2020 Ford Escape vs. 2020 Kia Sportage
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Ford Escape and 2020 Kia Sportage 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 2020 Ford Escape and the 2020 Kia Sportage.
In comparing the 2020 Ford Escape's and the 2020 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2020 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. The 2020 Ford Escape and 2020 Kia Sportage have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Ford Escape's and the 2020 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Ford Escape is a better car than the 2020 Kia Sportage.
Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Escape ranges from $16,380 to $25,512 while a used 2020 Kia Sportage is priced between $15,607 to $24,234.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2020 Kia Sportage loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Kia Sportage retains 4.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Ford Escape.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Escape is 8.6 out of 10 while the Kia Sportage's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 3 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 9 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Escape is ranked 13 and the Kia Sportage is ranked 27.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Escape is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Sportage the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Ford Escape a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2020 Ford Escape and the 2020 Kia Sportage makes 181 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 492 miles.This gives the 2020 Ford Escape the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2020 Kia Sportage the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2020 Ford Escape 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 2020 Ford Escape and the 2020 Kia Sportage have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
Deciding between the Ford Escape and the Kia Sportage requires some study as they are so closely matched. Both have several powertrain options, including more fuel-efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Both come with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available as an option, though it should be noted that these setups are meant more for added peace-of-mind in inclement weather than off-pavement exploring. Other than that, both are handsome suburban runabouts with plenty of room for four passengers and their accoutrements, though the Escape does have a noticeably higher towing capacity while the Sportage offers superior cargo space. The Sportage’s list of standard equipment is longer, and advanced options like a curved touchscreen display give it a more advanced feel . Last but not least, the Kia’s long 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a significant advantage for folks who plan on holding onto their new wheels for a while.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,885
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,995 - $26,645
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,995 - $26,645
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,612
Price Range:
$16,380 - $25,512
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,143
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,125 - $26,362
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,391
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
59,940
# Good or Great Deals:
541
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,640
Price Range:
$15,607 - $24,234
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,143
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,125 - $26,362
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
621
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
60,940
# Good or Great Deals:
242
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Ford Escape
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.9 - 9.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Kia Sportage
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.9 - 9.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 21
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 21
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 / 67Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 59Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 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 Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
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
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Ford Escape Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
2020 Kia Sportage Trim Levels
SX Turbo, EX, LX, S
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:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 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:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
190 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 33 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
397 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
377 / 492 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
30.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
60.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
129.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3299 lbs
Width:
85.6 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3305 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
64.4 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Blue / Velocity Blue
Gold
Desert Gold
Gray
Magnetic
Green
Dark Persian Green
Orange
Sedona Orange
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Beige
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Cherry
Blue
Pacific Blue
Gold
Not available
Gray
Steel Gray
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Silver
Sparkling Silver
White
Clear White
Beige
Burnished Copper
Red
Hyper Red
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Earth Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Black
