2020 Ford Escape vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Ford Escape was a striking compact crossover, boasting a large grille reminiscent of the outgoing Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, with headlights inspired by the Ford GT supercar. Its design was more curvaceous than its predecessor, which came at the cost of some cargo space. Despite this, the Escape remained one of the most attractive small SUVs, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape featured a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between futuristic design and practical control placement. The Escape was available in four trims: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium, each offering a range of features from basic to luxurious, with the SE trim recommended for its value.

The 2020 Acura MDX, while not groundbreaking in its styling, was a handsome crossover SUV that blended in seamlessly without drawing undue attention. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to the front, flanking a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo. The MDX's sleek, low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline was complemented by flawless paint and chrome. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple interior, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish. The centre stack featured a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On Demand Multi-Use Display touchscreen, providing a solid and well-built feel.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of four engine options, including a new three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, standard in the S, SE, and SEL trims. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, delivered 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The Escape also featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid setup producing 198 horsepower. The conventional engines used an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrids employed a CVT. The Escape's steering was direct and taut, with strong brakes contributing to its sporty feel. The hybrid version was the most fuel-efficient, with consumption figures of 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.3 on the highway.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system enhanced its nimbleness, with torque-vectoring technology improving handling during cornering. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a capable and smooth performer.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleeker design resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 974 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the rear seats folded. This was less than its predecessor and competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the Escape prioritized passenger space, with ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers. The front seats provided a commanding view, and the cabin featured numerous storage solutions, including deep water-bottle holders and multiple compartments.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a versatile interior with sliding and reclining second-row seats, facilitating access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,229 litres with the third row folded and 2,574 litres with both rear rows down. The MDX featured a recessed cubby hole and underfloor storage for concealed items. Up front, the MDX had a spacious glove box, a flexible centre console, and door panels with water-bottle pockets. Tri-zone climate control allowed separate temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear cabin, enhancing comfort for all occupants.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, while 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 flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The Escape's infotainment system allowed for multitasking, enabling phone operation while projecting on the car's display.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package featured an Active Damper System, surround-view camera, and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2020 Ford Escape included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and TPMS. It earned a "Good" rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing. The Escape also came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering advanced safety systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, a suite of safety systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact, enhancing occupant safety. The MDX received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in all crash-test categories and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.