2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Ford Escape was a visually appealing compact crossover, borrowing design elements from the Ford GT supercar, with a large grille reminiscent of the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks. Its curvaceous design marked a departure from the more upright rear end of its predecessor, which came at the cost of some practicality. Despite this, the Escape remained one of the most attractive small SUVs, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape boasted a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between futuristic design and user-friendly controls. The range of trims, from the base S to the top-tier Titanium, offered various features, with the SE trim being particularly recommended for its value.

The 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp and classy appearance, embodying Audi's design language while maintaining its unique character. Its expressive front, with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasized width, while the body featured crisp lines and a protective greenhouse. The rear showcased bold taillights, contributing to its modern look. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a well-organized layout. The use of authentic materials like real wood and metal added to its premium feel, while the second row offered leather seating surfaces and ample space.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of engine options, setting it apart from competitors. It featured a new 3-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, standard in the S, SE, and SEL trims. Additionally, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, delivered 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The hybrid drivetrain, combining a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric power, produced 198 horsepower, standard on the SE Sport and available on the Titanium. A plug-in hybrid variant was also offered. The Escape's conventional engines used an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrids employed a CVT. The 3-cylinder and non-plug-in hybrid setups offered FWD or AWD, while the turbo engine and plug-in hybrid came with AWD. The Escape's steering was direct and taut, with strong brakes enhancing its sporty feel. Fuel economy varied, with the non-Sport hybrid achieving 44 mpg city, 37 highway, and 41 combined.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a 14.1-kWh battery and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This setup allowed for a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it achieved 27 mpg combined. The Q5 PHEV's battery could be recharged overnight or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD and offered various driving modes, including battery-only and hybrid. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking. Its speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and independent suspension contributed to its agile performance.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design resulted in reduced cargo space compared to its predecessor. It offered 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, dropping to 34.4 cubic feet in hybrid models. With the backseat folded, it provided 65.4 cubic feet or 60.8 cubic feet in upper trims. While this was less than rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, it was comparable to the Mazda CX-5. The Escape prioritized passenger space, offering ample headroom and legroom in the second row, with commanding seating positions for the front occupants. It featured numerous storage solutions, including deep water-bottle holders and multiple compartments.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to maintain cargo space despite its battery pack, offering 25.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation available on the Prestige trim. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin, all contributing to its uncluttered design.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, which stood out as an eyesore due to its floating design. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, upgraded to an 8-inch Sync screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The latest Sync version allowed for multitasking, enhancing the user experience. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, though its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. This customizable panel offered three views and, combined with adjustable LED ambient lighting, elevated the cabin's tech appeal. The Prestige Package included navigation, which worked with the hybrid system to optimize fuel consumption. The Integrated Toll Module was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included.

The 2020 Ford Escape came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and TPMS. It had not been tested by the NHTSA but received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in all categories. Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced safety systems, was standard, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver drowsiness monitor were also included.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings except for headlights, which were rated "marginal." The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars, with PHEV ratings expected to match. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.