Ford Escape vs. Nissan Xterra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Escape and Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra.
When comparing the Ford Escape's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Escape's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2015 Ford Escape ranges from $6,995 to $16,387 while a used 2015 Nissan Xterra is priced between $10,213 to $25,498.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Escape’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Nissan Xterra base engine makes 261 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 477 miles. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. This gives the Ford Escape the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Xterra. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Xterra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Ford Escape, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear leg room. The Ford Escape and Nissan Xterra are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Escape has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,450
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$11,748
Price Range:
$6,995 - $16,387
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
621
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
111,842
# Good or Great Deals:
236
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,781
Price Range:
$10,213 - $25,498
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
46
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
112,054
# Good or Great Deals:
20
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Escape
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
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 / 67Nissan Xterra Rankings
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.
Summary Review
The Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
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
- Powerful engine
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Escape Trim Levels
S, SE, Titanium
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 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:
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
170 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1500 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
22 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
339 / 477 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
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
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
34.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
132.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3598 lbs
Width:
81.8 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
178.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Tuxedo Black Metallic
Blue
Deep Impact Blue Metallic
Gold
Karat Gold
Gray
Magnetic Metallic
Orange
Sunset Metallic
Silver
Ingot Silver Metallic
White
Oxford White
Red
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Metallic Blue
Gold
Not available
Gray
Night Armor
Orange
Not available
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
