2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2020 Ford Escape was a striking compact crossover, boasting a large grille reminiscent of the outgoing Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, with headlights inspired by the Ford GT supercar. 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 featured a modern cabin that balanced futuristic design with practical controls. The test model included a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, contributing to its sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received updates including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3's formula, offering a luxury level of refinement that was previously elusive in smaller BMW SUVs. The X3's exterior mirrored the larger BMW X5, while its interior maintained the brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as visually appealing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. The X3's trims included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M reviewed separately.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of four engine options, setting it apart from competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. The base engine was a 3-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, standard in the S, SE, and SEL trims. 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 and was standard on the SE Sport and available on the Titanium. A plug-in hybrid variant was optional on the SE, SEL, and Titanium. The Escape's conventional engines used an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrids employed a CVT. The Escape's steering was direct and taut, offering an athletic feel, with strong brakes enhancing its sporty personality. The most efficient version was the non-Sport hybrid, achieving 44 mpg city, 37 highway, and 41 combined.

The 2021 BMW X3's sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had RWD, while the xDrive30i offered AWD, providing solid pickup for city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim boasted a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model provided 473 horsepower.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleeker 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, the Escape provided 65.4 cubic feet, or 60.8 cubic feet in upper-level trims. This was less than rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, which offered around 75 cubic feet. However, the Escape prioritized passenger space, with ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers and commanding seating positions for the front occupants. The interior featured numerous storage solutions, including deep water-bottle holders and multiple compartments.

The 2021 BMW X3 excelled in cargo space, offering up to 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with them in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 provided impressive passenger space, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The interior featured real buttons and dials alongside the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, which stood out due to its "floating screen" design. The recommended SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync 3 screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim included a head-up display (HUD) with a flip-up screen, which was less effective for taller drivers.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. It included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2020 Ford Escape came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and TPMS. It earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all testing phases. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver drowsiness monitor.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered standard advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.