2023 Ford Escape Vs. Honda CR-V

Price and Trim Levels

The two SUVs have comparable starting prices, but the Ford Escape is slightly lower. Plus, both models have additional hybrid trims, which are not reflected in the prices below.

Price & Trim Levels | Ford Escape

• Base | $28,995
• Active | $30,340
• ST-Line | $31,355
• Platinum | $37,460

Price & Trim Levels | Honda CR-V

• LX | $29,075
• EX │ $32,355
• EX-L │ $35,005

Exterior & Colors

The 2023 Ford Escape is the smaller option at 181″ L x 74″ W x 66″ H, while the CR-V measures 185″ L x 74″ W x 66-67″ H. The new Escape also offers 17-19" wheels, while the CR-V has 16-19" options. However, both come with a multitude of fun colors. 

Interior Design & Seating

With either SUV, you get two rows of seats. In the Escape and CR-V, you can easily fit five adults with plenty of room to stretch out.

Infotainment & Features

The 2023 Ford Escape has an 8" touch screen (1" larger than the CR-V) and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, and two USB ports. The 2023 Honda CR-V includes a 7" touch screen, a USB port, a 7" digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a four-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Cargo Capacity

The cargo capacity between the two models is comparable. In the 2023 Ford Escape, you get 37.5 (in the back) and 65.4 cubic feet (behind the front seats), and the Honda CR-V has 39.3 and 76.5 cubic feet, respectively. 

Drivetrain & Suspension

Both SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive, or you can add all-wheel drive.

Engine

The 2023 Ford Escape comes standard with a 181-horsepower turbo-three engine, and you can add the available 250-horsepower turbo-four. With either engine, you get an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the 2023 Honda CR-V includes a 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo-four and a CVT. With either SUV, you can also choose a hybrid variant.

Performance & MPG

The 2023 Ford Escape earns 27/33 mpg when driving the base model or 23/32 mpg if you prefer the upgraded powertrain. The 2023 Honda CR-V earns 28/34 mpg, which is comparable. 

Towing Capacity

The 2023 Ford Escape tows much more, with a maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds. In comparison, the 2023 Honda CR-V only tows up to 1,500 pounds.

Safety Features

The 2023 Ford Escape includes standard blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver drowsiness monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and the MyKey System. The 2023 Honda CR-V comes with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera.

Ratings & Reviews

The 2023 Ford Escape has earned Good marks from the IIHS. On top of that, Car and Driver states, "The 2023 Ford Escape provides a lot of SUV practicality within its compact shape." In comparison, the 2023 Honda CR-V has become a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, and Car and Driver says, "The redesigned CR-V is made to maintain its place on the bestseller list with a smooth ride, practical cabin, and fuel-efficient powertrains."