Both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape have new designs for the 2023 model year. See how the two compact crossover SUVs measure up in this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Ford Escape comparison.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Ford Escape: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Ford Escape crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

CR-V vs. Escape: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Honda CR-V has a higher base engine horsepower output. However, the 2023 Ford Escape has a higher maximum horsepower. Buyers of the CR-V have a choice of either a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) or a hybrid (204 horsepower).

In comparison, the Escape offers four engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower), a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (250 horsepower), a hybrid (210 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (210 horsepower).

CR-V vs. Escape: Gas mileage

With its more efficient hybrid powertrains, the Escape has the advantage for fuel economy. The fully gas-powered Escape gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, and the Escape Hybrid gets a fuel economy of up to 41 combined mpg. Additionally, the Escape PHEV has a fuel efficiency of 105 combined MPGe when in electric mode and 40 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the fully gas-powered CR-V has an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, while the CR-V Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 40 combined mpg.

CR-V vs. Escape: Towing

The 2023 Escape can tow more than the 2023 CR-V. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

CR-V vs. Escape: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer an all-wheel drive system for extra traction. However, with its higher ground clearance (up to 8.2 vs. 7.8 inches), the CR-V has the advantage for off-road use.

CR-V vs. Escape: Passenger and cargo space

Which crossover SUV is bigger: the 2023 CR-V or the 2023 Escape? The CR-V provides slightly more total passenger space than the Escape (104 cu-ft vs. 103 cu-ft). Also, the CR-V offers more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, compared to 65.4 cu-ft for the Escape.

CR-V vs. Escape: Warranty coverage 

For warranty coverage, both crossover SUVs are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Escape, the CR-V offers a complimentary maintenance plan, with two years or 24,000 miles of coverage.

CR-V vs. Escape: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 CR-V or the 2023 Escape? The starting price of the 2023 CR-V ranges from $31,110 MSRP for the EX trim up to $38,600 MSRP for the Sport Touring Hybrid trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Escape ranges from $27,500 MSRP for the Base trim up to $38,500 MSRP for the PHEV trim.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Ford Escape: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Ford Escape comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 CR-V, advantages include base engine horsepower output, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and a complimentary maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Escape include maximum horsepower output, hybrid gas mileage, towing, and affordability.