VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
199lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
29 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Escape and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Escape delivers 180hp @ 6000 while the Subaru Crosstrek produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Escape returns 29 mpg est. while the Crosstrek uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $31,750 for the Escape and $30,625 for the Crosstrek. 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
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
199lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 3700
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
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.7gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181.2in
176.4in
Width (in)
74.1in
70.9in
Height (in)
66.1in
63in
Wheelbase (in)
106.7in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3419lbs
3332lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1500lbs
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Crosstrek
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Crosstrek
Value
Crosstrek
Practicality
Escape
Pros & Cons
Ford Escape
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Crosstrek
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,625)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Escape or Crosstrek?
The Escape gets 29 mpg est. and the Crosstrek gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek?
The Escape produces 180hp @ 6000 and 199lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Crosstrek delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Escape and Crosstrek?
The Escape starts from $31,750 and the Crosstrek from $30,625. The Crosstrek is cheaper by $1,125 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Escape or Crosstrek?
The Escape has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Crosstrek can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Escape or the Crosstrek?
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.