Ford Escape vs. Hyundai TUCSON
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Escape and Hyundai TUCSON 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 Ford Escape and the Hyundai TUCSON.
When we compare the Ford Escape's and the Hyundai TUCSON's specifications and ratings, the Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. The Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Escape's and the Hyundai TUCSON's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai TUCSON is a better car than the Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Escape ranges from $28,542 to $37,394 while a used 2024 Hyundai TUCSON is priced between $26,134 to $37,565. For a new model, the Ford Escape's price is between $29,865 and $40,820, with the Hyundai TUCSON priced between $28,937 and $39,829.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the Hyundai TUCSON loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai TUCSON retains 6.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Escape.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Escape is 8.6 out of 10 while the Hyundai TUCSON's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 3 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Hyundai TUCSON being ranked 13 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Escape is ranked 13 and the Hyundai TUCSON is ranked 33.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Escape is 8.2 out of 10. For the Hyundai TUCSON the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Ford Escape a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai TUCSON.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Escape’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Hyundai TUCSON base engine makes 187 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 503 miles. The TUCSON is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles. This gives the Ford Escape the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Hyundai TUCSON. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Escape has the advantage in the area of front leg room. The Ford Escape and Hyundai TUCSON are comparable in regards to front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Escape has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai TUCSON, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.68 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
Overview
The Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson have a lot in common. They’re both roomy and well-equipped with a choice of gas and hybrid powertrains. The Tucson offers a more premium interior across its lineup. The cheaper materials used in the Escape make it feel like a less premium offering. Both are comfortable, but there’s more headroom and legroom in the rear seats of the Tucson, which makes it a better choice for those who often have adults in the rear seats. There’s also more room for cargo in the Tucson and a higher maximum tow rating. Both offer hybrids for maximum fuel efficiency, but only the Escape includes a plug-in hybrid in the mix. While the starting prices for gas trims are comparable, when it comes to hybrids there’s a larger difference. Whether you’re going with Escape hybrid or plug-in hybrid, it’s more affordable than available Tucson hybrid trims.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$29,865 - $40,820
Starting MSRP:
$28,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,937 - $39,829
Starting MSRP:
$27,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,735
Price Range:
$28,542 - $37,394
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
6,695
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
2,331
# Good or Great Deals:
687
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,360
Price Range:
$26,134 - $37,565
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,159
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
7,520
# Good or Great Deals:
449
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$13,239
Depreciation %:
47.3%
Resale Value $:
$14,761
Residual Value %:
52.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,139
Depreciation %:
40.5%
Resale Value $:
$16,361
Residual Value %:
59.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Hyundai TUCSON Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
8.7 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Escape
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai TUCSON
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
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 / 67Hyundai TUCSON Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 14Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
18 out of / 59Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
54 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 Hyundai Tucson is a five-passenger SUV with an upscale cabin and plenty of room for cargo and people. The current Tucson was redesigned for the 2022 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,524 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,667.
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
- High quality cabin materials
- Plenty of standard safety equipment
- Comfortable ride
- Tricky capacitive infotainment controls
- No volume knob
- No wireless Apple CarPlay with large screen
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Escape Trim Levels
Active, Base, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Elite, ST-Line Select
Hyundai TUCSON Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
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
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):
4.68 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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
199 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:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
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 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
400 / 503 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):
25 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 458 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
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
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
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:
Standard
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:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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:
137.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
38.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3291 lbs
Width:
85.6 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3346 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.6 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 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:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Red
Race Red
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black Pearl
Blue
Deep Sea Metallic / Intense Blue Pearl
Gray
Hampton Gray Metallic / Portofino Gray Metallic / Titan Gray
Red
Ultimate Red Pearl
Silver
Curated Silver Metallic / Shimmering Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
