The 2024 Ford Escape is more than a compact crossover SUV in its fourth generation of production that received a refresh in 2023. It is slightly smaller than the Ford Explorer but still has towing capability and plenty of cargo space for passengers and gear.
The 2024 Honda CR-V is a 5-door compact crossover SUV in its sixth generation of production. Honda is proud of the CR-V's design and stability due to its long wheelbase and wide stance. Inside and out, this compact crossover SUV competes in its class with the Ford Escape.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Ford Escape is in its fourth generation of production, with six models in the lineup, starting with the Active trim.
- The Escape has four engine options (including a hybrid & PHEV), four powertrain options, and towing capability ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds depending on engine selection, powertrain, and tow package.
- The CRV has only two engine options available, however one is a hybrid. Its towing capacity is not as big as the Escape's, reaching a max of only 1,500 pounds.
- The 2024 Ford Escape and the 2024 Honda CR-V are competitors in the crossover compact SUV category with similar technology and driver-assist features.
What’s New: 2024 Ford Escape vs. 2024 Honda CR-V
The fourth-generation Ford Escape received the most updates and extensive refreshes in 2023. Like other Ford model lineups, such as the Bronco and Bronco Sport, the base trim was dropped in 2024, which means that the Active trim package is the new entry-level model out of the six trim levels available.
The 2024 Honda CR-V was updated and refreshed when introduced to the market with the sixth generation of production in 2022. With Honda's focus shifting to the CR-V Hybrid, Honda did not make any changes or upgrades to the CR-V models in 2024, although there are reports that these models could be more expensive than in previous years.
Power, Performance, and Powertrain: 2024 Ford Escape vs. 2024 Honda CR-V
The 2024 Ford Escape has three engine options and four powertrain options. Ford understands the power and performance of a compact SUV. Escape buyers can choose from the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, the 2.6L I-4 Hybrid engine, and the Plug-in Hybrid 2.5L I-4 engine.
The 2024 Ford Escape models are always available in FWD or AWD and have four drive modes (Eco, Sport, Slippery, Normal) that can be selected to enhance SUV performance under challenging driving conditions. The Ford Escape's towing capacity is between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds, depending on the engine selection and tow package.
The 2024 Honda CR-V has a 1.5L Turbocharged three-engine that produces 190 horsepower on the LX, EX, and EX-L models. The Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid models have hybrid powertrains. Although there are optional towing accessories that can boost towing capability, the Honda CR-V tows up to 1,500 pounds.
Comfort, Cargo, and Technology: 2024 Ford Escape vs. 2024 Honda CR-V
The 2024 Ford Escape is comfortable, has room for cargo, and is packed with technology for a more confident and stress-free driving experience.
The Ford Escape comfortably seats five people with over 40 inches of legroom and 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space for equipment and gear. If your second-row passengers need additional legroom, the seats slide back for 5.9 inches more space. The seats are foldable to make more room for cargo. Speaking of cargo, loading and unloading gear is accessible with Ford’s power liftgate, which is activated from the key fob or inside the SUV cabin, just like a trunk.
From the heated steering wheel to the 13.2 touchscreen, the Ford Escape is driven in design by luxury and modern technology. Easily sync up smart devices wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With Ford’s Premium Connectivity, drivers connect devices seamlessly with SYNC 4 technology and built-in Alexa, enabling your ability to use Alexa voice commands for a true hands-free driving experience.
The FordPass Connect saves cellular data by giving access to up to ten devices through AT&T's 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. The wireless charging pad inside your SUV’s cabin lets you charge smart devices in transit.
The Ford Escape is available with the Ford CoPilot360 Technology, which incorporates driver-assist features like lane keeping, steering assist, and a 360-degree camera that gives drivers a clear view of the environment surrounding their SUV, making parking and reversing easier than before.
The Honda CR-V seats up to five passengers with leather-trimmed bucket seats in the front. The 2024 Honda CR-V has a minimalist design that allows drivers to focus on the road. Every model except for the LX has heated front seats and a one-touch power moonroof. Like the Ford Escape, connecting your smart devices is easy, and you can access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It includes a Bose Premium sound system.
Although the Honda CR-V's touchscreen is not as large as the Ford Escape’s, the 9-inch touchscreen is large enough and easy to read. Like the Ford Escape, there is also a wireless phone charging pad. The Honda CR-V models all include a USB charging port, and the EX models and above also include front and rear USB-C ports.
Most modern SUVs include safety and driving alerts, and the Honda CR-V is not different in that regard. Like the 2024 Ford Escape, the 2024 Honda CR-V has a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, and more.
The 2024 Ford Escape is THE Competitor in its Class of SUVs
With so many choices on the market, shopping for a crossover company SUV can be challenging, but clearly the Escape is the top contender in this comparison. It has more engine options, more towing capacity and more space. Shop today’s best inventory of 2024 Ford Escapes and see for yourself how they compare to other crossover compact SUVs in this category. We know you'll see the difference when you test drive at Brighton Ford.