VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 6000
201hp @ 5000
Torque
199lb-ft @ 3000
221lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
30 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
1800lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Ford Escape and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Escape delivers 180hp @ 6000 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Escape returns 30 mpg est. while the Tiguan uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $31,195 for the Escape and $35,105 for the Tiguan. 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.
Specification
Ford EscapeST-Line FWD 2026 - From $31,195
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SE 4MOTION 2026 - From $35,105
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 6000
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
199lb-ft @ 3000
221lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.8gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
180.5in
184.4in
Width (in)
74.1in
73in
Height (in)
66.1in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
106.7in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3283lbs
3801lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1800lbs
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
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Escape
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
Escape
Value
Escape
Practicality
Escape
Pros & Cons
Ford Escape
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($31,195)
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Tiguan
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Escape or Tiguan?
The Escape gets 30 mpg est. and the Tiguan gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Escape 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 Tiguan?
The Escape produces 180hp @ 6000 and 199lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 201hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Tiguan is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Escape and Tiguan?
The Escape starts from $31,195 and the Tiguan from $35,105. The Escape is cheaper by $3,910 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Escape or Tiguan?
The Escape has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1800lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Escape or the Tiguan?
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.