Ford Escape vs. Toyota 4Runner
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Escape and Toyota 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner.
When we compare the Ford Escape's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Escape's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner is a better car than the Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Escape ranges from $25,440 to $35,460 while a used 2025 Toyota 4Runner is priced between $44,468 to $64,882. For a new model, the Ford Escape's price is between $27,126 and $38,293, with the Toyota 4Runner priced between $44,467 and $62,637.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Escape loses 51.3 percent of its value and the Toyota 4Runner loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota 4Runner retains 21.2 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 7.7 out of 10 while the Toyota 4Runner's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 8 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 7 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Escape is 7.5 out of 10. For the Toyota 4Runner the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Escape.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Escape’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 278 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Escape has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
27126 - 38293
Starting MSRP:
29515
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
44467 - 62637
Starting MSRP:
40770
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30338
Price Range:
25440 - 35460
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
54640
Price Range:
44468 - 64882
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
15244
Depreciation %:
0.51647538
Resale Value $:
14271
Residual Value %:
0.48352461999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12447
Depreciation %:
0.30530799
Resale Value $:
28323
Residual Value %:
0.69469201
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Escape
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.088
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.587
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.10046094977485
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4967415681961866
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Ford Escape Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 54Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 54Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 66Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 31Summary 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
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
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
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Ford Escape Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Elite, ST-Line Select
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium
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:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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:
278 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
317 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 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:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
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:
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:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
48.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
90.2 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:
4455 lbs
Width:
78 inches
Height:
72.6 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Red
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Space Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Heritage Blue
Gray
Underground
Red
Supersonic Red
Silver
Cutting Edge
White
Ice Cap
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Space Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Boulder
