Hybrid SUV Face-Off: 2021 Ford Escape vs. 2021 Honda CR-V

Do these two all-new hybrids pose a challenge to the Toyota RAV4?

Escape vs CRV CR

Until Honda introduced its CR-V Hybrid in 2020, the only hybrid SUV that was a real challenger to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was the Ford Escape Hybrid. While the CR-V is Honda’s first go at a hybrid SUV, this generation of the Escape is the second time that Ford has offered a hybrid version of its compact SUV.

There are other hybrid compact and subcompact SUVs available—including the Hyundai Kona, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Crosstrek—but the CR-V, Escape, and RAV4 are the core offerings in the segment.

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Hybrid SUV Face-Off: 2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Honda CR-V and 2021 Ford Escape hybrids are easy to live with, and they match up closely in price, performance, dimensions, and available equipment. But they differ in personality and proportions.

Of course, this leads to questions, such as: How does Honda's first-ever hybrid SUV match up with Ford's hybrid experience? Is one more fuel-efficient than the other? Which SUV has the better combination of ride and handling?

See below to find out how these compact hybrid SUVs fare in a face-off. At the end, we’ll crown a winner.

Both of these models have our new Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions. You can read more about Green Choice here.

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