Subaru Forester vs Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in

2026 Subaru Forester
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1998-Present

Years produced

2020-Present

MSRP

$29,995

MSRP

$33,075

Listings

9374

Listings

4112

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

5.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Impressive off-road capability

  • Lots of utility

  • Good safety ratings

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • Dissatisfying infotainment system

Pros

  • Great ride quality

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • All-wheel drive not available

Reviews Summary

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.

Reviews Summary

Announced ahead of the 2020 model year, the Ford Escape PHEV already looks like a half-measure in 2021. An electric motor and battery pack provide reasonable driving range in ideal conditions, helping it achieve a commendable combined fuel economy rating from the EPA. But in a rapidly electrifying marketplace, and with many of the most exciting EVs coming from the Blue Oval itself, the Escape PHEV is hard to recommend as a long-term option.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 180 hp H4

Engine

2.5L 221 hp I4 Hybrid

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

14.4 kWh

MPG City

26

MPG City

43

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

38
2026 Subaru Forester
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1998-Present
2020-Present
MSRP
$29,995
$33,075
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.4

4.1

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

5.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Impressive off-road capability

  • Lots of utility

  • Good safety ratings

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • Dissatisfying infotainment system

Pros

  • Great ride quality

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • All-wheel drive not available

Summary

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.

Announced ahead of the 2020 model year, the Ford Escape PHEV already looks like a half-measure in 2021. An electric motor and battery pack provide reasonable driving range in ideal conditions, helping it achieve a commendable combined fuel economy rating from the EPA. But in a rapidly electrifying marketplace, and with many of the most exciting EVs coming from the Blue Oval itself, the Escape PHEV is hard to recommend as a long-term option.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 180 hp H4
2.5L 221 hp I4 Hybrid
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
EV Battery Capacity
14.4 kWh
MPG City
26
43
MPG Highway
33
38
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