Battle Of The Suvs: Unveiling The True Champion – Toyota Highlander Vs. Ford Escape

In the realm of midsize SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Escape. Both vehicles boast impressive features, solid performance, and a reputation for reliability. But which one emerges as the superior choice for discerning drivers? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Toyota Highlander against the Ford Escape, evaluating their key aspects to determine which SUV reigns supreme.

Performance: A Battle of Power and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid system that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a combined output of 243 horsepower. The Ford Escape, on the other hand, comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque is available.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander hybrid shines with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Escape hybrid also impresses with an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. However, the Escape’s non-hybrid variants fall behind, with the 1.5-liter engine achieving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine manages an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Passengers and Cargo

The Toyota Highlander offers a spacious cabin with three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. The second-row seats can slide and recline for added comfort, and the third-row seats can be folded down to create a generous cargo area. The Ford Escape, in contrast, offers seating for five passengers in two rows. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom. However, the Escape’s cargo space is more limited, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Escape come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Highlander boasts Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes features such as lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Escape, meanwhile, offers Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Road

The Toyota Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system is user-friendly and responsive, and it comes with a premium JBL audio system. The Ford Escape also comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it only offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is also less intuitive than the Highlander’s, and the audio quality is not as impressive.

Off-Road Capability: Exploring the Great Outdoors

The Toyota Highlander offers an available all-wheel drive system with a multi-terrain select system, which allows drivers to choose the best driving mode for different road conditions. The Ford Escape also offers an available all-wheel drive system, but it does not have a multi-terrain select system.

Price and Value: Weighing the Options

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850, while the Ford Escape starts at $27,495. The Highlander offers more standard features and a more spacious cabin, while the Escape is more affordable and fuel-efficient.

The Verdict: Which SUV Emerges Victorious?

After a thorough comparison, the Toyota Highlander emerges as the superior choice in the midsize SUV segment. It offers a more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain, a more spacious and comfortable cabin, a more comprehensive suite of safety features, and a better infotainment system. While the Ford Escape is more affordable and offers good fuel economy, it falls short in terms of performance, interior space, and technology.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations

1. Towing Capacity:

The Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

2. Warranty Coverage:

The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Ford Escape offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

3. Resale Value:

The Toyota Highlander typically holds its value better than the Ford Escape, making it a smarter long-term investment.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Which SUV is better for families?

The Toyota Highlander is the better choice for families, as it offers more seating capacity, a more spacious cabin, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features.

2. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?

The Ford Escape is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Highlander, especially in its hybrid variant.

3. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?

The Toyota Highlander has a better infotainment system than the Ford Escape, as it is more user-friendly, responsive, and comes with a premium JBL audio system.