your step. The CR-V may not be as thrifty as the Escape, but it does offer up to 40 mpg combined (43 city/36 highway) with its available hybrid engine.
The available 2023 Honda CR-V engine options:
- Turbo 1.5L four-cylinder engine (190 hp, 179 lb-ft)
- Hybrid 2.0L four-cylinder engine (204 hp, 247 lb-ft)
MSRP: 2023 Ford Escape
If you’re shopping for the best possible deal, make the Escape your first choice! Ford’s small crossover starts at $28,000, helping you save on the cost of a new vehicle. By comparison, the 2023 Honda CR-V MSRP is $31,610.
Your Small Crossover SUV
Whether you’re after a lower starting price or a more powerful engine, the 2023 Ford Escape delivers the goods. Choose Ford’s small crossover for a roomy, modern drive!