The first crossover compact SUV–the AMC Eagle–rolled off the assembly line in 1980. Since then, nearly every carmaker has designed its own crossover model or models. The Ford Escape, which debuted in 2001, is one of them, but alas, the Eagle is no longer. Chrysler bought AMC in 1987 and discontinued the brand the next year.
The crossover compact was a revelation; until it made its way to the showroom, no vehicle combined the safety and inclement-weather ruggedness of four-wheel drive with the comfort of a passenger car. Now, this model type is nearly ubiquitous, often parked in many suburban driveways. While a used Ford Escape for sale is a fantastic option, it is worth looking at some of the competition first.
A used four-wheel drive crossover is usually a worthwhile investment. Really, how many crossovers parked in those suburban driveways ever found their way off-road? Or were used in a street drag? They certainly were not built for hauling a half ton of concrete blocks. Now we are going to compare our featured vehicle, the Fourth Generation (2020–Present) Ford Escape, against some of its main competitors: the sixth-generation (2022-present) Honda CR-V, fifth-generation (2018-2025) Toyota RAV4, fourth-generation (2022–present) Hyundai Tucson, and fifth-generation (2021-present) Kia Sportage to further demonstrate its value in the pre-owned market.
The Honda CR-V
Let’s begin with the Honda CR-V LX, the standard model, which first rolled out in 1995, and began its 30-year run on the same platform as the Civic. The CR-V, we’re told, stands for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” which describes this Honda favorite to a T. In 2023, in its sixth generation, which began the year before, the CR-V U.S. sales totaled 361,457, good for third place in that SUV category.
Equipped with a 190-hp, 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a continuously variable transmission, the CR-V front-wheel drive delivers an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The EPA estimates the all-wheel drive CR-V will offer 27 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
The CR-V gets kudos for its plentiful cargo space (76.5 cu.ft. total), comfy ride, and a snazzy cabin. It’s not the fastest of the bunch and has only adequate handling, so don’t think of the CR-V as a performance vehicle. It is, however, a vehicle that is considerably efficient and reliable.
The Toyota RAV4
Again, we’re looking at the standard model—RAV4 LE—to compare with the Ford Escape, though more expensive gas-powered trims and powerful hybrids are available, albeit for a higher price tag. Now in its fifth generation, the RAV4 sports a 203-hp, 2.5L engine mated to an eight-speed transmission. Choose between the standard front-wheel drive or the optional all-wheel drive.
Cargo space totals 69.8 cu.ft., close to that available on the Honda CR-V. The infotainment system in newer models underwent a makeover with a new software installation, and there is now a choice between a standard eight-inch touchscreen and an optional 10.5-inch touchscreen. Also, in the cabin, you’ll find standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, along with the “Hey Toyota” voice command system.
The new gauge cluster has been given an upgrade, getting bumped up an inch to the standard seven-inch or optional 12.3-inch display. Options include a panoramic moonroof and JBL premium stereo. Safety features include a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Maximum towing capacity stands at 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimates 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway for front-wheel drive and 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway for all-wheel drive.
The Hyundai Tucson
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson SE, in its fourth generation, is a stylish vehicle with high-end trims that outshine its more staid competitors. It’s driven by a 187-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive. It’s nice enough for the average driver, but speed demons might want more acceleration.
Because the Tucson had a thorough facelift in 2022, only minor changes were scheduled for 2023. Hyundai has included standard adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a speed limit assist feature. Some exterior paint exchanges were also in place. At 2,000 lbs, the towing capacity is aligned with its first two competitors.
The Kia Sportage
In its fifth generation, spanning 2021-2024, the Kia Sportage LX, the carmaker’s base model, is noteworthy for its bold style. Its sharp headlights and stand-out grille design make it look like no other compact. The wheelhouse is longer than prior trims and provides more cargo space and a more spacious interior. The LX is sold as either two-wheel or all-wheel drive and sports black 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires.
Its muscle comes from a 187-hp four-cylinder engine hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimates that front-wheel drive models achieve 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway; all-wheel drive models are rated at 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
The longer wheelbase allows for more rear-seat legroom and 40 cu.ft. of cargo space. There’s also a dual-level cargo floor that provides a bit more storage. The cabin is available in two options: either two-tone colors or all-black. As with most of its competitors, the LX has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
The eight-inch infotainment display is standard with an optional 12.3-inch screen. The rotary shift knob and push-to-start button are pretty slick-looking. An upgraded Harman Kardon stereo is sweet to the ears. A wireless phone charger is a nice convenience, as is the subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, though you will have to pay for that.
Safety features include standard forward-collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking. Also onboard are standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. However, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist are available only on other Sportage trims.
The Ford Escape
Finally, an American choice, the fourth-generation Ford Escape, and we are looking at the Active base trim. Reviewers say the smart exterior design, powertrain choices, and driver-assistance features, which come standard, are pluses for the Active. A rough-sounding engine is one complaint. Overall, it’s regarded as a practical SUV choice.
The original Escape had a muscular V6 and was built for off-roading. The Bronco has usurped that role, and the Escape settled into a more easy-going life on city streets and highways with all its robust trail package pared away. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
Its power comes from a 180-hp 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The noisy, muttering engine is one complaint. Expect so-so performance—about average for crossovers—but if you love to drive, you might want more power. The EPA rates the Active at 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
The Escape boasts attractive styling, and its spacious cabin should satisfy passengers. Cargo area measures 37.5 cu.ft., enough room for up to eight carry-on suitcases. With the rear seats folded down, that space expands to 65.4 cu.ft., plenty of room for your gear. The low cargo floor makes loading and unloading that gear much easier.
An eight-inch infotainment system is standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Ford Connect Wi-Fi hotspot. A 13.2-inch screen is optional. A sweet-sounding 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system should please music lovers. But in-dash navigation, a pop-up head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display are optional.
Deciding on Your Crossover Compact
The features on all these compacts are strikingly similar; however, when it comes to overall value, the Ford Escape is a great option. The rule in this business is keeping up with the Joneses, or trying to stay a step ahead of that family. The major complaint with most of these vehicles is noisy engines with turtle-like acceleration, yet these are cars for commuters and soccer moms, not Formula One drivers. With compacts, it’s about fuel efficiency, reliability, and price. In that case, the Ford Escape takes the cake.
