In the 2000s, SUVs usurped minivans as the dominant family car on the road. In 2021, SUV models accounted for 75 percent of the most popular vehicles sold in the country; 15 out of the 25 best-selling vehicles were SUVs.
Ford’s F-Series has remained the best-selling vehicle in the country for four decades. However, Ford’s SUVs also are popular with consumers. The Ford Escape was the 23rd most popular vehicle of 2021, and the Ford Explorer ranked 14th. The Ford Edge didn’t rank, but it’s another SUV option. What’s the difference between Ford Edge vs. Escape?
Here are all the similarities and differences between the Ford Edge vs. Escape.
Ford Escape vs. Edge Size
The Ford Escape and the Edge mainly differ by the space that they offer. Both can fit up to five passengers. However, one offers a bit more legroom and headspace.
The Ford Edge is considered a mid-size SUV/crossover. Ford offers five different trim levels. The Edge provides 40.2 inches of headroom in the front seat and 42.6 inches of legroom. The back seat offers 40.3 inches of head room and 40.6 inches of legroom.
The Edge provides 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the front row. When only utilizing the space behind the back row, the Edge offers 39.2 cubic feet of space.
Ford offers 10 different trim options for the Escape; there are numerous hybrid and hybrid plug-in models offered among these trims. The Escape S is the least expensive trim available. It offers 40 inches of headroom and 42.4 inches of legroom in the front seat. For the second row passengers, the Escape S provides 39.3 inches of headroom and 40.7 inches of legroom.
The Escape offers 65.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the front row. The Hybrid and Hybrid Plug-In models only provide 60.8 cubic feet, however. Space behind the second row ranges from 34.4 cubic feet to 37.5 cubic feet (depending on the trim/model).
While the Edge offers the most space for front seat passengers, the Escape gives the back seat passenger 1/10 of an inch more leg space. In addition, the Edge dominates the Escape for cargo space.
Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: The Price of Both SUVs
Both the Edge and the Escape are offered in different trims; the Edge also allows buyers to select hybrid or plug-in hybrid options.
Buyers can expect to spend more for the Edge. It has a starting MSRP of $37,145. The Edge ST is the most expensive trim and starts at $45,945.
The Escape is the more budget-friendly option. The Escape has a starting MSRP of $26,760. The Escape Titanium Plug-In Hybrid is the most expensive trim in the Escape lineup; the Titanium Plug-In starts at $40,700.
Ford Edge vs. Escape: Is One Safer?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides consumers with safety reports for every make and model. The IIHS conducts rigorous crash tests to determine the safety of vehicles. The safest vehicles are given a Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick rating/award.
The difference between the two awards/ratings is that the vehicles that are named Top Safety Pick+ provide good/acceptable headlights as a standard feature. Those that receive the Top Safety Pick designation provide these headlights as an option.
When comparing the Ford Edge vs. Escape, is one model safer than the other? Both the 2022 Ford Edge and the 2022 Ford Escape received a Top Safety Pick rating/award. Those who feel safer with a larger automobile, though, might choose the Edge.
Ford Escape vs. Edge: The Fuel Efficiency of These SUVs
SUVs weren’t always known to be the most fuel efficient vehicles; some might even be gas guzzlers. However, the fuel efficiency of SUVs has improved over the years. Now many brands offer hybrid or plug-in hybrid options for popular SUV models.
The Ford Edge is larger than the Escape, and it also is less fuel efficient. The Edge can get 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. However, the Escape can get 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
Buyers who choose hybrid options can further maximize their fuel efficiency; the Escape SE Hybrid (the least expensive hybrid) can get 44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
Which is Bigger Ford Edge or Ford Escape?
Both the Edge and the Escape can fit up to five passengers. However, the Edge is the larger SUV; it offers more cargo space behind both the front seat and the second row, too.
The Edge also provides more space for the front seat passenger and the driver, too. The Escape barely nudges out the Edge for legroom (it offers 1/10 of an inch more of space).
Edge vs. Escape: Which Has a Better History of Dependability?
Every year, J.D. Power names one vehicle in each class or segment as the most dependable. The award is based upon the scores of car owners; models are three-years old when rated (2021 winners were 2018 models). The Edge and the Escape were placed in different categories based on their size differences.
The Ford Escape placed 8th for dependability out of 13 compact SUVs. The Escape received a total score of 80. For Quality & Reliability, it received an 83. When rated for Driving Experience, it received a 79. It only received a 76 for Resale Value.
The Ford Edge placed 11th out of 19 midsize SUVs for dependability. The Edge received a total score of 80. For Quality & Reliability, it received an 82. When rated for Driving Experience, the Edge scored an 80. It received a 77 for Resale Value.
Overall, both the Edge and the Escape received comparable dependability scores. However, the Edge scored slightly better for Driving Experience and Resale Value. However, the Escape scored slightly higher for Quality & Reliability.
Car buyers can review years of dependability scores for different models going all the way back to the model year 2000 (rated for dependability in 2003). Reviewing these scores through the years can help buyers spot trends for different models and how they consistently rank by owners.
Ford Escape vs. Ford Edge: Which Model is the Best?
Both the Ford Escape and the Ford Edge score fairly evenly when compared by dependability and safety. For buyers, the choice between the two may come down to size, price and fuel efficiency.
The Escape is the most affordable choice. In addition, the Escape lineup also includes many different hybrid options. For buyers who want to maximize their fuel consumption, the Escape could have the edge over the Edge.
Other buyers might need the space offered by the Edge. Those who need to haul lots of sports gear or equipment might prefer the Edge.
What about towing capacity? Is one model better for buyers who need to tow small trailers? Both the Escape and the Ford Edge have a towing capacity between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds; while the Edge is larger, the size doesn’t give it greater towing power.
Use RelayCars to Explore Both Models
Buyers might not be sure which model is best for them. While dealerships could offer a slideshow of images for the Edge and the Escape, these one-dimensional images might not provide the info that buyers need to make their final choice.
RelayCars allows buyers to explore both the Escape and the Edge using immersive imagery and experience. Download the RelayCars app to preview vehicles using 3D interactive imagery or virtual reality (with Google Cardboard). Download the RelayCars app for free via Google Play or the App Store.
Car shoppers also can visit the RelayCars mobile site to explore models, too. The mobile website lets visitors explore cars via 3D imagery or augmented reality.
How does this work? The 3D imagery is interactive; just use a fingertip to turn the vehicle around or explore the interior.
With augmented reality, car shoppers can use the camera on a smartphone or tablet to capture their environment; the augmented reality experience will display a 3D interactive image into this space. Navigate the experience using the camera on the device. Walk around the vehicle and explore it.
When choosing between two similar models like the Escape and the Edge, RelayCars can provide immersive data to enable shoppers to fully understand the size and design differences. Images aren’t just pictures; they are interactive experiences. Look around the interior of each model; check out the space in the back seat and the front seat, too.
RelayCars also provides pricing for each different make/model and specs, too. Compare models using this data and to better understand how each measures up related to power, space and more.
RelayCars includes thousands of makes/models in its inventory. Buyers can explore as many vehicles as they want. The site is open 24/7, and this means buyers can research their options anytime and from anywhere. Download the app or visit the website today to start exploring.