Ford Escape vs Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of the design language found in its 2023 predecessor, with some fresh updates to keep things interesting. This model introduced new sheet metal, a redesigned chassis, and additional paint colors such as Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. The new Wilderness trim even boasted an exclusive Geyser Blue color. Despite these updates, the wheelbase and overall length remained nearly unchanged. However, the departure angle was steeper, and cargo space was slightly reduced.

For those well-acquainted with the second-generation model, the 2024 Crosstrek didn’t represent a radical departure. The car featured 17-inch alloy wheels and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road driving. Roof rails were standard on higher trims but optional on the base model. The front fascia incorporated a new wing bar that blended seamlessly with the headlights, giving it a Cheshire cat-like grin.

The vehicle's ample black plastic cladding and air inlets and outlets enhanced its aerodynamic efficiency. The split taillight design from the second-generation model carried over into this one, offering wider trunk access. The Wilderness trim received some unique touches, including a hexagonal front grille, bigger wheel cladding, and new bumpers to improve approach and breakover angles. Its ground clearance was elevated to 9.3 inches, and a sturdy roof rack was introduced, capable of holding substantial loads.

On the other hand, Ford gave the 2024 Escape a makeover, building on the updates done in 2023. The front-end received a more aggressive redesign, replacing the wide-eyed, toothless smile of earlier versions. Despite retaining its overall soft and generically appealing appearance, the changes were impactful. Ford offered the Escape in various trims, from the Active to the Platinum and even a Plug-in Hybrid option.

Our test vehicle, the ST-Line Elite, featured a striking Rapid Red paint job, black 19-inch wheels, and a Premium Technology Package. The ST-Line was supposed to be the sporty variant, but its sportiness was more about appearance than driving dynamics. The interior, adorned with diamond-stitched leather, looked upscale initially but upon closer inspection, the materials felt stiff and glossy.

Subaru's 2024 Crosstrek came with two engine options. The smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generated 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 2.5-liter engine–available in Sport and Limited trims–delivered 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. These engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The larger engine was also the standard in the new Wilderness trim.

The Crosstrek wasn’t particularly quick, but the 2.5-liter engine provided better acceleration than its smaller counterpart. The CVT was well-tuned, with simulated shift points that felt deliberate, and droning was minimal, particularly in the Wilderness trim. The Crosstrek Wilderness could tow up to 3,500 pounds, a significant improvement over the 1,500-pound capacity in other trims. It also featured Subaru's X-Mode traction management system, which varied by trim level but provided effective control on different terrains.

On the Ford side, the 2024 Escape ST-Line Elite could be equipped with either a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Our test vehicle had the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Various driving modes were available, but there wasn’t an Off-Road mode.

The turbocharged engine offered quick acceleration, and the Escape could tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, despite its sporty badge, the ST-Line Elite didn’t deliver sporty driving dynamics. The ride was soft, the handling felt nimble only in typical conditions, and the steering was sluggish. The lower-tier Escape models, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, might provide a better balance of power and performance without the high price tag.

Although the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured rugged styling and impressive ground clearance, it was built on the Subaru Impreza’s platform, making it a small SUV. Compared to other subcompact SUVs, the Crosstrek offered competitive cargo space and utility. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were decent, though taller passengers might prefer the front seat.

The Crosstrek provided 19.9 cubic feet of trunk space, which was less than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-30, but it offered 54.7 cubic feet when the rear seats were down. Subaru designed the interior with practicality in mind, with robust, easy-to-clean materials and numerous cupholders. The Wilderness trim added additional utility with features like all-weather floor mats and Nalgene-compatible cupholders in the trunk.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line offered a black interior with standard cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, with optional leather seats in the Elite trim. Despite fancy stitching, the leather seats felt stiff and unpleasant. The test vehicle boasted amenities like ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats, though it lacked ventilated seats. The Escape’s front seats were comfortable and supportive, and the back seat was especially roomy when slid into its rearmost position.

In terms of cargo space, the Escape offered 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats down, outperforming the Crosstrek in both configurations. While front-seat storage was generous, the rear didn’t offer as much accommodation.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek showcased an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, previously seen in the Subaru Ascent and Outback. The system featured crisp graphics and physical controls for essential functions. Available in all but the Base trim, it included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad was standard on Sport and Limited trims. However, the screen suffered from glare in bright light, and navigating through menus could be cumbersome.

For 2024, Subaru's decision to eliminate features rather than comply with some states' Right to Repair laws was frustrating. For instance, remote start via the Subaru Starlink app was not available in places like Massachusetts.

Ford’s 2024 Escape came with an 8-inch digital instrument display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch display in higher trims like the ST-Line Elite. However, the standout was the 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system, presented in a landscape format. The system was well-organized but had some drawbacks, including a color theme that appeared washed out and the integration of climate controls into the screen. Despite these issues, the voice recognition system worked well.

Also notable was the placement of the engine start/stop button and the lack of a tuning knob, which could be confusing. Our test vehicle also featured an optional head-up display (HUD), part of a Premium Technology Package that included features like Active Park Assist 2.0. However, the HUD didn’t dramatically add to the vehicle's tech advantage.

The Subaru Crosstrek had an excellent safety reputation, having been an IIHS Top Safety Pick since 2013 and receiving a five-star rating from NHTSA in the 2023 model year. Standard on the vehicle was Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 model saw enhancements such as a wider-angle lens for the EyeSight system and automatic emergency steering for vehicles equipped with blind-spot monitoring.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, among other features. The ST-Line Elite also came with adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

However, the Co-Pilot360 system’s real-world performance was inconsistent, particularly the lane-keeping and predictive speed assist features. On freeways, these technologies performed better, but the occasional malfunction raised some concerns. The 2024 Escape also received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it had a four-star rating for rollover resistance.