Ford Escape vs. Nissan Rogue

Before you head on down to give a new 2014 Ford Escape-the cute SUV that sips fuel and gushes technology-a whirl at Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg, check out how it does against the Nissan Rogue, certainly a worthy competitor in the category.

See why the Ford Escape comes out on top 

The Ford Escape was all-new in 2013, so you want to make sure you benefit from all the enhancements. When compared to a Nissan Rogue the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is about equal: $22,470 vs. $22,070. But there's a whole lot of difference between these competing  vehicles. Just look at fuel economy: miles per gallon (MPG) city/highway is 21/33 for the Ford, 22/28 for the Nissan.

Beyond the high gas mileage, you have to like the new Escape styling, taut ride and handling, more useful cargo space, and abundant technology features. Even though the seats might be a little firm, and a MyFord Touch infotainment system that's much improved, but still not perfectly painless. 

No question the Nissan Rogue maneuvers and handles well in town. It's got a spacious and flexible interior with a useful cargo-area organizer, but it's seats are flat and uncomfortable. Driving  the Nissan Rogue is unexciting with CVT drone and obscured rearward visibility. 

Let's take it point-by-point

In most areas that matter to you and your family, the 2014 Ford Escape leads the Nissan Rogue. Consider:

Comfort 
The Rogue offers just a bit more front head- and legroom than the Escape, but the Escape has more  room for back-seat passengers. 

Dimensions 
The Escape is about the same width as the Rogue, but the Escape is slightly shorter, making it easier to park.

Performance
With higher torque, the Escape is the clear choice over the Rogue for towing. 

Utility
You will fit about the same amount of cargo in the Escape as you will in the Rogue, but the Escape has less seating, making the Nissan the better choice for chauffeuring duties. 

Safety is where the Ford Escape really shines 

The 2013 Ford Escape, new from the ground up, garners a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and four-star overall ratings and five stars for side impact from the Feds.

It comes standard with a ton of safety features. Airbags are dual front, side, and curtain. It has anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control. The MyKey system lets you put speed limits on younger drivers in the family. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the Rogue an overall rating of four stars, and five-stars for side-impact, but the IIHS only gives the Rogue a "good" for nearly all its critical tests-with an "acceptable" on the roof-crush test. 

Ford Escape is available in three trim levels

The Ford Escape S starts at $22,700 and comes with:

• A 2.5 liter I-4 engine
• Front bucket seats with cloth trimming
• Cruise and audio controls, manual tilt and telescoping on steering wheel

The Ford Escape SE starts at $25,550 and adds:

• A 1.6 liter EcoBoost® I-4 engine
• Front bucket seats with cloth trim
• 10-way power driver's seat
• Available Class II Trailer Tow Package

The Ford Escape Titanium starts at $29,100 and gets you:

• Available 2.0 liter EcoBoost® I-4 engine
• Leather-trimmed heated front bucket seats
• 10-way power driver's seat
• HID headlamps

Come on down to Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg for a test drive 

Come see us at Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg at 6320 Carlisle Pike Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 to try out a new 2014 Ford Escape. You'll be glad you did!

Or call our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff toll-free on (877) 506-0354.