Ford Escape vs Ford Edge - What's the Difference?

Ames Ford in Ames IA

Many people from Marshalltown and Ames, IA, want to know the difference between Ford Escape and Ford Edge for their next vehicle purchase. Both are crossovers from Ford loaded with safety features that seat five passengers, but what are the differences between these two popular SUVs? 

Before going into that, it has been a great few years for the Ford Edge and Ford Escape, and it’s no surprise why, either. Crossover SUVs have skyrocketed in popularity recently. Luckily, Ford knows how to satisfy the growing market for crossover SUVs and did so with some amazing revamps to its most popular crossover models. 

If you haven't been following Ford news in Iowa, in 2020, the Ford Escape was completely redesigned from the ground up, offering a new experience to Ames owners. More powertrains have been added to the Ford Escape with hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models are now available. Meanwhile, the Edge has added significant features and was recently refreshed with performance variants and more. If you're from Central Iowa and shopping for a new crossover or SUV, read on to compare the all-new Ford Escape vs. Ford Edge.

Ford Escape vs. Ford Edge: Midsize vs. Compact

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When comparing crossovers and SUVs, Iowa shoppers will tend to see vehicles referred to as either compact or midsize. Technically, the Ford Escape is a compact crossover, while the Ford Edge is considered midsize. However, unlike many midsize crossovers, the Ford Edge offers only two rows of seating. This results in more luxurious cabin space for up to five passengers and substantial cargo space. 

Meanwhile, the Ford Escape has long been one of the roomier and sportier options in the compact crossover class. That doesn't change with the 2020 redesign, but the Escape's design has been streamlined and modernized. It has also been increased in size, and the second row now slides and reclines. This leaves a potential for a massive cargo space with the redesign. Ames Escape owners will find the new model is roomier and more comfortable than the outgoing version. But how does it compare to the Edge's interior?

The Ford Edge offers more cargo room behind the rear seats than the Escape, which makes sense, given its larger size. Both have flexible cabins and are comfortable for five adults. However, the Edge does have the, ahem, edge in the overall interior size department.

Driving the Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Engine Options

Ford Edge and Ford Escape buyers love that Ford consistently provides a more engaging and sporty driving experience than many competitors. The 2023 Ford Escape comes standard with a 1.5L turbo three-cylinder, which produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed transmission, it's an excellent standard powertrain.
The new Escape can also be upgraded with a turbocharged 2.0L engine, making 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Marshalltown, IA drivers should love the boost in power, as the Escape now accelerates from 0-60 10% faster than the previous generation.

If you’re looking for something with the best fuel economy, look no further than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford Escape Hybrid has a 2.5L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder and two electric motors. This helps maximize power and efficiency and should be attractive for Ames, IA, shoppers. The Escape is also available in a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder motor, an electric motor, drastically improved fuel economy, and even a federal tax credit with purchase. Given these benefits, the 163 horsepower the Ford EscapePlug in Hybrid makes is worth it to many gas-conscious Iowa buyers. 

Comparing the Ford Escape's engine options vs. the Ford Edge, shoppers in Central Iowa will notice some differences. The standard engine on the Ford Edge is a 2.0L turbo producing 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. So if you compare base models, the Ford Edge will be significantly more powerful. The Ford Edge ST is Ford's first Performance SUV, driven by a 2.7L turbo V6 producing 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with other performance upgrades to make the Edge ST thrilling to drive.

Looking at the different engine options between the Ford Escape and Ford Edge, it's clear that they have different designs and different missions. While the Escape is more compact and has more fuel efficiency-minded engine options, the Edge offers more power and driving excitement due to its larger turbocharged engines. They're both very well suited to highway driving around Ames and for use as a family vehicle.

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Infotainment and Technology

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Both the Ford Edge and Ford Escape, like Ford’s other vehicles, are loaded with high-tech features to make your drive more enjoyable. Many of these are even available on the base trim of either SUV, so there’s no compromise. One of these found standard on both the Escape and the Edge is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which hook up to the Ford Sync infotainment display.

The Ford Escape has two options: an 8.0-inch display, standard, and an available 13.2-inch screen. The Ford Edge has one screen available, though it’s much larger than that found standard on the Ford Escape at 12.0 inches. All Ford Edge models have onboard WiFi as well.

With the Ford Edge, you can even get in-dash navigation, so your eyes don’t have to stray from the road for long for the most important information on your drive. 

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Safety Features

When you get behind the steering wheel of a Ford, you know you’re getting behind a safe vehicle. That’s primarily due to Ford models' many standard safety features.

Both the Edge and the Escape have adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, rear traffic alert, dynamic brake support with automatic braking, cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and automatic high beam headlights. When it comes to keeping you safe, it doesn’t matter which you choose, as Ford Co. has that covered. 

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Clearance and Versatility

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When assessing the practicality of the Ford Edge and Ford Escape, clearance can be a vital factor to buyers in Ames, IA. It’s no surprise why, either; clearance can affect many parts of the driving process. Luckily, both the Edge and Escape have ample clearance. This makes them both practical choices for whatever you need to accomplish while driving.

With this in mind, the Edge does have more clearance. Coming in at 8 inches of clearance, the Edge beats the 6.8 inches on the Escape. Both vehicles are outfitted with similar suspensions, making them snappy around turns and giving buttery smooth rides over potholes.

There are actual benefits to driving a crossover SUV, and both the Edge and Escape are ahead of the pack on the versatility front. 

Compare Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape in Ames, IA

Ames Ford in Ames IA
Have you been shopping for a compact or midsize crossover in Central Iowa? Come to Ames Ford and test drive the Ford Edge and Ford Escape. Both the Ford Edge and the Ford Escape represent the finest in their respective classes, with efficient yet powerful EcoBoost engines, top-of-the-line safety features, and ample cargo space, given the size.

They also offer excellent safety and tech features and provide a wide range of trim levels and options. And if you're looking for an efficient hybrid that doesn't sacrifice performance, the Ford Escape Hybrid could be a great choice.

At Ames Ford in Ames, IA, we focus on bringing our Iowa customers a world-class experience. We're the region's #1 Ford Performance dealer and have a great selection of all the latest new and used Ford models. We'd love the opportunity to answer any questions you might have, so don't hesitate to give us a call or contact us on our website.

We’re here at Ames Ford Lincoln to make your buying process as seamless as possible. That’s why we offer so many ways for you to handle everything before you even get to the dealership. Whether figuring out that pesky financing ahead of time with our credit application or playing with our payment calculator to get everything right, handling the details through our finance department is just a click away. You can even get approved for a KBB Instant Cash Offer, Where our techs will ensure things are up to code before handing you your check or trade-in credit.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Ford Edge, the Ford Escape, or any other Ford Model; When you’re ready to try one out, there’s no need to wait around the dealership. We also believe scheduling a test drive should be able to be done from the comfort of your own home. Regardless of whether you choose to take care of any or all of this at home or the dealership, we can’t wait to see you soon at Ames Ford Lincoln!



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Ames Ford

123 Airport Road
Ames, IA 50010
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Sales 515-233-1913
Service 515-233-1913
Parts 515-233-1913
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Tuesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed

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