2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2020 Ford Escape was a striking compact crossover, borrowing design elements from the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, with headlights inspired by the Ford GT supercar. Its curvaceous design marked a departure from the previous model's upright rear end, making it one of the most attractive small SUVs, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape boasted a modern yet practical cabin, featuring a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between futuristic design and user-friendly controls.

The Escape offered various trims, starting with the base S, which included 17-inch steel wheels, a 4.2-inch screen, and FordPass Connect. The SE trim added features like a larger 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE Sport introduced a hybrid drivetrain and sporty design elements. The SEL and Titanium trims added luxury features such as leather seating and a premium B&O audio system. CarGurus recommended the SE trim for its value, offering essential features like heated front seats and a power driver’s seat.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with a facelift in 2018 that updated its grille and headlights. The Nightshade Special Edition was a notable addition for 2021. The Sequoia's massive silhouette and multi-tiered center dash design reflected its mid-2000s origins. The 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dash, but the cabin offered ample space, especially in the second row, with comfortable and supportive seats.

Trims ranged from the entry-level SR5, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and a power moonroof, to the off-road-focused TRD Pro with Fox Racing shocks and a TRD-tuned suspension. The Nightshade edition added black leather upholstery and 20-inch wheels. The range-topping Platinum trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a larger 9-inch touchscreen. Despite its dated design, the Sequoia provided a spacious and comfortable interior with practical features like a power-retractable rear window.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of engine options, starting with a 3-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower, standard on 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, standard on the SE Sport, produced 198 horsepower, with a plug-in hybrid variant available on higher trims. The Escape's steering was direct and taut, offering an athletic feel, while the brakes were strong and responsive. The most efficient version was the non-Sport hybrid, achieving 44 mpg city and 37 highway.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission routed power through rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive. The Sequoia's driving dynamics resembled a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance helped manage body roll, and its brakes, while touchy, provided confidence.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, dropping to 34.4 cubic feet in hybrid models. With the backseat folded, it provided up to 65.4 cubic feet, less than rivals like the Honda CR-V. However, the Escape prioritized passenger space, with ample headroom and legroom in the second row and a commanding seating position for the driver. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including deep water-bottle holders and multiple compartments.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia excelled in cabin space, offering nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. While it fell slightly short of competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe, it provided a power-retractable rear window for easy access. The Sequoia's front-row space could have been better utilized, but it featured deep in-door pockets and a massive center console. Despite its age, the Sequoia offered plenty of storage options.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch screen, while the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, though its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The Escape's tech offerings were modern and user-friendly, with the SE trim providing excellent value.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's infotainment system was easy to use, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. While dated, its simplicity was refreshing.

The 2020 Ford Escape included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as Ford Co-Pilot360, which offered forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing, though it had not been tested by the NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. However, it lacked advanced tech like lane-keeping assist. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.