2018 Ford Escape vs. 2018 Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Ford Escape and 2018 Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Ford Escape and the 2018 Subaru Forester.
When comparing the 2018 Ford Escape's and the 2018 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and overall quality score. The 2018 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Ford Escape's and the 2018 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2018 Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2018 Ford Escape ranges from $10,994 to $20,594 while a used 2018 Subaru Forester is priced between $14,292 to $25,000.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2018 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Subaru Forester retains 11.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Ford Escape.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Escape is 8.6 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 3 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Escape is ranked 13 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 17.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Escape is 8.2 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Escape.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Ford Escape’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the 2018 Subaru Forester base engine makes 170 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 455 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 445 miles.This gives the 2018 Subaru Forester the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2018 Ford Escape the advantage in maximum range. The Escape uses e85, regular unleaded, and the Forester uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2018 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2018 Ford Escape has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Ford Escape and the 2018 Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,940
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,902
Price Range:
$10,994 - $20,594
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,697
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$15,309 - $27,261
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,049
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
85,066
# Good or Great Deals:
398
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,907
Price Range:
$14,292 - $25,000
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,697
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$15,309 - $27,261
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
400
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
84,423
# Good or Great Deals:
97
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Escape
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 13
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 13
Ford Escape Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 59Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Summary Review
The Ford Escape is a compact five-person SUV with a smooth ride and efficient engine options. The current Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,828 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,407.
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy interior
- Sharp handling with a smooth ride
- Wide range of powertrains
- Cheap interior materials
- Top trims are too pricey
- Small front seat cushions
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Ford Escape Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
2018 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Premium Black Edition, 2.5i Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
170 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
330 / 455 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
E85, Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 445 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
34 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
132.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3552 lbs
Width:
81.8 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
178.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3322 lbs
Width:
80.5 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
181.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Blue / Lightning Blue
Gold
White Gold
Gray
Magnetic
Red
Cinnamon Glaze
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Quartz Blue Pearl
Gold
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Red
Venetian Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Jasmine Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
