Page Loading

Ford Escape vs. Kia Sportage

When comparing the Ford Escape to the Kia Sportage, the Ford Escape has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Escape versus the Kia Sportage, the Kia Sportage is a better car than the Ford Escape.

Ford Escape versus Kia Sportage Pricing

For a new model, the Ford Escape's price is between $30,325 and $44,428, with the Kia Sportage priced between $29,438 and $39,459.

Ford Escape versus Kia Sportage Quality Rating

The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Escape is 7.8 out of 10 while the Kia Sportage's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 13 out of 24 Best Small SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 10 out of 24. Out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Escape is ranked 61 and the Kia Sportage is ranked 18.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

For engine performance, the Ford Escape’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Kia Sportage 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 Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.

Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison

The Ford Escape has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance, while the Kia Sportage has the advantage of offering higher payload capacity.

Safety Ratings Comparison

When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Escape and the 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.

See More See Less

2023 Ford Escape

2023 Kia Sportage

Pricing

New Asking Price:

$30,325 - $44,428

Used Asking Price:

-

5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):

49.7%

Pricing

New Asking Price:

$29,438 - $39,459

Used Asking Price:

$27,999 - $39,997

5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):

42.8%

iSeeCars Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.8 / 10

Reliability:

8.0 / 10

Retained Value:

6.5 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

iSeeCars Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.1 / 10

Reliability:

7.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

iSeeCars Rankings

6 / 24

Most Reliable Small SUVs

6 / 24
12 / 14
13 / 24
14 / 61
15 / 61
21 / 28

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

24 / 24
25 / 61
38 / 61

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

56 / 61

iSeeCars Rankings

9 / 14
10 / 24

Most Reliable Small SUVs

11 / 24
15 / 24

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 24
16 / 28
18 / 61
21 / 61

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

26 / 61
30 / 61
34 / 61

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.

See More See Less

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.

See More See Less

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

Trim Levels

Active, Base, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Elite, ST-Line Select

Trim Levels

EX, LX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro, X-Pro Prestige

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

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:

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 Specifications

Horsepower:

187 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

178 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 / 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

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Standard/Optional Features

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Safety Equipment

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Safety Equipment

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

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:

39.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.6 inches

Cargo Space:

39.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

74.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

Not yet available

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:

3373 lbs

Width:

73.4 inches

Height:

65.4 inches

Length:

183.5 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:

alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R17