2021 Ford Escape vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus' signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior that echoed the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The interior materials were of high quality, consistent with Lexus' reputation. The gauge cluster featured a traditional four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors' all-digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age but remained functional. However, the layout limited small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Ford Escape, in its fourth generation, straddled the line between SUV and hatchback. Its curved front and sleek roofline gave it a less truck-like appearance compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. For 2021, the Escape introduced new appearance packages for three of its four trim levels, including the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, and Titanium Elite Package. These packages offered upgrades like 19-inch alloy wheels, ActiveX upholstery with Miko Suede seat inserts, and leather-wrapped steering wheels.

The interior design of the Escape did not match the cohesive theme of its exterior. The angular instrument cluster seemed out of place, and the materials felt low-rent, even in the top Titanium trim. Leather upholstery was not standard, and dual-zone automatic climate control was only available from the SEL trim level. Despite these shortcomings, the Escape's interior space was competitive, with a standard sliding rear seat that could be adjusted to expand legroom or cargo space.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, enabled the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this feature unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX also offered an adaptive-suspension system for improved ride quality. The NX 300 had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered two gasoline powertrains, as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The base engine was a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, producing 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The upgraded 2.0-liter turbo-four engine delivered 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, available only with AWD.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, producing a combined 200 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid's larger battery allowed for significant electric-only driving. The hybrid was available with FWD or AWD, while the plug-in hybrid was FWD only. 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 the hybrid and plug-in hybrid were not provided.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX also offered a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2021 Ford Escape, despite its car-like styling, offered competitive interior space. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, with a standard sliding rear seat to adjust legroom or cargo space. Non-hybrid models had 40.7 inches of rear legroom, second only to the Hyundai Tucson. Cargo space was 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up, expandable to 37.5 cubic feet by sliding the seat forward. Folding the rear seat provided 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had slightly less space due to the battery pack.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The standard audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with a 4.2-inch touchscreen in the base S model. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were standard. The SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio. The Titanium trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, it lacked the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available with the newer Sync 4 system.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Ford Escape earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave the Escape a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, park assist, and Evasive Steering Assist.