2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling features that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. Its hood was dished in the center to improve forward sight lines, enhancing the driver's ability to navigate obstacles. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel and visually indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, it offered a luxurious experience with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges.

The 2021 Ford Escape presented a more modern, car-like appearance, straddling the line between SUV and hatchback. Its curved snout and sleek roofline gave it a less truck-like look compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. For 2021, the Escape introduced new appearance packages across its trim levels, enhancing its visual appeal with features like 19-inch alloy wheels and leather-wrapped steering wheels. However, the interior design choices were less cohesive, with an angular instrument cluster and low-quality materials. Despite these drawbacks, the Escape offered a spacious interior with a sliding rear seat for increased legroom or cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, providing a confident driving experience. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adapt to various surface conditions. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for overland adventures. Despite its size, the vehicle offered a serene and relaxing driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a range of powertrains, including a base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The Escape also offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with a total system output of 200 horsepower. While the three-cylinder engine was adequate for most driving situations, the Escape's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering. The 2.0-liter engine models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, but towing figures for the hybrid models were not provided.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its exterior and interior features. Standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards made it suitable for both city and countryside driving. The three-row configuration of the standard model provided ample space for families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser offered four-zone automatic climate control and numerous cup holders, along with a cooling box in the center console. Its towing capacity of 8,100 pounds was impressive, and the split tailgate design added a touch of retro charm.

The 2021 Ford Escape excelled in interior space, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. The sliding rear seat allowed for flexible legroom or cargo space, with up to 40.7 inches of rear legroom in non-hybrid models. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with gasoline models offering up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. However, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had slightly less space due to the battery pack. While the Escape's cargo capacity was competitive, some rivals offered more space.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system. The touchscreen's split-screen mode was limited by its size, but the camera system was useful for navigating tight spaces.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with a 4.2-inch touchscreen on base models and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were standard, while the Titanium trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Although Sync 3 was user-friendly, the Escape lacked some of the latest tech features found in competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it featured a suite of advanced driver assistance systems under Toyota Safety Sense P. These included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also had 10 airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Trailer Sway Control, among other safety features.

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 adaptive cruise control and other advanced features, enhancing the Escape's safety credentials.