VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 6000
187hp @ 6100
Torque
199lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
29 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
1653lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Escape and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Escape delivers 180hp @ 6000 while the KIA Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Escape returns 29 mpg est. while the Sportage uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $31,750 for the Escape and $28,690 for the Sportage. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 6000
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
199lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32mpg
33 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.7gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181.2in
183.5in
Width (in)
74.1in
73.4in
Height (in)
66.1in
65.4in
Wheelbase (in)
106.7in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3419lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1653lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sportage
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sportage
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Escape
Pros & Cons
Ford Escape
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher starting price
KIA Sportage
Lower starting price ($28,690)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Escape or Sportage?
The Escape gets 29 mpg est. and the Sportage gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Escape or Sportage?
The Escape produces 180hp @ 6000 and 199lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Sportage is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Escape and Sportage?
The Escape starts from $31,750 and the Sportage from $28,690. The Sportage is cheaper by $3,060 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Escape or Sportage?
The Escape has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Sportage can tow 1653lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Escape or the Sportage?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.