2021 Ford Escape vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights, contributing to its classy and modern appearance. Inside, the Q5 was equally sophisticated, with a clean and uncluttered design. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Escape straddled the line between SUV and hatchback, with a design that resembled an enlarged Focus. Its curved snout and sleek roofline gave it a less truck-like appearance compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. 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 lacked cohesion, with some odd choices and lower-quality materials, even in the top Titanium model.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and offered a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive and multiple driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 20 miles. Its handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a range of powertrains, including a base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgrade to a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Escape also had hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, both using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, delivering 200 hp. However, the chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering. The Escape's towing capacity reached 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats 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 options. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out storage spaces.

The 2021 Ford Escape, despite its car-like styling, offered competitive interior space. It featured a sliding rear seat that provided 40.7 inches of rear legroom in non-hybrid models. However, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had reduced legroom due to the battery placement. The gasoline Escape offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Hybrid models had slightly less cargo space. While the Escape's cargo capacity was decent, competitors like the Nissan Rogue offered more.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV was equipped with Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and was paired with LED ambient lighting for a personalized cabin experience. The Prestige Package included navigation, which worked with the hybrid system to optimize fuel consumption. The Q5 also featured an Integrated Toll Module and an optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with base models featuring a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Upgrading to the SE trim provided an 8-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM radio, while the Titanium trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Although Sync 3 was user-friendly, the Escape lacked some standard tech features found in competitors and missed out on wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with options for adaptive cruise control and park assist.