2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in six trim levels, offered a practical and rugged design, with prices starting at $25,195 and reaching $35,295 for the Touring model. The Wilderness trim, tested in the Cascade Mountains, featured a distinctive look with a suspension lift, protective cladding, and a matte-black hood decal, giving it a unique "raccoon on wheels" appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a straightforward cabin design, combining hard plastics and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the blocky aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar. The ST-Line Elite trim, tested with 19-inch wheels and sleek body-color cladding, presented an upscale appearance. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided excellent ergonomics. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, which felt cost-cutting in some areas.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding 25.9 mpg. The SUV excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its long-travel suspension, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and dual-function X-Mode system. However, the lack of a turbocharger left it feeling sluggish at higher altitudes.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The latter, available on higher trims, provided better acceleration and passing power. Despite its output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters. The brakes were predictable, and the steering was well-weighted, making it comfortable for daily driving.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails supported a three-person roof tent, and the interior offered ample comfort and visibility. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof and 26.9 with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's squared-off cargo area and full-size spare tire added to its practicality.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating and excellent ergonomics, with well-positioned armrests and a head-up display. However, it fell short in cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was slightly less than competitors, but the back seat offered good headroom and scalloped front-seat backs for added legroom.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera and a PIN Code Access feature for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between Android Auto and the native system. However, Sync 4 was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and features like Automatic Emergency Steering. It included standard ADAS features and received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA but did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal side-impact test score. Standard safety features included Co-Pilot360, with options for Co-Pilot360 2.0, adding adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology.