With their sporty-yet-efficient performance and enough room for the whole family, the 2020 Ford Escape and Honda CR-V are close compact crossover competitors. Choosing between them can be tough, but our comparison guide is here to help.
Premium Passenger Comfort: 2020 Ford Escape
Premium Passenger Comfort: 2020 Ford Escape
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When it comes to passenger space and plush features, the Escape takes the proverbial cake. The newly redesigned 2020 Escape is wider than previous models, which automatically means more hip and shoulder room in both rows. And, now that the rear seat slides and reclines, passengers can get extra comfy on road trips. On higher trims, you’ll find luxury features like leather upholstery and heated seats.
The 2020 Honda CR-V is a close second place for comfort. With an updated center console designed to improve interior storage and roomy, comfortable seating, there’s a lot to like about this compact crossover. However, the newly redesigned Escape has the edge when it comes to upscale refinement.
Best Infotainment Interface: 2020 Ford Escape
Best Infotainment Interface: 2020 Ford Escape
Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system is a cut above anything you’ll find in a Honda. With its 8-inch touchscreen and sleek graphics, the system is easy to use, even with most of your attention focused on the road. The system’s voice controls are especially good. And the system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can interact directly with your smartphone via touchscreen or voice control.
In the CR-V, the infotainment interface is slightly smaller, maxing out at 7 inches. Honda’s system also has a reputation for being less intuitive and taking longer to process requests. You can skip these headaches altogether, however, by simply using the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone interfaces instead.
Punchiest Performance: 2020 Ford Escape
Punchiest Performance: 2020 Ford Escape
The Escape is the driving enthusiast’s compact crossover. Compared to predecessors, this new model has shed about 200 pounds to become quicker and more agile. The stiffer suspension and vibration-absorbing rear subframe help the Escape balance sporty performance with a smooth, comfortable ride. And anyone with a need for speed will appreciate Ford’s turbocharged engine options. The Escape also features five driving modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Snow and Sand – to tailor performance according to current road conditions.
As with the Escape, shoppers can add all-wheel drive to any Honda CR-V trim model to improve traction on slick roads or light trails. This year’s CR-V comes standard with the line’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, doing away with the old, less powerful base engine, which no one – let alone driving enthusiasts – will miss. That’s good news, but the CR-V still isn’t as much fun to drive as the Escape, which trumps the CR-V with its sporty handling and on-road agility.
Standard Safety Features: It’s a Tie!
Standard Safety Features: It’s a Tie!
This year, both the 2020 Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V come standard with an attractive collection of high-tech driver aids. Items like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist come at no extra cost, helping you maintain both your family’s safety and your budget.
The newly revised CR-V does have a lot to offer, especially when it comes to standard safety gear, but the 2020 Ford Escape has the jump on the competition. With its prolific powertrains, excellent infotainment interface, and travel-friendly comfort, the Escape is our top choice for modern mobility.