» What Is the Difference Between the Ford EcoSport and Escape?

The Escape has been a staple of Ford’s lineup since the turn of the millennium, offering buyers a smaller alternative to the Edge and Explorer. Just a few years ago, Ford expanded its lineup with another small SUV, the EcoSport. Having been sold for a long time in other markets, the EcoSport made its way to the U.S. for the first time in 2018, joining a competitive space as a latecomer.

What’s the difference between the Ford EcoSport and Escape? Find out how the two crossovers stack up in this Ford EcoSport vs. Escape comparison.

Is the Ford EcoSport Smaller Than the Ford Escape?

Yes, the Ford EcoSport is smaller than the Ford Escape. The EcoSport is Ford’s smallest SUV, slotting in the subcompact segment with rivals including the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks, Toyota CH-R, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Ford Escape is a compact crossover competing against the likes of the Toyota RAV4. The Escape is 19 inches longer than the EcoSport, and it’s also a little taller and wider.

One of the biggest differences between the two SUVs is the space offered inside the cabin. As expected, the Escape provides more room for people and gear. Cargo volume maxes out at 65.4 cubic feet behind the first row, and 37.5 cubic feet behind the second, compared to the EcoSport’s 50 cubic feet and 20.9 cubic feet, respectively. The Escape also boasts more second-row legroom and total passenger volume than the EcoSport.

Which Is More Powerful?

There’s a big variation in how much power the crossovers offer, and the Escape comes out on top. The redesigned 2020 Ford Escape offers four powertrain options. The base engine is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. A potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder boosts output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. There are two hybrids: a traditional hybrid with 200 hp and a soon-to-come plug-in hybrid with slightly more power. Both use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a battery pack/electric motor setup.

If you thought the Escape’s 1.5-liter engine was small, compare it to the EcoSport’s base 1.0-liter three-cylinder putting out 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Ford is also offering a slightly more robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 166 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque.

No doubt about it—the Escape is quicker. The hybrid Escape is the quickest of the models we’ve tested so far, able to reach 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, while the two gas models did the deed in 8.4 to 8.7 seconds. However, the quickest EcoSport we tested took 9.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. The model with the base engine took even longer (10.7 seconds). If you were to pit the Ford EcoSport vs. Escape in a road test, the Escape would likely win, and not just because it delivers superior acceleration. In past reviews, we lamented the EcoSport’s noisy engine and harsh ride quality; the Escape feels more refined.

Which Is More Efficient?

You might think the EcoSport would be the more fuel-efficient vehicle, considering it’s smaller and less powerful. Sadly, you’d be wrong. The EcoSport tops out at 28 mpg combined, while the 1.5-liter Escape manages 30 mpg. The regular hybrid Escape is even more efficient, topping 41 mpg. Check out the fuel economy differences below.

Ford EcoSport vs. Escape fuel economy ratings
(city/highway/combined)

2020 Ford EcoSport FWD (1.0L): 27/29/28 mpg
2020 Ford EcoSport AWD (2.0L): 23/29/25 mpg
2020 Ford Escape FWD (2.5L hybrid): 44/37/41 mpg
2020 Ford Escape AWD (2.5L hybrid): 43/37/40 mpg
2020 Ford Escape FWD (1.5L): 27/33/30 mpg
2020 Ford Escape AWD (1.5L): 26/31/28 mpg
2020 Ford Escape AWD (2.0L): 23/31/26 mpg

Which Is Safer?

The 2020 Ford Escape earned high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It was named a Top Safety Pick, earning “Good” scores in all crash categories. Unfortunately, the Ford EcoSport has not yet been rated by the agency.

But we do know that in government crash tests, the EcoSport scored four out of a possible five stars. In the individual categories, the EcoSport earned four stars in the front crash test and five stars in the side crash test. Less impressive, FWD models earned three stars in the rollover category, and AWD models managed four stars. The government has not yet rated the 2020 Escape.

Which Is Better Equipped?

The SUVs feature a similar interior layout, with a sleek and responsive 8.0-inch optional touchscreen sitting on the dashboard. Whereas the EcoSport gets a traditional gear stalk, the Escape has a convenient rotary dial.

Both models offer luxurious features like heated leather-trimmed seats and a 10-speaker sound system. The Escape goes further with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and panoramic roof.

Which Is Cheaper?

Here’s one area where the EcoSport has the advantage. Admittedly, there’s a considerable price difference between the two vehicles. The 2020 Ford EcoSport starts at $21,090; prices won’t reach close to $30,000 unless loaded with accessories. The Escape is priced from $26,080 and can reach around $40,000 when properly equipped.

Which Should I Get?

The Escape is the clear all-around winner. When it comes to performance, fuel economy, ride quality, interior space, and almost all other categories, the Escape outperforms the EcoSport. If you prefer a subcompact SUV for navigating city streets and parking lots, we recommend looking at competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Kona instead of the EcoSport.