Ford Escape vs Ford Edge: Midsize vs. Compact

Many people from Marshalltown and Ames, IA, want to know the difference between the 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?

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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, you’ll want to check out the Ford Edge and Ford Escape.

Below, we’ll cover every detail of these Ford crossover SUVs from inside to out, from size and cargo space to fuel economy to other features; we’ll leave no stone unturned in examining the features relevant to Iowans. We’re here to make sure you have the details you need to make the best decision for you and your family’s next car.

Ford Edge vs Ford Escape: Overall Size

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. Naturally, you’ll find that the midsize is bigger than its compact cousin. However, just seeing that a vehicle is a different size doesn’t say much about the actual feeling of being inside a vehicle, using it to carry a lot of people, or using the vehicle to carry a bunch of goods. Below, we’ll get into the details of the cargo volume, seating arrangements, and overall practicality of each vehicle to help you determine which Ford crossover better fits your needs.

Roominess: Seating and Cargo

First, for the basics, the Ford Edge is just a bigger crossover SUV. If you expected that it would have more cargo space, you’d be right. The Ford Edge comes in at 188.8” long while the Ford Escape hovers around 180”. However, even though these vehicles are a different size, there are the same amount of seats available in each vehicle. Because this extra length isn’t going to an extra row of seating, all of that extra room gets translated into more cargo space, and more room for the driver and passengers.

With similar seating arrangesments and an extra 8” of length comes a significantly improved cargo capacity in the Ford Edge – about ten more square feet. However, drivers only realize this gained cargo capacity when the two backseats are down, as the cargo capacities with the two backseats up are similar.

Backseat Driving: How Much Room Is Back There?

Aside from cargo space differences in the two vehicles, one of the main differences between the roominess of these two SUVs is the roominess of the backseat – There aren’t significant differences in front leg room or front shoulder room between the two SUVs. However, there is a lot more room in the rear seats of the Ford Edge. There’s an extra 4” of rear hip room in the Ford Edge and an additional 10” of rear shoulder room in the Ford Edge, while rear legroom remains comparable to the edge. Drivers with quickly growing kids may want to give the Edge a second look, given that extra space for your kids can translate to extra peace of mind for you, especially on long drives.

To make up for the minor inconveniences of the Ford Escape are the sliding second-row seats, allowing the cabin to be slightly rearranged to fit what you need and enhancing its overall practicality – your kids will be comfortable in both the Ford Escape and the Ford Edge.

Spaciousness: The Bottom Line

The main takeaway here is that the spaciousness of the cabins on both the Ford Edge and Ford Escape are remarkably similar. Despite being slightly larger, the Edge still has a similar amount of cargo room without folding the seats down, and the front leg room is comparable. Drivers looking to make a decision between the Ford Edge and Ford Escape are best off making the decision on other factors due to the similarities.

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Engine and Drivetrain Options

Ford Edge and Ford Escape buyers love that Ford consistently provides a more engaging and sporty driving experience than many competitors. That’s not just due to Ford’s gas-saving and pep-inducing EcoBoost turbocharger that’s applied to many of their motors but also their design philosophy in general. When you buy a Ford, you’re buying a car that’s been meticulously tuned for reliability, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency as well.

Ford Escape Engine Options

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.

Ford Escape Hybrid: Surprising Benefits

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. It makes a surprising 193 horsepower. 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, two electric motors, drastically improved fuel economy, and even a federal tax credit with purchase. Given these benefits, the 210 horsepower the Ford EscapePlug in Hybrid makes is worth it to many gas-conscious Iowa buyers.

Ford Edge Engine Options

When comparing the Ford Escape's engine options to the Ford Edge's, shoppers in Central Iowa will notice some differences. The standard engine on the Ford Edge is a 2.0L turbo producing 250 horsepower and 280 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 twin 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.

What about the Ford Edge Hybrid?

While there is information online about the Ford Edge hybrid, it can be a little misleading if you just take a glance. For now, the Ford Edge hybrid is only available in the Chinese market, where there are, surprisingly, more options for the Ford Edge generally. However, for those hopeful, this means that we may expect the Ford Edge hybrid in domestic markets soon.

All Wheel Drive vs. Front Wheel Drive

While this may not make deciding between these two Ford crossover SUVs any either, both of them are offered in AWD and FWD configurations. This means drivers don’t have to compromise when picking their preferred Ford crossover SUV to get the drivetrain they want. However, it is important to note that all wheel drive is only available if you opt for one of the gas models of these Ford crossover SUVs. That means if you opt for a hybrid powertrain on the Ford Escape, only front wheel drive is available.

This may not be the case in a few years, though, as electric engine technology is quickly improving. However, it is a current reality to deal with. It’s important to consider that this is not a drastic departure from the initial trade-off between vehicles with an all wheel drive and front wheel drive drivetrain – front wheel drive is traditionally better with fuel economy as it stands.

The Verdict: Engine Options in Ford Crossover SUVs

Looking at the different engine options found in 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: Interior

Let’s face it, it may not be easy to notice, but we spend a lot of time in our cars getting from point A to point B. Ford takes extra care of this in the Ford Edge and Ford Escape by carefully designing their interiors for not just getting you from A to B, but doing so and feeling like you’re at home while you’re at it. Ford also gives the option to drivers to choose exactly the interior features they want with the availability of different trim levels on the Ford Escape and Ford Explorer

Ford Escape Interior

If you’re a no frills kind of person, or if you like a more opulent interior, the Ford Escape has you covered from trim level to trim level. Drivers can opt for something a little more stripped down and cost effective, with more plastic features in the car – or they can opt for premium materials throughout the vehicle and more. There’s the option for a heated steering wheel, heated seats, power passenger seat and even a panoramic vista roof for extra ambient lighting on the road. While it’s not exactly an interior feature, the added convenience of the aumatic power liftgate is a true benefit of driving escape.

Ford Edge Interior

With all of the available and standard features on the Ford Escape, is there any point in getting the Ford Edge based on the interior alone? In short, there is. Like the Ford Escape, drivers can opt for heated seats. However, with the Ford Edge, the rear seats can be heated as well. Higher trims of the Ford Edge come standard with the panoramic vista roof as well. Heated steering wheel and hands free lift gate are available on Ford Edge as well. The main difference between the two lies in the materials used in the base model – Ford Edge uses more premium materials at the base model, and it only goes up from there.

Interior Battle: Ford Edge or Ford Escape?

Both the Ford Edge and Ford Escape are crossover SUVs from the same manufacturer. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that they share so many of the same available interior features. Drivers can get what they want out of the interior of both the Ford Edge and the Ford Escape. Because of these stark similarities, drivers are best off making their decision of Ford Edge or Ford Escape on the basis of something other than the interior.

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Exterior Design

Everyone has an opinion on which looks better – they’re two different crossover SUVs with two designs. However, they’re both distinctly Ford and share Ford’s unique design cues that signify simple excellence in a way no other brand can. We’ll let you be the judge between which vehicle you see yourself in while pointing out some noteworthy details of both vehicles. There’s no right answer to which vehicle looks better. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – as long as it’s a Ford.

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Infotainment and Technology

Ford power-up, escape technology, wireless phone charging. 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. This display uses Ford Power Up technology to keep it updated, which means more accurate navigation and useful updates for drivers.

When it comes to Ford Escape technology, there are two screen 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. The Ford Edge offers all of the same premium available safety features that the Ford Escape offers. Because many of these high-tech safety features are new, we’ll outline exactly how Ford uses them to keep drivers safe on the road below. When it comes to keeping you safe, it doesn’t matter which vehicle you choose; if you’re driving a Ford, Ford has you and your family covered. After reading below, it’ll be easy for you to see why both the Ford Edge and Ford Escape earned 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If you want the best safety features, you want a Ford.

Rear View Camera

While the rear view camera to some may just seem like a way to avoid backing into things while you’re pulling out, this actually is a safety feature. Even though it’s not preventing high-speed accidents as often, preventing fender minor fender benders is more than a luxury; it’s a safety feature, too.

Lane Keeping System

Ford’s advanced lane-keeping system includes lane centering technology as well. This means that it not only is there to make sure you stay in your lane if you start to swerve out, but it keeps you from swerving in your lane as well. These features can be very helpful for those on long trips when you start to get tired at the wheel and can prevent devestating accidents.

Blind Spot Information System

This advanced system uses cross traffic alert to let you know if you’re about to merge into another car. Having this system around, at minimum prevents you from getting honks and initiating road rage, and at maximum can prevent serious accidents.

Automatic Emergency Braking

While paying attention to the road is always important, we live in the real world and distractions happen. Regardless of the distraction, with automatic emergency braking on a Ford Edge or Ford Escape, your crossover SUV will stop in time automatically to prevent an accident with the vehicle in front of you.

Evasive Steering Assist

This features pairs with automatic automatic emergency braking to make things extra safe if a collision is otherwise imminent. While the brakes attempt to stop the car in time to prevent an accident, sometimes this isn’t possible. That’s where evasive steering assist comes in. A sophisticated computer calculation quickly takes place and determines the safest possible place for the vehicle to quickly and automatically turn to avoid an accident while stopping. Ford is out here innovating in every way they know how to keep you safe, out of the shop, and keep your insurance premiums low as well.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Also pairing with automatic emergency braking is adaptive cruise control. Using cruise control isn’t always as simple as setting a speed and letting it roll, often because that speed isn’t exactly the speed of the others on the road. That’s where adaptive cruise control comes in. It’s there to keep a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you by adjusting the speed and using the brakes as needed.

Automatic High Beam Headlights

While this can be more of a courtesy to others on the road than an explicit safety feature, it can be helpful in dire times. Have you ever tried to drive while someone in the oncoming lane has their high beams on? Sometimes it’s so blinding that it’s disorienting and difficult to see the road in front of you. Having automatic high beams that go off when another car is coming your way prevents those drivers from getting into an accident with you or others.

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Clearance and Versatility

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. Neither are designed to be off-roading vehicles, but if you’re in a pinch and need to hop a curb to park on the grass, these vehicles wouldn’t have an issue. In addition, 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. Whether that means clearing potholes with ease, sitting up high on the road at a safe perspective, or all the roominess offered in the cabin. Both the Ford Edge and the Ford Escape are where you want to be when it comes to the perfect driving experience overall.

Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape: Price

If you’re looking for a new vehicle, it’s always smart to consider the price of the vehicle you’re looking at. At face value, the Escape price is much less expensive, with a starting MRSP of $30,990. However, the Ford Edge does come with more standard features and a larger engine standard than the Ford Escape, which explains its higher starting MRSP at $38,465. What you’ll notice, though that when you get up to higher trims of the Escape to get the features found in the base escape, you’ll start to get more similar prices. Properly equipped, both cars can have very similar pricetags, especially when you opt for a hybrid powertrain on the Ford Escape.

Compare Ford Edge vs Ford Escape 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.

Ames Ford: THE Ford Buying Experience

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.

Test Drive Your Ford Today At Ames Ford

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!