Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: What’s The Difference?

Published October 24, 2021
in Model Info

The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that debuted in 2006, while the Ford Escape is a compact crossover that first appeared in 2001. The former received a major update in 2019 and competes against the likes of the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Pilot, and Kia Sorento.

When it comes to the Ford Escape, its most competent rivals include the Honda CR-V, the Kia Sportage, and the Mazda CX-5. Apart from looks, not very many people can tell the difference between these two models. As such, we’ll take a glimpse into the Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape, break down their specs and what’s under the hood, and take a look at what really sets them apart from each other.

What’s the Difference between the Ford Edge and the Ford Escape?

Interior Space and Comfort

The Ford Edge is slightly bigger and longer than the Ford Escape. As such, it offers 42.6 inches of legroom at the front and 40.6 inches at the back compared to the Escape’s 42.4 inches and 40.7 inches, respectively. The latter may be slightly smaller, but you’ll hardly notice the difference. Furthermore, it offers a sliding passenger row that provides flexibility.

Both vehicles have almost equal headroom in front at 40 inches. Back passengers get to enjoy a fair 39.3 inches. It’s good to note that adding a sunroof to your Ford Edge cuts headroom by about 2.5 inches at the front. It then adds a few tenths of an inch in the second row.

Also, the Edge comes with high seats that may not work for drivers who like to sit closer to the steering wheel. They may have a blind spot from the wide A-pillars. Total space for passengers here stands at 113.9 cubic feet.

GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE

The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.

Engine and Power

For the Ford Escape, buyers get to pick from three powertrain options. The base model comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that churns 180 horsepower with either front or all-wheel drive. A second option with a 2.0-liter engine that produces 250 horsepower is also available with all-wheel drive.

Ford added a hybrid version that boasts a 2.5-liter inline-four that makes 200 horsepower when combined with electric power. This version is able to produce more power thanks to the electric boost. It’s good to note that this model is only available with front-wheel drive.

The Ford Edge also has good powertrain offerings. All models apart from the ST feature a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This is mated to a front-wheel-drive system as standard. You can, however, get a four-wheel-drive option if you want.

The Ford Edge ST is built to be a performer thanks to its 2.7-liter turbo V6. It makes 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes as standard.

Cargo Space

The Ford Edge is larger than the Ford Escape. As such, it can hold more cargo. It offers 39.2 cubic feet of space that can be quickly turned into 73.4 cubic feet, courtesy of the quick-release seats. On the other hand, the Ford Escape offers 34 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear seats are in use and 68 cubic feet when they are folded.

As it is with most cars, a hybrid option tends to offer less cargo volume. This is because manufacturers prefer to use some of the space in the cargo area to store batteries. The Escape Hybrid version provides 30.7 cubic feet in what Ford calls an “optimized” measure and 34.4 cubic feet in maximum measure.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?

Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last? How often should you replace your brakes? We’ve got answers

Fuel Economy

The 1.5-liter Ford Escape that comes with front-wheel drive provides the best fuel economy. It’s rated at 21 mpg highway, 28 mpg in the city, and 30 mpg in combined driving. Going for an all-wheel-drive option changes the rating to 18 mpg on the highway and 26 in city driving. The 2.0-liter AWD version changes the rating further to 23 mpg city and 31 mpg in highway driving.

When it comes to the hybrid option with front-wheel drive, the rating is at 37/44/41 for highway, city, and combined, respectively. The AWD comes with an EPA estimate of 37/43/40 mpg, respectively, making very little changes to the front-wheel drive.

The front-wheel-drive Ford Edge is rated at 21/26/24 mpg in city, highway, and combined driving, respectively. The city driving rating remains the same when you switch to the all-wheel-drive option. However, both the highway and combined ratings drop by 1 MPG. The performance-oriented Edge ST is estimated at 25/19/21, respectively. If you’re looking for the fuel-efficient option here, it’s obvious that the smaller Escape has a better carbon footprint.

Safety

Both the Ford Escape and Ford Edge feature Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 technology. It comes as standard and offers automatic high beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, dynamic brake support, backup camera, rear traffic alert, pre-collision warning and automatic braking, and post-collision braking.

To get more out of the car, Ford has adaptive cruise control with auto start-stop, and lane-centering features and evasive steering assist available as an option. It’s important to highlight that the latter is an exclusive feature on the Ford Escape. When undergoing crash and safety tests, the NHTSA gave both cars 5 stars.

THE BEST CARS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Whether you’re squeezing into a tight campus parking spot or hauling ten loads of laundry back home, these best cars for college students will get you, your friends, and your stuff where you’re going.

Pricing

The Ford Escape starts off at $26,130. The all-wheel-drive option will cost you $1,500 more at the base level. This is quite commendable as most automakers do not provide all-wheel drive for their base models. The Hybrid Ford Escape starts at $29,420 while the gas-powered performance model gets close to $40,000.

The Ford Edge costs a lot more when compared to the Ford Escape. The entry model is priced at $31,250, while the larger SEL trim costs $35,600. Moving up to the more performance-oriented ST costs about $44,510. Any mention of an all-wheel drive adds about $1,955 to the cost. All options drive the price higher and higher in both models.

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Which one should you pick?

As with all car purchases, it all depends on what you’re looking for! The Ford Escape gains the upper hand when it comes to fuel efficiency, better technology, and superior handling. It also costs less compared to the Edge and provides a better option for those working with a budget. On the other hand, the Ford Edge is bigger, more stylish, and offers a more powerful variant that is fun to drive. It works for those that don’t mind spending more to get more.

Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.