Ford Escape vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid ushered in a new level of sophistication for the compact SUV market. Priced from $33,700 for the CR-V Sport Hybrid, it appealed to buyers looking for affordability without sacrificing looks. The model sported black 18-inch wheels and a blacked-out exterior trim that oozed sportiness, though the interior was relatively basic. The Sport-L Hybrid, starting at $36,700, stepped up its game with leather interiors, while the Sport Touring Hybrid, topping off at $39,850, aimed to spoil with premium touches. Our test vehicle, a Sport Touring Hybrid, set us back $41,175 after including the $1,325 destination charge. Adorned in Canyon River Blue with no optional accessories, it had visually weighted styling over the front wheels and tusks around the lower air intake that lacked visual appeal. Yet, the rear-quarter view captured a Volvo-like elegance, aided by the tidy design and 19-inch gloss black wheels, albeit slightly camouflaged by the dark paint.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape underwent significant cosmetic changes in 2023 that carried over into 2024. The new face, ditching the wide-eyed, toothless grin of its predecessor, lent the Escape a more aggressive demeanor while retaining a soft and generally appealing look. Available in multiple trims—Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid—the pricing scale started at $29,345 and peaked at $40,500, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. Our ST-Line Elite trim test vehicle priced at $43,650 featured Rapid Red paint, black 19-inch wheels, the Premium Technology Package, and a Panoramic Vista Roof. Inside, the initial upscale appeal was undermined by glossy surfaces and stiff, dry upholstery, leaving you questioning the hefty price tag.

When evaluating performance, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid leaned into complexity. The non-hybrid LX, EX, and EX-L trims came powered by a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, primarily driving the front wheels with optional AWD. However, the Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring trims donned a unique two-motor hybrid system, blending a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 204 horsepower. Our real-world test showed the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid delivering 32.4 mpg—less than the EPA’s combined 37 mpg but better than the 29.1 mpg of the previous year’s CR-V EX-L turbo engine. Despite all the engineering feats, the steering felt heavy, the brakes impressively durable, and the handling predictable but not exhilarating. Finally, the ride was quiet and compliant, promising a reliable but hardly thrilling drive.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite provided a starkly different driving experience. Buyers could opt for a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Our test vehicle had the turbo engine, which led to quick acceleration but ultimately soft handling and excessive body motion. The brake pedal was responsive, yet the steering felt sluggish. While the turbo version could tow up to 3,500 pounds, its focus leaned more on soft and isolating comfort rather than the sporty promise of the ST badge. On our route, it averaged 24.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA’s 26 mpg rating. The larger trims advised forgoing the turbo engine in favor of the hybrid or lower-tier models, which seemed more competitively balanced between power and performance.

In terms of form and function, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid stood out for its thoughtful design and utility. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat cradled occupants for long hauls, and the roomy, accessible back seat opened wide to help parents with child seats. Our test vehicle’s heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and user-friendly control layout enhanced comfort. Though the glove compartment was smaller, and a front seatback pocket was missing, storage options otherwise abounded. Notably, the Sport Touring’s cargo space measured 34.7 cubic feet, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, competing well against midsize SUVs.

The 2024 Ford Escape’s interior aimed for a sporty feel but stumbled in material quality. Only available in black with red stitching in ST-Line, the leather option in ST-Line Elite felt rather uninviting. The test model featured ample front storage, ambient lighting, climate control, and a host of other comforts, but rear passengers were less favored. Access was easy, but the rear cargo volume, measuring 37.5 cubic feet (34.4 for the hybrid) and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded (60.8 for the hybrid), lagged behind the Honda CR-V. While the Escape offered handy storage areas and a grocery bag hook, it lacked the voluminous cargo space that defined the CR-V.

In the tech department, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid was a mixed bag. The Sport Hybrid’s 7-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen were deemed average, though the Sport-L and Sport Touring trims benefited from a larger 9-inch display. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system aligned with its premium aspirations. However, voice recognition lagged behind competitors, and advanced functions were exclusive to the higher trims. Nonetheless, setup and use were intuitive and seamless.

Ford’s 2024 Escape excelled with its tech suite, especially in upper trims with a pleasing 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system. While the landscape display and intuitive layout were impressive, thin fonts and a washed-out color theme detracted from the experience. Additionally, placing climate controls on-screen and poor placement of the engine start button confused drivers. The test vehicle’s connectivity—with wireless Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and FordPass Connect—showcased the potential, albeit with quirks like input lag and overheating with wireless charging. The Bang & Olufsen premium audio, despite damaged speakers in our test vehicle, complemented the tech-rich environment.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid. Honda Sensing included a comprehensive array of safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Advanced aids like front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking control, and a driver monitoring system enhanced its safety profile. With stellar results in real-world testing and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS for 2023, the CR-V Hybrid set a high benchmark.

The 2024 Ford Escape matched up partially with its Ford Co-Pilot360 feature, bundling standard and advanced safety systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. However, practical use showed inconsistencies, particularly on curvy highways where adaptive cruise and lane-keeping systems faltered. On more straightforward freeways, the Co-Pilot360 suite performed adequately. NHTSA awarded the 2024 Escape with favorable ratings, including a five-star overall rating but a four-star rollover resistance rating, indicating competitive but not exceptional safety performance.