Ford Escape vs Toyota bZ

The 2024 Ford Escape received a significant facelift, with Ford aiming to rejuvenate its appeal. The front end was restyled, new wheel designs were introduced, and the trim lineup was revamped. Additionally, the technology was updated with next-generation infotainment and enhanced safety features. These changes carried over into the 2024 model, giving the SUV a more aggressive look, although the rest of the vehicle retained its soft and generically appealing appearance. The Escape was available in several trims, including Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid, with prices ranging from $29,345 to $40,500, excluding the destination charge. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, featured extra-cost Rapid Red paint, black 19-inch wheels, the Premium Technology Package, and a Panoramic Vista Roof, bringing the total price to $43,650. The interior, while initially appearing upscale with diamond-stitched, perforated leather and tech upgrades, revealed excessively glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery, raising questions about its value.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) and two battery sizes. The larger battery provided more power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. Our XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus. Additional options included Heavy Metal paint, carpeted floor mats, a carpeted cargo mat, door sill protectors, and wheel locks, bringing the MSRP to $40,468. The restyled 2026 bZ looked better with body-color trim, and the interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing quality and organization. The fabric seats had an upscale pattern, and the center touchscreen was enlarged to 14 inches, integrating climate control with user-friendly features. However, the digital driver display remained a concern, as it was mounted far from the driver and could be obstructed by the steering wheel.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered two powertrain options: a 192-horsepower hybrid with an expected 39 mpg in combined driving or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, averaging 26 mpg. Our test vehicle featured the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The AWD system included a driveline disconnect feature to improve fuel economy, and drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Slippery driving modes. The turbocharged engine allowed the Escape to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Despite the sporty appearance, the ST-Line's driving dynamics didn't match the promise of the ST badge. The ride was soft and compliant, with nimble handling in typical situations but excessive body motion. The brake pedal was responsive, but the steering felt sluggish and numb. The turbo engine's potential seemed wasted, and the hybrid powertrain or lower-tier Escape models were recommended for better value.

The 2026 Toyota bZ XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor bZ models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges depending on the trim. Recharging the bZ using a DC fast charger took about 30 minutes to reach 80% capacity. The bZ's driving experience was agreeable around town, with good visibility and standard parking sensors. On the highway, it was comfortable but lacked robust mid-range passing power. The FWD bZ struggled on winding roads, with the Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires causing understeer in curves. The steering was lifeless, and front wheelspin was an issue when accelerating out of tight corners.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line featured a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. Leather seats were optional with the ST-Line Elite trim, but they were not recommended due to their uncomfortable feel. The test model included ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were large and supportive, and the back seat was comfortable when slid to its rearmost position. Interior storage was generous in the front, but rear passengers had limited accommodations. Cargo volume measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The test vehicle offered deep storage areas and a grocery bag hook in the cargo area.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats available in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was tight. The power rear liftgate revealed 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with an underfloor storage well providing extra room. Folding the back seats down increased cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2024 Ford Escape came with digital instrumentation, featuring an 8-inch display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch display in upper trims. Our ST-Line Elite test vehicle had the larger display with pleasing graphics. The 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system was impressive, with a landscape format and intuitive layout. However, the color theme made the display appear washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen. Sync 4 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and FordPass Connect services. The larger touchscreen added Amazon Alexa and connected navigation. The test vehicle had a Bang & Olufsen sound system, but the speakers were damaged. The voice recognition system was excellent, but the wireless smartphone charger heated the phone excessively. The optional head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic piece, and Active Park Assist 2.0 provided semi-autonomous parking assistance.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was located far away and crammed too much data into a small space. The 14-inch display ran the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, which was generally easy to use. However, it lacked a home screen for displaying multiple data panels simultaneously, and the low-contrast colors made it hard to read. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with SiriusXM satellite radio and five connected service plans. Drive Connect powered the native navigation system and the Intelligent Assistant voice assistant, which worked well. The system stumbled only on one testing prompt, and modifications produced better results.

The 2024 Ford Escape included a standard post-collision automatic braking system and Ford Co-Pilot360 driving assistance systems. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The ST-Line Elite added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane-centering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-keeping systems displayed inconsistent behavior, and the predictive speed assist slowed the SUV too much for curves. On freeways, the Co-Pilot360 technology was more effective. The NHTSA gave the Escape five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not rated the 2024 Escape at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs. Other features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and parking sensors. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist, lane-change assist, front cross-traffic assist, and Advanced Park Assist. The adaptive cruise control's response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2026 bZ, but the IIHS gave it Good ratings for front-crash avoidance, Poor for headlights, and Acceptable for frontal-impact crash-tests.