Is the Ford Escape Considered an SUV?

Is The Ford Escape Considered An SUV?The first Ford Escape arrived in 2001. Now in its third generation, the Escape continues to evolve. Vehicles like the Escape are wildly popular car choices for consumers. In fact, they are putting sedans on the sideline. But if you are wondering what class of vehicle the Escape falls into, this trendy car causes a bit of confusion. Is the Ford Escape considered an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)?

Yes, the Ford Escape is considered an SUV. More specifically, the Escape is categorized as a crossover vehicle, one that is built on a car’s platform but is marketed as an SUV by Ford. In the car industry, the term SUV is applied to vehicles built on a car’s platform as well as vehicles built on a truck’s platform.

From a manufacturing perspective or perhaps a car expert’s view, a crossover is not an SUV. Rather, it’s a type of SUV. Read on as we dig in and help you understand the world of SUVs a bit better.

SUVs Are Defined By Size and Type

SUV’s are separated into categories according to their car or truck-like platform as well as their size. The crossover SUV category from smallest to largest includes subcompact crossovers, compact crossovers, mid-size crossovers, and full-size crossovers. The SUV category from smallest to largest includes compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and full-size SUVs.

All the crossovers have more of a car-like feel in how they handle and perform. These vehicles aren’t designed as off-roading cars like the truck-based SUVs. They are meant to stick to city and highway driving. This type of SUVs offers more space and comfort compared to sedans but is comparable to the space and comfort of traditional SUVs. The crossover is also more fuel-efficient than the truck-based SUV.

Ford has categories or classes for its vehicle line up. There are six models in its SUV/Crossover fleet. We cover these cars in more detail later in the post. Ford is not alone in marketing crossovers as SUVs. There are more than 20 vehicles that compete directly with the car class of the Escape. And depending on what you read or who you talk to you, the terms “crossover”, “small SUV”, “compact crossover SUV”, “compact SUV” or simply “SUV” will be used interchangeably.

What's The Difference Between Ford Escape And Ford Edge?

Ford’s Escape and Edge are similar in that they are compact crossover SUVs that seat five passengers. However, they are marketed toward different customers based on styling, features and price points.

The Edge is geared toward customers looking for a feature-filled, plusher and sportier style of car. The Edge is sleek with better performance and handling than the Escape. All those perks come at a price though. The Edge customer needs a bigger budget, as the Edge starts at $31,000 and pushes a top-end price of $50,000.

The Escape is slightly smaller overall in size but that doesn’t have much of an impact on interior space. And, the Escape is filled with features and technology. But the finishes aren’t nearly as nice as those in the Edge. The 2020 Escape starts under $25,000 and trims levels max out around $28,000.

Choosing between an Escape and the Edge comes down to budget as well as personal preference for features and styling. If performance and luxuriousness are at the top of your list, the Edge is for you. If budget and price are the most important factors to you, consider the Escape.

What SUV Is Comparable To Ford Escape?

The Escape is one of Ford’s best-selling cars. But it faces stiff competition in the marketplace where there are at least 20 crossover SUVs to choose from. Compact crossover SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Chevrolet Equinox are popular choices. In fact, they all outsell the Escape. Some other models that compete in the space include the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5.

The Escape is a comparable car to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Chevrolet Equinox. All car models can seat up to five passengers, have much of the same interior and exterior features and starting price points that are similar. Ford simply just doesn’t have the same market share. Perhaps the newly designed 2020 Escape will get Ford some attention from consumers in the crossover SUV space.

What Other SUV's Does Ford Have?

Ford has something for everyone in the SUV and crossover category. The six vehicles in their line up come at different sizes and prices. Each model has its own distinct features as well.

In the category of SUVs and Crossovers, Ford has these six vehicles:

  • Ecosport: Ford’s entry-level subcompact crossover SUV is the smallest in the fleet and starts under $20,000 for the 2020 model.
  • Escape: Another smaller compact SUV, the Escape is a best seller behind Ford’s pick-up truck line up. This compact SUV competes in the space with some of the most popular SUVs on the market. The 2020 model starts at $24,885.
  • Edge: Considered a mid-size crossover SUV, the Edge is slightly bigger than the Escape but much more luxurious. The price starts at $31,000 for the 2020 model.
  • Flex: This is a uniquely styled vehicle by Ford. The Flex is a full-size crossover SUV. It’s bigger than the Ecosport, Escape, and Edge. Seven passengers can be accommodated in the Flex. Size and seating capacity come at a price though. The Flex starts at $30,575 for the 2020 model.
  • Explorer: The Explorer is considered a full-size crossover SUV. An Explorer can seat up to seven passengers. The price in this category jumps up, starting at $36,675 for the 2020 model.
  • Expedition: The king of large or full-size SUVs is Ford’s Expedition. Seating capacity tops out at eight with plenty of legroom and cargo space to accommodate. You get what you pay for with a starting price point of $52,810 for the 2020 model.

If you are in the market for an SUV and not quite sure to start, Ford has you covered with options to suit almost any classification of an SUV by size or budget.

Which Is Better Chevy Equinox Or Ford Escape?

The Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape are both considered crossover SUVs. At a high level, they are quite the same type of car. Deciding which is better depends on what features or what criteria are more important to the driver.

We break down some key factors of the 2020 models below to help shed light on which might be better:

Total Car Length

  • Escape: 180.5 inches

Vs.

  • Equinox: 183.1 inches

Winner: Equinox

Starting Price

  • Escape $24,885

Vs.

  • Equinox: $23,800

Winner: Equinox

Rear Passenger Legroom

  • Escape: 40.7 inches

Vs.

  • Equinox: 39.9 inches

Winner: Escape

Cargo Capacity Behind the Second Row

  • Escape: 37.5 cubic feet

Vs.

  • Equinox: 29.9 cubic feet

Winner: Escape

Cargo Capacity With the Second Row Folded Down

  • Escape: 65.4 cubic feet

Vs.

  • Equinox 63.9 cubic feet

Winner: Escape

Fuel economy

  • Escape: 27 miles per gallon (mpg) city/ 33 mpg highway/30 mpg combined

Vs.

  • Equinox: 26 mpg city/ 31 mpg highway/28 mpg combined

Winner: Escape

Many factors go into the decision of buying a car. If you are looking at the Equinox and the Escape, the factors above lean toward the Ford Escape as a better option if the lowest price isn’t your main buying concern.

Crossovers Are SUVs

In this post, we touched on the fact that the car industry considers crossover vehicles to be a type of SUV. The difference is that the crossover is built on a sedan-like platform and a more traditional SUV is built on a truck platform. It’s a crowded category that includes subcompact crossovers, compact crossovers, mid-size crossovers, full-size crossovers, compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and full-size SUVs.

The Ford Escape falls into the SUV category of a compact crossover, but most crossover manufacturers simply call this type of vehicle an SUV.

Looking for more SUV related topics? Check out-

Which SUV has the Best Gas Mileage?

Which SUV Has The Most Legroom And Headroom?

What’s the Best SUV for Towing a Travel Trailer? (Inc. Six Recommendations)

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