Compare the2022 Honda CR-V HybridVS 2022 Ford Escape PHEV

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the CR-V Hybrid deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The CR-V Hybrid’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Escape PHEV’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The CR-V Hybrid has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the CR-V Hybrid and the Escape PHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda CR-V Hybrid is safer than the Ford Escape PHEV:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Honda CR-V Hybrid is safer than the Ford Escape PHEV:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CR-V Hybrid’s reliability 60 points higher than the Escape PHEV.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 17 places higher in reliability than Ford.

The CR-V Hybrid has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Escape PHEV (14 vs. 11.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better traction, the CR-V Hybrid has larger tires than the Escape PHEV (235/60R18 vs. 225/60R18).

The CR-V Hybrid Touring’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Escape PHEV’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CR-V Hybrid Touring has standard 19-inch wheels. The Escape PHEV’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CR-V Hybrid is .5 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than on the Escape PHEV.

The CR-V Hybrid uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The CR-V Hybrid has .3 inches more front shoulder room and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the Escape PHEV.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the CR-V Hybrid’s rear seats recline. The Escape PHEV’s rear seats don’t recline.

The CR-V Hybrid has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Escape PHEV with its rear seat folded (68.7 vs. 60.8 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CR-V Hybrid easier. The CR-V Hybrid’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 26 inches, while the Escape PHEV’s liftover is 27.9 inches.

The CR-V Hybrid’s cargo area is larger than the Escape PHEV’s in almost every dimension:

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CR-V Hybrid’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the CR-V Hybrid. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The CR-V Hybrid’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Escape PHEV’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

If the windows are left open on the CR-V Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Escape PHEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The CR-V Hybrid’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Escape PHEV’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Marginal.”

The CR-V Hybrid’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Escape PHEV.

Insurance will cost less for the CR-V Hybrid owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CR-V Hybrid will cost $240 less than the Escape PHEV over a five-year period.

The CR-V Hybrid will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the CR-V Hybrid will retain 55.97% to 56.86% of its original price after five years, while the Escape PHEV only retains 43.49% to 43.64%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Honda CR-V Hybrid will be $4932 to $6327 less than for the Ford Escape PHEV.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Honda CR-V Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The CR-V was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 20 years. The Escape PHEV has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

Motor Trend selected the CR-V as their 2018 Sport Utility of the Year. The Escape PHEV has never been chosen.

The Honda CR-V outsold the Ford Escape by over two to one during the 2021 model year.