Which small crossover is a better fit for your daily drive, the 2023 Ford Escape or the Honda CR-V? Our buying guide examines the pros and cons of each model. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of everything these crossovers can bring to your drive!
Key Takeaways
- Overall, the Escape provides greater power and a wider range of powertrain options.
- The Escape also delivers the most efficient ride, compliments of its plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- Choose Ford’s small crossover for a wider range of trim models, which allows you to better balance the features you want with a price you want to pay.
- Both of these small crossovers provide impressive warranty coverage, a feature that will both help you save money and greatly contribute to your peace of mind.
Sporty Performance: 2023 Ford Escape
Both the 2023 Escape and CR-V offer shoppers some engine options; a rare treat in the small crossover segment. But it’s the Escape that ultimately provides more choices. That means it allows you to prioritize speed (with up to 250 horses) or efficiency (with its plug-in hybrid powertrain). The powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine also comes standard with all-wheel drive, performance gear that enhances your ride both on-road and off. All but the plug-in hybrid powertrain offer all-wheel drive as optional equipment.
Choose from these four 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)
Although the Honda CR-V lets you choose between a peppy base engine and a hybrid that’s both stronger and more efficient, it never gets as powerful as the Escape. But that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy the CR-V’s agile performance, which also offers optional all-wheel drive.
- Turbo 1.5L four-cylinder engine (190 hp, 179 lb-ft)
- Hybrid 2.0L four-cylinder engine (204 hp, 247 lb-ft)
Most Efficient Ride: 2023 Ford Escape
When you choose the Escape’s PHEV trim model, its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 44 city/41 highway mpg! The Escape’s hybrid powertrain is also impressive, providing 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway).
Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda CR-V’s available hybrid engine is also pretty impressive, providing up to 40 mpg combined (43 city/36 highway).
Trim Model Options: 2023 Ford Escape
The Escape offers seven trim models to the CR-V’s four, which means it appeals to a wider range of shoppers! Whether you’re looking for a basic, low-cost model, a sporty and stylish one, or a downright luxurious ride, the Escape’s trim lineup has what you seek. Choose from the Base, Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, or Platinum for the Escape you prefer.
The CR-V, on the other hand, keeps things a little simpler, with four options: the EX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring. The entry-level EX comes with all the basics, the Sport adds a little extra style, and the EX-L comes with some upscale upgrades. The Sport Touring is the CR-V’s most luxurious trim model!
Best Warranty Coverage: It’s a Tie!
Warranty coverage certainly provides generous peace of mind, and it’s one of the best aspects of purchasing a new car over a used one! Although the Ford and Honda warranties aren’t exact matches, they’re pretty comparable. For instance, both the Escape and CR-V come with three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) of bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage. And their limited powertrain warranties are even more extensive, lasting five years or 60,000 miles.
Make Your Choice
If you’re looking for a wider range of options to help you build the perfect daily driver, then the 2023 Ford Escape is by far the best choice. With the Escape, you’ll enjoy the performance you prefer, whether that’s an increasingly efficient ride or a very quick one! Ford’s small crossovers also offer a wider range of trim models, leaving you to decide on the best level of luxury to suit your budget.