Ford Escape vs Honda HR-V
Overview | |
Years produced2001-Present | Years produced1999-2005 |
MSRP$28,000 | MSRP$26,500 |
Listings9833 | Listings9281 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryReportedly, Ford will discontinue the Escape at the end of the current fourth-generation run. Once among the most popular vehicles in its class, Ford recently zigged with the Escape’s design and positioning when the market zagged. Boxy, rugged-looking crossovers are what people want, not soft and sophisticated pseudo-cars like the current Escape. Fortunately, Ford has the Bronco Sport in its lineup, which is getting all of the automaker’s attention. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ford Escape receives no major changes following a substantial makeover in 2023, though it appears the Base trim is canceled. | |
Reviews SummaryAvailable in three trim levels equipped with an underpowered engine and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), the HR-V is an unremarkable subcompact SUV. A refresh for the 2026 model year adds an improved standard infotainment system and minor styling and interior modifications, but nothing that addresses this model’s primary shortcomings. The changes include a larger touchscreen with faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Verdict: Simply put, the 2026 HR-V is not one of the best subcompact SUVs. It is dreadfully slow, disappointingly inefficient, and barely meets the minimum technological expectations of the young people who might want to buy it. Plus, it demonstrates none of the innovation seen in the original HR-V and in some competitors in the small SUV segment. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 180 hp I3 | Engine2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower180 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 180 hp I3 | Engine Name2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Torque199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | Torque138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower180 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.5 cu ft | Cargo Space24.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3291 lbs | Curb Weight3159 lbs |
Height66.0 in | Height63.4 in |
Length180.1 in | Length179.8 in |
Width85.6 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase106.7 in | Wheelbase104.5 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-Present | 1999-2005 |
MSRP | $28,000 | $26,500 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.2 out of 10Read full review | 5.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Reportedly, Ford will discontinue the Escape at the end of the current fourth-generation run. Once among the most popular vehicles in its class, Ford recently zigged with the Escape’s design and positioning when the market zagged. Boxy, rugged-looking crossovers are what people want, not soft and sophisticated pseudo-cars like the current Escape. Fortunately, Ford has the Bronco Sport in its lineup, which is getting all of the automaker’s attention. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ford Escape receives no major changes following a substantial makeover in 2023, though it appears the Base trim is canceled. | Available in three trim levels equipped with an underpowered engine and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), the HR-V is an unremarkable subcompact SUV. A refresh for the 2026 model year adds an improved standard infotainment system and minor styling and interior modifications, but nothing that addresses this model’s primary shortcomings. The changes include a larger touchscreen with faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Verdict: Simply put, the 2026 HR-V is not one of the best subcompact SUVs. It is dreadfully slow, disappointingly inefficient, and barely meets the minimum technological expectations of the young people who might want to buy it. Plus, it demonstrates none of the innovation seen in the original HR-V and in some competitors in the small SUV segment. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 180 hp I3 | 2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 32 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 180 hp I3 | 2.0L 158 hp I4 |
Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.5 cu ft | 24.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3291 lbs | 3159 lbs |
Height | 66.0 in | 63.4 in |
Length | 180.1 in | 179.8 in |
Width | 85.6 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 104.5 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | |

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