Compare the2023 Ford EscapeVS 2022 Honda HR-V

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Ford Escape have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Honda HR-V doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Ford Escape has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The HR-V doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Escape has standard Post-Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The HR-V doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Escape (except Base) offers an optional Reverse Brake Assist that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The HR-V doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Escape (except Base) offers an optional 360-Degree Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The HR-V only offers a rear monitor.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Escape’s standard Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. The HR-V doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The Escape’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The HR-V doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The Escape has standard 911 Assist, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The HR-V doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Escape and the HR-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

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

	Escape	HR-V
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	143	481
Neck Stress	185 lbs.	244 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	102	205
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	36.3%	41%
Neck Stress	181 lbs.	218 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	220/169 lbs.	574/500 lbs.

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 and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Escape is safer than the Honda HR-V:

	Escape	HR-V
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	240 lbs.	321 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	97	357
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	59 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	12 inches
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	462 lbs.	799 lbs.

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

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Escape the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 177 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The HR-V has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

There are almost 3 times as many Ford dealers as there are Honda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape’s warranty.

Reliability

The Escape has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The HR-V doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Honda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 16 more problems per 100 vehicles, Honda is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in long-term dependability. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Honda is rated below average.

Engine

The Escape’s standard 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder produces 40 more horsepower (181 vs. 141) and 63 lbs.-ft. more torque (190 vs. 127) than the HR-V’s 1.8 SOHC 4-cylinder. The Escape’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 109 more horsepower (250 vs. 141) and 153 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 127) than the HR-V’s 1.8 SOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ford Escape turbo 3 cyl. is faster than the Honda HR-V:

	Escape	HR-V
Zero to 30 MPH	2.5 sec	3.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.7 sec	9.5 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	23.5 sec	30.8 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	8.3 sec	9.9 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	4.1 sec	4.8 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	5.4 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.9 sec	17.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	87 MPH	82 MPH
Top Speed	122 MPH	117 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Escape 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder AWD gets better fuel mileage than the HR-V Sport/EX/EX-L AWD (26 city/32 hwy vs. 26 city/31 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Escape 1.5 Turbo’s fuel efficiency. The HR-V doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Escape’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The HR-V doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Escape FWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the HR-V (14.8 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Escape AWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the HR-V (15.7 vs. 13.2 gallons).

The Escape has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The HR-V doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Escape higher (7 out of 10) than the Honda HR-V (5). This means the Escape produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the HR-V every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Escape’s brake rotors are larger than those on the HR-V:

	Escape	HR-V
Front Rotors	13 inches	11.5 inches
Rear Rotors	11.9 inches	11.1 inches

The Escape stops much shorter than the HR-V:

	Escape	HR-V
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	123 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	137 feet	139 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Escape has larger tires than the HR-V (225/65R17 vs. 215/55R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Escape offers optional 19-inch wheels. The HR-V’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Ford Escape has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Honda HR-V has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Escape has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The HR-V’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Escape has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Escape flat and controlled during cornering. The HR-V 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Escape’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the HR-V (106.7 inches vs. 102.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Escape is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the HR-V.

The Escape’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (58% to 42%) than the HR-V’s (59.6% to 40.4%). This gives the Escape more stable handling and braking.

The Escape AWD handles at .87 G’s, while the HR-V EX-L AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Escape’s turning circle is .2 feet tighter than the HR-V’s (37.2 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Escape’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the HR-V Sport’s (37.2 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

Chassis

The front grille of the Escape uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The HR-V doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Escape AWD is quieter than the HR-V EX-L AWD:

	Escape	HR-V
At idle	37 dB	41 dB
Full-Throttle	75 dB	77 dB
70 MPH Cruising	70 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The Escape has 3.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the HR-V (104 vs. 100.1).

The Escape has .5 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom, 2.1 inches more front hip room, .8 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom, 1.4 inches more rear legroom, 5.9 inches more rear hip room and 1.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the HR-V.

Cargo Capacity

The Escape has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the HR-V with its rear seat up (37.5 vs. 24.3 cubic feet). The Escape has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the HR-V with its rear seat folded (65.4 vs. 58.8 cubic feet).

An optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the Escape. The HR-V doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Escape Active/ST-Line/Platinum has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The HR-V doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Escape has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The HR-V has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Escape uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The HR-V doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

The Escape offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The HR-V doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When three different drivers share the Escape (except Base), the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The HR-V doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Escape (except Base)’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The HR-V doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Escape Elite/Platinum offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The HR-V doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the Escape and the HR-V have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Escape is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The HR-V prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Escape Select/Elite/Platinum’s front and rear power windows all 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 HR-V’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape’s available exterior PIN entry system (not available on Escape Base). The HR-V doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Escape’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The HR-V LX/Sport’s standard fixed intermittent wipers only have one fixed delay setting, so the driver will have to manually switch them between slow and intermittent. The Escape Elite/Platinum’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The HR-V EX/EX-L’s manually variable intermittent wipers don’t change delay with speed.

The Escape’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the HR-V’s projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Escape has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The HR-V has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the EX/EX-L.

On extremely cold winter days, the Escape’s optional (except Base) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The HR-V doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Escape offers an optional center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The HR-V doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Escape Active/ST-Line/Platinum’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The HR-V doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Escape and the HR-V offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Escape offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The HR-V doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ford Escape (except Base) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The HR-V doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Escape Elite/Platinum’s optional Active Park Assist 2.0 can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The HR-V doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Escape owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Escape with a number “5” insurance rate while the HR-V is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Escape is less expensive to operate than the HR-V because typical repairs cost much less on the Escape than the HR-V, including $12 less for a water pump, $240 less for a starter and $91 less for a fuel pump.

Recommendations

The Ford Escape outsold the Honda HR-V by 19% during 2022.

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