Ford Escape vs Subaru Outback

The versatile category of crossover vehicles includes traditional mid-sized and compact SUV models as well as designs that are reminiscent of older station wagons. Both types of vehicle are an ideal alternative to a sedan or a full-sized SUV, and a Ford Escape vs. Subaru Outback comparison shows how the Escape, a compact SUV, and the Outback, an updated wagon, are both good choices when it comes to reliability, comfort, practicality, purchase price and other important factors.

Advantages of the Ford Escape:

• Higher performance base and optional engine

• Standard automatic transmission even with base model

• Lower price for base model

• More extensive standard features on premium model

Advantages of Subaru Outback

• Lower price of advanced model

• Standard all-wheel drive

• More cargo room

• More towing power

Under the hood of the Ford Escape:

• 2.5-liter displacement (size)

• Inline four-cylinder

• 168 horsepower at 6,800 revolutions per minute (rpm)

• 170 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm

• 22 miles per gallon (mpg) city/31 mpg highway

• Six-speed shiftable automatic transmission

A look at the Ford Escape’s optional high-performance engine:

• 3.7-liter displacement (size)

• Six-cylinder (V6)

• 305 horsepower at 6,500 rpm

• 280 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm

• 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway

• Six-speed shiftable automatic transmission

Under the hood of the Subaru Outback:

• 2.5-liter displacement (size)

• Flat four-cylinder

• 173 horsepower at 5,600 rpm

• 174 foot-pounds of torque at 4,100 rpm

• 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway

• Six-speed shiftable automatic transmission

A look at the Subaru Outback’s optional advanced engine

• 3.5-liter displacement (size)

• Flat six-cylinder

• 256 horsepower at 6,000 rpm

• 247 foot-pounds of torque at 4,100 rpm

• 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

• Five-speed shiftable automatic transmission

Both cars are loaded with enough standard features to keep you and your family entertained and comfortable when you're on the road. Safety car rankings from the major testing organizations show both cars as having above-average crash safety records, and they are both equipped with side airbags, traction and stability control, and child seat anchors.

The interiors of both cars are similar, although luxury trim packages of the Escape offer bonuses like leather seats that are not available even as options on the Outback. However, these packages cost about $8,000 more than similar packages for the Outback. The price of the base models is similar.

When it comes to performance, the Escape is the clear winner. It features a more powerful engine and a smaller, lighter body. When it comes to strength, the burlier but less graceful Outback comes out far ahead. The Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds in basic configuration, as opposed to only 1,500 pounds for the Escape in the same configuration.

Get the lowest local Ford Escape vs Subaru Outback price quotes now!

An Escape with a full-featured trim package tows 2,000 pounds, whereas its Outback counterpart tows 3,000 pounds. Combine that with the standard four-wheel drive, and the Outback is the crossover you want if you drive on country roads or use your vehicle to tow a trailer. If you want a car that gives you great performance and nimble handling in the city or on the highway, then the Escape is the right choice for you.

It's a good idea to find out more about any cars you're considering purchasing by reading about them in an unbiased car buying guide, such as one published by a consumer organization. Then, complete your own Ford Escape vs. Subaru Outback comparison by test-driving each one at a dealer near you. You can also shop around for the best price by checking online prices against the quotes you get from local dealers.