Both the Envista and the Escape FHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.
Compare the2025 Buick EnvistaVS 2024 Ford Escape FHEV
Safety
Warranty
The Envista’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Escape FHEV’s (6 vs. 5 years).
Reliability
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick above average in initial quality. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated lower.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick third in reliability, above the industry average. With 90 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 23rd.
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Buick 10 places higher in reliability than Ford.
Tires and Wheels
For better traction, the Envista’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Escape FHEV (245/45R19 vs. 225/65R17).
The Envista Preferred’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Escape FHEV’s standard 65 series tires. The Envista’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Escape FHEV’s optional 55 series tires.
The Envista has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Escape FHEV doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.
Suspension and Handling
The Envista Sport Touring handles at .80 G’s, while the Escape FHEV AWD pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.
Chassis
The Buick Envista may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 550 pounds less than the Ford Escape FHEV.
The Envista uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Escape FHEV doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.
Servicing Ease
J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Ford. J.D. Power ranks Buick third in service department satisfaction. With a 52% lower rating, Ford is ranked 26th.
Ergonomics
The Envista’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Escape FHEV does not have an oil pressure gauge.
The Envista’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Escape FHEV’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.
The Envista’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Escape FHEV.
The Envista Avenir’s standard rear view mirror and optional side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Escape FHEV offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.
Recommendations
J.D. Power and Associates rated the Envista third among small suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Escape FHEV isn’t in the top three.