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2026 Ford Escape vs. 2026 Subaru Forester Comparison

See how the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Subaru Forester performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Escape 2026

Compact SUVs

2026 Ford Escape

$30,350 - $37,210

All Test Results

Forester 2026

$29,995 - $41,545

All Test Results
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About
About
The Escape is a competitive small SUV but lags behind popular competitors. The turbo three-cylinder got 26 mpg overall in our tests. It provides sufficient oomph but vibrates at low engine speeds and has a tinny sound. The 2.0-liter turbo-four is smo...
 
The Forester has excellent outward visibility, a roomy interior, and a comfortable ride. The most noticeable improvement is a quieter engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder has a rather abrupt initial launch but at times feels underpowered. It returned ...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Agility
Green Checkmark Icon Stopping distance
Green Checkmark Icon Fuel economy with hybrid
 
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Short stopping distances
Green Checkmark Icon Airy outward views
Green Checkmark Icon Roomy rear seat
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon No auto up windows on Active or ST-Line trims
 
Red 'X' Icon Feels underpowered
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Active, ST-Line Select, ST-Line, Platinum, ST-Line Elite

 

Touring, Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, Wilderness

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$30,350 - $37,210

 

$29,995 - $41,545

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, FWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2-liter 4 turbo (250 hp); 1.5-liter 3 turbo (181 hp)

 

2.5-liter 4 (180 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

8-speed Automatic

 

CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.