2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Honda CR-V was available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with prices ranging from $27,690 to $39,090, plus destination charges. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with the latter being standard on higher trims in Canada. The CR-V's design was generally appealing, especially from the rear, though its front styling was less popular. Inside, the CR-V boasted quality materials and a well-organized layout, with a two-tone tan-over-black interior in the test vehicle. Despite the presence of hard plastics, they did not detract from the overall upscale feel.

The 2020 Ford Escape presented a modern and attractive design, sharing styling cues with the Ford GT supercar. It was available in four trims: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium, with the SE trim being particularly recommended for its value. The Escape's interior was forward-looking yet practical, featuring a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen. The Titanium trim offered premium features like a dual-panel moonroof and a B&O audio system. The Escape's design prioritized passenger space over cargo capacity, with a focus on real-world storage solutions.

The 2019 Honda CR-V in Canada came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission, it offered a choice between FWD and AWD. The engine was responsive and provided satisfying acceleration, though it had some issues in cold weather and with battery reliability. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, and a dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric steering system. Fuel economy was rated at 10.2 L/100 km during testing, slightly below expectations.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered four engine options, including a 180-horsepower three-cylinder engine and a 250-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Escape also featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The 2.0-litre turbo engine provided brisk acceleration and was standard on the Titanium trim. The Escape's steering was direct and taut, with strong, responsive brakes contributing to its sporty feel. The hybrid version was the most fuel-efficient, with consumption figures of 5.4 L/100 km in the city and 5.8 combined with FWD.

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered ample interior space, with a comfortable driver's seat and heated front seats standard in Canada. The rear seats provided plenty of room for passengers, and the cargo area was generous, with 1,110 litres behind the back seat and 2,146 litres with the seats folded down. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat was a drawback for some.

The 2020 Ford Escape prioritized passenger space over cargo capacity, with 974 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the seats folded down. The Escape's design provided good visibility and plenty of storage solutions, though it offered less cargo space compared to some rivals. The emphasis was on passenger comfort and real-world storage.

The 2019 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it lacked a tuning knob and had some usability issues. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and HondaLink connected services. Higher trims offered additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and a premium audio system.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim had a small 4.2-inch screen, but the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, though its design was less effective for taller drivers. The Escape's infotainment system was praised for its functionality and ease of use.

The 2019 Honda CR-V came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, on all trims except the base LX FWD. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Ford Escape featured Ford Co-Pilot360, a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing, though it had not been tested by the NHTSA.