2019 Subaru Forester vs. 2019 Ford Escape
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Subaru Forester and 2019 Ford Escape 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 2019 Subaru Forester and the 2019 Ford Escape.
In comparing the 2019 Subaru Forester's and the 2019 Ford Escape's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The 2019 Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Subaru Forester's and the 2019 Ford Escape's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2019 Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2019 Subaru Forester ranges from $17,149 to $27,767 while a used 2019 Ford Escape is priced between $13,404 to $22,895.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value and the 2019 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Subaru Forester retains 11.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Ford Escape.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Ford Escape's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Ford Escape being ranked 3 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 17 and the Ford Escape is ranked 13.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.3 out of 10. For the Ford Escape the reliability rating is 8.2 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 2019 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the 2019 Ford Escape base engine makes 168 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 455 miles. This gives the 2019 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Ford Escape. The Forester uses regular unleaded, and the Escape uses e85, regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Subaru Forester and the 2019 Ford Escape have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
The Subaru Forester and Ford Escape are competitive compact SUVs offering a wide range of appealing features. The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive while the Escape starts with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is available) and has a slightly larger back seat when seating three across. The Escape also offers two traditional engines along with a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option while the Forester is limited to a single, non-hybrid standard engine. The Subaru has a better turning radius for manoeuvring in tight spaces and is a bit sportier and more rewarding to drive when compared to the Ford, and for light off-road adventures the Forester is more capable, particularly in “Wilderness” trim that increases ground clearance. Interior space and material quality are comparable, meaning the only real advantage is the Forester’s standard all-wheel drive and added off-road prowess while the Escape counters with all those engine options, including hybrid choices.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,295
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,516
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,350 - $26,345
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,105
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,516
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,350 - $26,345
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,587
Price Range:
$17,149 - $27,767
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,157
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$16,854 - $25,234
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
556
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
70,846
# Good or Great Deals:
186
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,946
Price Range:
$13,404 - $22,895
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,157
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$16,854 - $25,234
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,322
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
72,115
# Good or Great Deals:
645
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
5.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
4.9 - 8.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Ford Escape
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
5.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
4.9 - 8.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 21
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 21
Subaru 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 / 67Ford 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 / 67Summary 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.
Summary 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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
2019 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
2019 Ford Escape Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
170 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
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
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
35.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.3 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3449 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3522 lbs
Width:
81.8 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
178.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Green
Jasper Green Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Lightning Blue
Gray
Magnetic
Green
Baltic Sea Green
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Orange
Sedona Orange
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black/Chromite Gray
Gray
Not available
