Compare the2023 Ford Escape FHEVVS 2022 Lexus RX

The Escape FHEV 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 RX 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.

Both the Escape FHEV and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

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

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 FHEV is safer than the Lexus RX:

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

There are over 12 times as many Ford dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape FHEV’s warranty.

The Escape FHEV 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 RX doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

On the EPA test cycle the Escape FHEV gets better mileage than the RX:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Escape FHEV uses regular unleaded gasoline. The RX 450h requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Escape FHEV 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 RX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Escape FHEV higher (8 out of 10) than the Lexus RX (5 to 7). This means the Escape FHEV produces up to 13.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the RX every 15,000 miles.

The Escape FHEV stops shorter than the RX:

For better maneuverability, the Escape FHEV’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the RX’s (37.2 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Ford Escape FHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 1050 pounds less than the Lexus RX.

The Escape FHEV is 1 foot shorter than the RX, making the Escape FHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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

The Escape FHEV has .6 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more rear headroom and .9 inches more rear legroom than the RX.

The Escape FHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (34.4 vs. 16 cubic feet). The Escape FHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (60.8 vs. 32.6 cubic feet).

The Escape FHEV’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (1500 vs. 0 pounds).

A Trailer Sway Control is standard on the Escape FHEV, using the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the RX.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape FHEV’s available exterior PIN entry system. The RX doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Escape FHEV 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 RX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the Escape FHEV owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Escape FHEV will cost $895 to $2790 less than the RX over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Ford Escape FHEV will be $14714 to $17708 less than for the Lexus RX.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Ford Escape FHEV and the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Ford Escape outsold the Lexus RX by 43% during 2022.