2021 Ford Escape vs. 2021 Honda CR-V: in the name of choice

The Honda CR-V is a great vehicle and has been a top seller in its compact SUV class for ages. However, it would be wrong to think that it's one of the best of its horde, because when compared to its rivals, it often falls short. It certainly surfs on the reputation of its creator, but should that give it absolution?

Absolutely not.

On the other hand, the Ford Escape is also one of the most popular models in its segment, but it has its detractors. Yet, and this is even more true since its 2020 renewal, it is currently more interesting and above all more complete than ever. In fact, when we look at what it offers compared to the Honda CR-V, we discover that the match is not even.

Here's what makes us think so

Towing capacity

With an SUV, it can sometimes be important to tow loads. After all, you're getting your hands on a utility vehicle, right? With the CR-V, we're very limited in this regard, with a maximum capacity of 1,500 pounds. With Ford, that can rise to 3,500 pounds with the towing package and the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Even the base version of the model offers a little more, at 2000 pounds.

The engines

This brings us to the engine comparison. In fact, there is only one Honda engine, a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, and four approaches on the Ford side. There's the base version, a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, the higher-end variants, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower (Honda has 190), and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that comes in two hybrid configurations (regular and plug-in).

It's four on one here.

Behind the wheel

Finally, there's another factor that puts the Ford Escape ahead of the Honda CR-V, and that's the driving experience. It's not that you're disappointed behind the wheel of the Honda model, but the emotion isn't there. With the Ford Escape, it's a different experience that awaits us. The chassis of this SUV is fine-tuned to offer us interesting driving sensations. In short, you feel like you're at one with the road rather than disconnected from it.

On this point, a road test will convince you. You can also take advantage of your visit to the dealership to discover all the other advantages of the 2021 Ford Escape.