2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior featured soft, curvy lines reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior was a mix of high and low-quality materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with cheaper plastics. This contrast reminded drivers that even the more expensive CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Escape straddled the line between SUV and hatchback, with a design that resembled an enlarged Ford Focus. Its curved front and sleek roofline gave it a less truck-like appearance compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. For 2021, the Escape introduced new appearance packages across three of its four trim levels, offering features like 19-inch alloy wheels and upgraded upholstery. However, the interior design lacked cohesion, with materials that felt low-rent and odd design choices that didn't match the exterior's sleekness.

The 2020 Honda CR-V simplified its lineup by replacing the previous base engine with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, despite some CVTs' reputation for sluggishness, performed well in the CR-V. The vehicle's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, offering nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable ride. The CR-V's lightweight design contributed to its excellent fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 miles per gallon combined and AWD models 29 mpg. A hybrid version was also introduced for those seeking even better fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a range of powertrains, including a base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Escape also featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, both using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, producing 200 hp. However, the Escape's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering making it less enjoyable to drive. The 2.0-liter engine models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, but towing figures for hybrid models were not provided.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was praised for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. It provided excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its optimal seating position and low cowl. The cargo area was also generous, with a two-position load floor allowing for 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. Clever storage solutions, like a deep center console and large door pockets, made the CR-V practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Ford Escape, despite its car-like styling, offered competitive interior space among compact SUVs. It featured ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with a sliding rear seat that could be adjusted to prioritize legroom or cargo space. Non-hybrid models provided 40.7 inches of rear legroom, while hybrid models had slightly less due to battery placement. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models offering up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while hybrid models had slightly less. However, competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester offered more cargo capacity.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with the base LX trim featuring a small 5-inch screen offering limited functionality. Higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, but it still felt outdated compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available on higher trims. However, the CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with the base S model featuring a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot were standard. Upgrading to the SE trim added an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Titanium trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a premium sound system. Sync 3 was user-friendly, but the Escape lacked some of the latest tech features found in competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although lower trims had less effective headlights. A recall for a rear subframe issue affected a small number of vehicles.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and park assist.