2021 Ford Escape vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax carried over its design elements from the 2017 model, which were in turn updates on the original 2015 launch. It looked largely similar to previous iterations, featuring standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto since 2017, and an updated infotainment system added in 2020. However, the top-tier Premier trim was discontinued for 2021, leaving just the LS and LT trims.

The LS trim of the Trax came with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, and cloth upholstery. It also included basic features like manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen. Notably, a $495 package added tinted windows and cruise control, features that are usually standard in other vehicles in this segment.

Upgrading to the LT trim added more convenience and aesthetic options like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, LED headlights, and tail lights. It also offered better seat materials and additional utility with a cargo security cover and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The LT trim came with various styling packages like Redline Edition, Sport Edition, and Midnight Edition, as well as the Driver Confidence Package and LT Convenience Package for added driver assistance and comfort features.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Escape boasted a design that blurred the lines between an SUV and a hatchback. Its sloped roof and curved front gave it a more car-like appearance, reminiscent of an enlarged Ford Focus. For 2021, Ford introduced new appearance packages like the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, and Titanium Elite Package, which offered features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, ActiveX upholstery, and leather trims.

Inside, the Escape’s design did not cohere well with its exterior. It featured angular instrument clusters and subpar material quality, even in the highest Titanium trim, which did not offer standard leather upholstery but did include ambient lighting. Dual-zone automatic climate control was only standard from the SEL trim level and above.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was equipped with a single engine option, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder generating 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in either FWD or AWD. While adequate for city driving and quick maneuvers in tight spaces, the engine struggled at highway speeds, especially during passing situations, and produced noticeable noise. The ride quality was also firm, which felt particularly harsh over rough roads. Additionally, it had a tight turning radius, which added to its maneuverability in urban settings.

In comparison, the 2021 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produced 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and was available in FWD or AWD. An upgraded 2.0-liter turbo-four engine provided 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and came exclusively with AWD. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid options combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, producing a total of 200 horsepower, with the plug-in variant offering significant electric-only driving range. The base three-cylinder engine was surprisingly adequate, while the hybrid transitions were smooth. However, the chassis tuning needed improvement, and the suspension and steering were criticized for being less engaging to drive. The Escape’s towing capacity was a notable 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine, although figures were not specified for the hybrid and plug-in models.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats lacked proper bolstering, which made them uncomfortable for long-distance travel. Multiple storage trays in the front doors added convenience, and the low cupholder placement allowed for larger water bottles. Cargo space stood at 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Furthermore, the front passenger seat could also fold flat for accommodating longer items. However, the Trax lacked options for a power liftgate or a hands-free liftgate, which were common in the segment.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Ford Escape offered generous headroom and legroom in both rows, ranking near the top among compact SUVs. A notable feature was the sliding rear seat, which allowed for adjustments to either expand rear legroom to 40.7 inches or increase cargo space. Gasoline-powered Escape models had 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which could expand to 37.5 cubic feet by sliding the seats forward or to 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo space due to the battery pack, offering 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.8 cubic feet with them folded down. Despite its car-like styling, the Escape competed well with traditional compact SUVs in terms of interior space.

The infotainment system in the 2021 Chevrolet Trax was a highlight, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen that ran the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The system had intuitive menus, sharp graphics, and was complemented by physical buttons and dials. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Escape utilized the older Sync 3 system rather than the latest Sync 4. Base Escape S models came with a modest 4.2-inch touchscreen but did include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrading to the SE trim provided an 8-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom capability and access to SiriusXM satellite radio for three months. The highest Titanium trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a premium 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Although Sync 3 was generally user-friendly, it lacked the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features available in newer systems, putting the Escape at a slight disadvantage compared to competitors with more advanced standard tech features.