2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester presented a slightly larger and wider design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the Subaru Ascent. This design choice was evident in both the exterior and interior, where the Forester prioritized functionality over luxury. The cabin maintained a modern look without sacrificing utility, offering a range of trims from Base to Touring, each equipped with standard features like LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and the EyeSight driver-assistance system. The Forester's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring ample storage solutions and a user-friendly layout, making it a comfortable and functional choice for drivers.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Escape showcased a sleek and attractive design, borrowing elements from the Ford GT supercar. The interior of the Escape was modern and forward-looking, with a focus on keeping essential controls easily accessible. The Escape offered a range of trims from S to Titanium, each with varying levels of equipment and technology. The cabin was designed to provide a comfortable and confident driving experience, with features like a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen. The Escape's emphasis on passenger space and real-world storage solutions made it a practical choice for those seeking a stylish and functional compact crossover.

The 2019 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while offering a smooth ride and a low center of gravity, lacked the torque needed for brisk acceleration. The Forester's symmetrical all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. However, the SI-Drive system allowed drivers to adjust throttle response and power delivery for a more engaging driving experience. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions with its X-Mode terrain-management system, providing a smooth and refined ride on various terrains. Fuel economy was commendable, with an average of 28.9 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of engine options, including a 3-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower, and two hybrid setups. The turbocharged engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, provided brisk acceleration and a sporty driving experience. The Escape's steering was direct and taut, with strong brakes enhancing its athletic feel. The hybrid models offered impressive fuel economy, with the non-Sport hybrid achieving 44 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The Escape's powertrains were paired with either an 8-speed automatic or a CVT, depending on the engine choice, providing a versatile driving experience.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive cargo space, with the base model providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet and other trims offering 70.9 cubic feet. The Forester's larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for various terrains. The cabin was designed with a "Function First" philosophy, featuring numerous storage compartments and excellent visibility. The Forester's tall greenhouse and commanding driving position provided ample legroom and headroom, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2020 Ford Escape, while offering a sleek design, sacrificed some cargo space for style. It provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with hybrid models offering slightly less. Folding the backseat down increased cargo capacity to 65.4 cubic feet. Despite the reduced cargo space, the Escape emphasized passenger comfort, with ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers. The front seats offered a commanding view of the road, and the cabin featured multiple storage solutions for everyday use. The Escape's design catered to those prioritizing passenger space and style over maximum cargo capacity.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, depending on the trim. The system was responsive and intuitive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert feature, enhancing safety by notifying drivers when the vehicle ahead moves at a stoplight. The Forester's technology offerings focused on safety and user-friendly interfaces, making it a reliable choice for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim came with a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, but the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The latest version of Sync allowed for multitasking, enhancing the user experience. The Titanium trim featured a head-up display, although its design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The Escape's technology offerings emphasized connectivity and convenience, providing a modern and user-friendly interface for drivers and passengers.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. The Forester also included a full array of airbags and a reversing camera, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.

The 2020 Ford Escape featured a comprehensive array of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. It earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing. The Escape came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering advanced safety systems like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, providing a robust safety package for drivers.