Ford Escape vs Subaru Forester
Overview | |
Years produced2001-Present | Years produced1998-Present |
MSRP$28,000 | MSRP$29,995 |
Listings9737 | Listings9380 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 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 SummaryTo create the 2026 Forester Wilderness, Subaru adds all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and improved angles of approach, breakover, and departure. Drivetrain modifications enhance traction, added underbody protection prevents damage when off-roading, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire is ready when you need it. Styling changes convey this model’s rugged capabilities, and Subaru outfits the interior for easy clean-up. All 2026 Forester models get a new center console design and updated protection for rear passengers in a collision. Verdict: Push the new 2026 Forester Wilderness to its limits, and you’ll be impressed by its off-roading capability. But, even if you’re not planning to traverse challenging terrain, it is comforting to know that the Wilderness offers more competence than a typical crossover SUV when confronted with unexpected situations. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 180 hp I3 | Engine2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower180 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 180 hp I3 | Engine Name2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Torque199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower180 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway33 |
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 Space29.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3291 lbs | Curb Weight3510 lbs |
Height66.0 in | Height68.1 in |
Length180.1 in | Length183.3 in |
Width85.6 in | Width81.2 in |
Wheelbase106.7 in | Wheelbase105.1 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-Present | 1998-Present |
MSRP | $28,000 | $29,995 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 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. | To create the 2026 Forester Wilderness, Subaru adds all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and improved angles of approach, breakover, and departure. Drivetrain modifications enhance traction, added underbody protection prevents damage when off-roading, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire is ready when you need it. Styling changes convey this model’s rugged capabilities, and Subaru outfits the interior for easy clean-up. All 2026 Forester models get a new center console design and updated protection for rear passengers in a collision. Verdict: Push the new 2026 Forester Wilderness to its limits, and you’ll be impressed by its off-roading capability. But, even if you’re not planning to traverse challenging terrain, it is comforting to know that the Wilderness offers more competence than a typical crossover SUV when confronted with unexpected situations. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 180 hp I3 | 2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 180 hp I3 | 2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.5 cu ft | 29.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3291 lbs | 3510 lbs |
Height | 66.0 in | 68.1 in |
Length | 180.1 in | 183.3 in |
Width | 85.6 in | 81.2 in |
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 105.1 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 1500 lbs |

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