2019 Ford Escape vs Honda CR-V

So much praise has been heaped on compact crossovers 2019 Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. Some find the CR-V the better vehicle, but the Ford Escape has distinct advantages in performance, reliability, and towing capacity. If working or playing hard day in and day out is important to you, the Ford Escape is the stronger choice. Leave the Honda to the daily commuters. If you go to the mountains while the shuffle into work, you're going to want the Escape. In this comparison guide, we'll show you what we mean.

Performance: 2019 Ford Escape

You shouldn't have this much fun in a crossover SUV. But here we are, flying down this country highway, powering through all the curves, and having more fun than anyone should in a car like this. If we were dogs, we'd have heads out the window, tongues lolling. The 2019 Ford Escape is a nimble vehicle that feels more like a sports sedan than a small SUV. The Escape brakes tidily and accelerates with enthusiasm.

The base engine is fine, but we recommend the EcoBoost engine if that's in your budget. We're talking about the fuel-efficient 179-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that is a tour de force on the onramp. If you're able to sidle up to the top-tier Titanium trim, you'll be rewarded with the adrenaline-pumping 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. That's about the most fun driving you'll find in a non-luxury compact SUV.

Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V is a composed ride, a handy commuter, and a sophisticated vehicle. But the CR-V is not nearly as thrilling to drive as the Ford Escape. Get the CR-V if you're looking for a quiet, composed ride to work. But you'll be disappointed if you take the CR-V joy riding. This Honda comes with one of two engines: a 184-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine, or an optional 190-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Obviously, the turbocharged engine will leave a wider grin on your face, but even that engine doesn't match the Escape's turbo-charged 2-liter.

Towing: 2019 Ford Escape

This may come as no surprise given the Escape's sportier nature, but the Ford SUV can tow more than the Honda. When properly configured, the 2019 Ford Escape can tow up to 2,000 pounds. That's enough for a couple jet skis or a utility trailer. By comparison, the Honda CR-V maxes out at just under 1,400 pounds. Most trailering options are too heavy for the Honda, so you might altogether forget that the CR-V can tow at all.

Reliability: 2019 Ford Escape

We all want to avoid being stranded on the side of the road or in and out of the shop for repairs. Either way that's valuable time sliding by. While both the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V offer the same three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, you might not have to use that warranty as much with the Escape. That's because JD Power and Associates gave the Escape a 4 out of 5, or above average score, for reliability. That's fewer repairs, breakdowns, and issues. By contrast, the CR-V earned only an average score of 3 out of 5. That's by no means bad, but just not as good as the Escape's predicted reliability score.

If you want a thrilling ride, capable towing, and a car that lasts and lasts, the Ford Escape is a strong contender.