Model Comparison: Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V

2019 Ford Escape or 2019 Honda CR-V: Which Compact SUV is Right for You?

A crossover designed for adventure ought to be more than just the sum of everyday parts. There's no better example of excelling this demand than a new Ford SUV, and especially than the new Ford Escape.

Its 19 years and three generations of American craftsmanship and counting have returned for 2019, and rivals like the new Honda CR-V, a segment favorite, are already having trouble keeping pace on the trail. How does the new Escape pull ahead? See for yourself right here at Ashe County Ford!

• Ford Escape offers a choice of three engines. They include a 168-horsepower, 2.5-liter iVCT inline-four for balanced power and efficiency, the standard in Escape S and capable of 170 pound-feet of torque, and a fuel-economical 179-horsepower, 1.5-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder, standard in Escape SE and SEL and ready to deliver of 177 pound-feet of torque. Honda CR-V, however, offers only two engine options.

• Escape Titanium incorporates a high-performance 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter EcoBoost I4 that puts out 275 pound-feet of turning and pulling power -- the promise of a drive both dependably capable and sporty. It excels both the 2.4-liter I4 in base CR-V LX and its 1.5-liter turbo sibling, the standard in CR-V EX and later. They're less powerful, at 184-horsepower and 190-horsepower respectively, and can only put out a respective 180 pound-feet and 179 pound-feet.

• With a standard six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission, power transfer between components in Escape remains gear-driven and reliable. CR-V, on the other hand, features a belt-driven CVT, which, as a gearbox type, is more prone to wear and stretching.

• Intelligent 4WD is available throughout the Escape lineup, just as a Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is optional in CR-V, but Escape features the cornering precision of Torque Vectoring Control standard. It's not offered in CR-V.

• A Ford Safe and Smart&#trade; Package is available as early in the Escape line as the SE trim. It features driver-assist features ranging from a BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and a lane-keeping system to adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, and more. CR-V features the Honda Sensing driver-assistance suite, standard in EX and later, but Escape has options like enhanced active park assist. This feature offers parallel parking abilities, park out help, and can even assist with reverse perpendicular parking. Plus, Escape offers forward, side, and reverse sensing systems to keep you more situationally aware. CR-V doesn't offer either.

• Escape can tow anywhere from 2,000 pounds to around 3,500 when it's properly equipped with a Class II hitch receiver. That's enough for anything from weekend toys, like a dirt bike or an ATV, to a small trailer full of camping gear. CR-V, however, can only haul up to 1,500 pounds.

• With an 8.0-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system available, Escape puts not only entertainment and settings control at your fingertips but also better visuals. You'll find only a 7-inch touchscreen in higher CR-V trims.

• SYNC Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi support is available in Escape so that you can stay connected to the Internet off the beaten path. CR-V doesn't offer mobile hotspot capabilities.

• Choose between six-speaker and available 10-speaker Sony audio systems in Escape to transform your favorite travel mix into the anthem of an extended getaway. CR-V offers six- and eight-speaker audio options in lower trims, but only nine-speaker premium audio in those higher.

Check Out the New Ford Escape Today Here in West Jefferson

Eager to see how else a Ford compact crossover SUV gets its edges on the competition? Call our showroom here at 409 East Second Street in West Jefferson or stop by today for a visit, and we'll take you for a test drive you won't soon forget!