2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Ford Escape
When we compare the 2020 Subaru Forester's and the 2020 Ford Escape's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2020 Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Subaru Forester's and the 2020 Ford Escape's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2020 Ford Escape.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Ford Escape Pricing
A used 2020 Subaru Forester ranges from $22,500 to $32,099 while a used 2020 Ford Escape is priced between $18,689 to $28,950.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Ford Escape Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value and the 2020 Ford Escape loses 49.7 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Subaru Forester retains 11.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Ford Escape.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 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 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Ford Escape being ranked 13 out of 66. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 3 and the Ford Escape is ranked 5. The Subaru Forester is also ranked 4 out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs while the Ford Escape is ranked 15 out of 56.
2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Ford Escape Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10. For the Ford Escape 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 2020 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the 2020 Ford Escape base engine makes 181 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 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles.This gives the 2020 Ford Escape the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2020 Subaru Forester the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2020 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 and rear shoulder room. The 2020 Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Subaru Forester and the 2020 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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
22500 - 32099
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
18689 - 28950
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.4967
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.271796 / 10
Reliability:
8.31539 / 10
Retained Value:
6.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Ford Escape Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 58Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 49Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 56Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 56Ranking
53 out of / 66Summary 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
Gasoline
2020 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
2020 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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 Specifications
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
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:
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
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:
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
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:
3299 lbs
Width:
85.6 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 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 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17