Payton Wade
5/2/2025
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2026 Ford Escape Vs. 2026 Honda CR-V | Vehicle Comparison
This Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V guide underlines the differences between these two reliable, family-oriented compact crossover SUVs. The Honda CR-V is popular for its great technology and cozy interior. However, suppose you want a more spirited drive, more engine options that combine power and fuel efficiency, better front-row legroom, more headroom, and just more in general. In that case, you'll want to see how the Ford Escape leaves its competitive rival behind.
We at Tom Wood Ford want you to be well-informed when deciding on your next compact SUV, especially if you're looking for one that can keep pace with your adventurous spirit. See the highlights of these sport-utes below – from the impressive Ford Escape specs to the differences between the Ford SUV and the Honda CR-V cargo space.
At a Glance: Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
- Choose from four Ford powertrains in the Escape lineup, including hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants.
- The Honda CR-V family only offers one gas engine and one mild-hybrid powertrain.
- For greater gas-only performance, choose the more potent 250-horsepower Ford Escape over the 190-horsepower Honda CR-V.
- Enjoy a significantly higher maximum towing capacity in the Escape SUV.
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Escape Engine Options
When you pop the hood of these two SUVs, a world of differences awaits. The Honda CR-V lineup offers two similarly powerful engine options: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder in the standard model or a 2.0-liter engine paired with electric motors in the CR-V Hybrid. The Ford Escape, meanwhile, lets you choose between four engines.
2026 Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V Performance by the Numbers
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| 2026 Ford Escape | 2026 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Engines |
|
|
| Max. Horsepower | 250 (w/ 2.0L EcoBoost) | 204 (w/ 2.0L hybrid) |
| Max. Torque | 280 lb-ft (w/ 2.0L EcoBoost) | 247 lb-ft (w/ 2.0L hybrid) |
| Transmission Options |
|
|
| Max. Hybrid EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 42 / 36 / 391 | 43 / 36 / 402 |
| Max. PHEV EPA-Est. MPGe (Comb) | 1011 | N/A |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs (w/ 2.0L EcoBoost)3 | 1,500 lbs (1.5L I-4)4 |
Across your options, Ford Escape horsepower tends to be higher than the Honda CR-V horsepower. With a maximum of 204 net horsepower with the 2.0-liter hybrid setup, the Honda model's best engine is weaker than a couple of the Ford powertrains. The 250 horsepower provided by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost powertrain leaves the Honda CR-V specs in the dust, making maintaining speed a breeze.
Despite their differences in horsepower and torque, the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape are very similar in terms of fuel efficiency. If you look at the standard engine for both SUVs, you'll see that they share up to an EPA-estimated 30 MPG (Combined) rating.1,2 Where the best Honda CR-V engine for fuel efficiency caps out at 40 MPG (Combined),2 the mild-hybrid Ford powertrain gets 39 MPG (Combined).1 However, the Ford Escape has the advantage overall, thanks to its available plug-in-hybrid iteration. With a PHEV setup, the Ford SUV earns up to an astonishing EPA-estimated 101 MPGe (Combined).1
Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V Towing Capacity
The new Ford Escape is also the more capable hauler. The Ford Escape towing capacity caps out at 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter setup,3 which is monstrous for an SUV of this size. You can tow small vehicle carriers, campers, utility haulers, and fishing boats behind this compact SUV.
Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V has a more average maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds4 – a difference of 2,000 pounds.3,4
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Escape Seating Capacity & Dimensions
Engine strength is nice, but some people prioritize the comfort of the cabin. Although the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V seating capacity is the same, the dimensions of these two vehicles are diverse.
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Escape Dimensions Side by Side
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| 2026 Ford Escape | 2026 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 180.1 in | 184.8 in |
| Body Width | 74.1 in | 73.5 in |
| Height | 66 - 66.1 in | 66.2 - 66.5 in |
| Cargo Capacity (Standard) |
|
|
| Legroom (Front / Rear) |
| 41.3 / 41 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 40 / 39.3 in |
|
Despite being the smaller vehicle, the Ford Escape cargo space remains competitive with the Honda CR-V. Once you get ready for your daily commute, you'll appreciate the 1.1 extra inches of front legroom and up to 1.8 inches of additional front headroom in your Ford Escape.
Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V Interior & Technology
Finally, look around the seating of these two vehicles and see how the Ford Escape interior and design features compare to the Honda CR-V. Both SUVs bring exceptional comfort with available 10-way heated driver seats. However, the Ford SUV and its available six-way passenger seat outclass the four-way one available in the Honda CR-V.
The 8-inch digital instrument cluster of the Ford Escape's base trim outclasses the standard 7-inch display in a Honda CR-V. Plus, the Ford touchscreen grows to 13.2 inches through packages or higher tiers – the largest touchscreen in the Honda CR-V is its standard 9-inch display. You can use those screens to access Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in both models. In addition, the Escape can offer you Alexa® Built-In functionality, something the Honda CR-V lacks.
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Escape safety is a back-and-forth battle between the standard Honda Sensing Driver-Assistive Technologies suite and the Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite. However, the For Escape brings some options to the table that its rival doesn't. For instance, you can find Evasive Steering Assist on the Escape technology menu, a unique software that helps prevent accidents through automated guidance. If you're looking for a Surround View Camera that covers all your angles, the Ford Escape has one available on higher-level trims; the Honda CR-V doesn't have one at all.
If you want to bring home an SUV with impactful safety and convenience technology, our Ford Escape lease and finance specials can help you climb trim levels and elevate your daily commute.
Explore the Ford Escape in Person at Tom Wood Ford
Now that you've seen how the Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V guide turns out, you know that the Ford Escape offers the more enthusiastic driving experience, impressive passenger space, and very competitive features. The next step is to start shopping! The compact Ford Escape can make for an excellent new addition to your garage, but once you browse our new Ford specials, you can make a better decision on whether you want this tech-filled model or any of our other rugged, reliable vehicles.
Once you've chosen the best model for you and your family, our Ford financing department will simplify the next steps. We'll work tirelessly to find a financing rate or lease deal that satisfies you and your family's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the negatives about the Honda CR-V?
Some of the negatives about the CR-V include the following:
- There's only one gas engine option, and it's rated at 190 horsepower (compared to up to 250 horsepower in the Escape)
- Including the hybrid variant, the CR-V lineup only has two powertrain choices, compared to the four gas, hybrid, or plug-in-hybrid selections for the Ford Escape
- The CR-V towing capacity only reaches 1,500 pounds4
What is the difference between the 2026 and 2025 Ford Escape?
There are no significant differences between the 2026 and 2025 Ford Escape. The 2026 model continues where the 2025 edition left off, providing drivers a choice of four potent powertrains, including a hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variant. The 2026 model year is planned to be the last for the Escape in its current configuration, so get one of these new SUVs now before they're gone.
Customer Review
1EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
2Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
3When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.