Ford Escape vs. Subaru Forester

Compact crossovers are becoming the new, modern family vehicle. With enough room for kids, groceries and bicycles, the safety and handling of a Sports Utility Vehicle and reasonable gas mileage, crossovers combine advantages of a number of specialized vehicles. Here, we compare two of the leading models: the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester.

Many of their attributes are essentially the same. Both advertise the same gas mileage at 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Starting prices are both around $23,000 for a 2.5 liter V4 engine with 168/170 horsepower for the Escape and Forester, respectively. Frontal and side crash ratings are both in the good/excellent category. Dual front and side airbags, knee airbags and overhead airbags are standard in both vehicles. Both perform similarly in 0-60 mph speed tests. The 2014 Forester benefits from a new continuous variable transmission, which improves upon the clunkier transmission of previous models. Still, the handling and power of both the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester are virtually the same. The main differences between the two crossovers are the interior and exterior builds and the standard electronics and entertainment features.

The Ford escape includes turn signal indicator mirrors, which the Forester lacks on all models. On the interior, the Forester lacks rear beverage holders, which are standard in the Escape. The Forester comes standard with a four speaker stereo, whereas the Escape comes standard with six. Despite the Forester's greater cabin size, Ford did more with less with regard to the interior design. More care was put into the Escape's seat design, including a tilt-adjustable headrest that the Forester lacks. More comfortable seats, better entertainment options, and better visibility make the Escape a  more comfortable vehicle to ride in. Adults, as well as children, will be more comfortable riding in the rear of the Ford Escape than the Subaru Forester.

The modern connectivity of the Ford Escape easily beats the Forester. Voice connectivity is an option in the Escape, but is not available in the Forester. With 110 volt connections in the back seat and a more sophisticated stereo and entertainment system, riding in an Escape is more comfortable for all passengers. Seats in the Escape, both front row and back, are more solidly built and more comfortable than those in the Forester. Boasting a huge sunroof and attractive LCD center panel, the interior of the Escape is more pleasing to the eye.

While the Subaru Forester comes standard with four wheel drive, the Ford Explorer is both aesthetically and functionally better designed, and also available in a four wheel drive model. The more luxurious interior is especially advantageous for families. Adults and kids will be equally pleased by the significantly more comfortable ride in the Ford Escape.  Stop by Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg to test drive the Escape today.