2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape presented a blend of SUV and hatchback aesthetics, with a curved front and sleek roofline that gave it a less truck-like appearance compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. It offered new appearance packages for three of its four trims, enhancing its visual appeal with features like 19-inch alloy wheels and leather-wrapped steering wheels. However, the interior design was less cohesive, with some low-quality materials and odd design choices, such as an angular instrument cluster that didn't quite match the exterior's theme.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover maintained a familiar design with subtle evolutionary changes, such as a vertical accent strip under the mirrors and a significant rear redesign featuring thin LED taillights. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons, a larger touchscreen, and premium materials like leather and rich wood trim. The Range Rover emphasized its size and presence, offering a refined luxury experience that surpassed competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, with a focus on comfort and quality.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a variety of powertrains, including a base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could opt for a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, available only with AWD. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 200 hp. Despite the adequate performance of the three-cylinder engine, the Escape's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: a base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and an upgraded P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Range Rover impressed with its effortless acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds with the P400. It offered a calm and composed driving experience, with agile handling and a smooth ride, enhanced by features like rear-wheel steering and the Terrain Response system for off-road capability.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered competitive interior space, with near-top segment headroom and legroom in both rows. A sliding rear seat allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space, with non-hybrid models offering 40.7 inches of rear legroom. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models providing up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, while hybrid models offered slightly less due to battery placement. However, competitors like the Nissan Rogue offered more cargo capacity.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover excelled in spaciousness, with ample room in the first two rows and excellent outward visibility. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions, while the second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was less accommodating for adults but suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2021 Ford Escape featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with base models offering a 4.2-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi hotspot. Upgrading to higher trims provided an 8-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM radio, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, it lacked the wireless connectivity and advanced features of competitors' systems.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto complemented the wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, and a smartphone app for remote control and monitoring.

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 awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking, with optional adaptive cruise control and park assist.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, which is common for luxury SUVs. It came standard with features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. While adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional safety features that the Range Rover lacked.