2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Ford Escape was a striking compact crossover, borrowing design elements from the Ford GT supercar, with a large grille reminiscent of the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks. Its curvaceous design, while aesthetically pleasing, resulted in a slight compromise in cargo space compared to its predecessor. Inside, the Escape boasted a modern yet practical cabin, featuring a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen. The various trims offered a range of features, from the basic S with its 17-inch steel wheels and Sync infotainment system to the luxurious Titanium with 19-inch wheels, a dual-panel moonroof, and a premium B&O audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly in its Heritage Edition, celebrated its 65th anniversary with a nostalgic design. The exterior, especially in Midnight Black with bronze BBS wheels, exuded a classic charm. However, the standard model in Magnetic Gray paint appeared more utilitarian, with a basic two-box shape adorned with chrome. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of high-quality materials and dated design elements, such as a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. The interior was plush, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding seating position, but it felt like a step back in time rather than a leap forward.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of engine options, setting it apart from its competitors. The base 3-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, delivered a robust 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid drivetrain, combining a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric power, generated 198 horsepower. The Escape's sporty handling, direct steering, and strong brakes provided an engaging driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the non-Sport hybrid achieving 44 mpg city and 37 highway, while the 2.0-liter turbo with AWD returned 23/31/26.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, offered a smooth and quiet ride, with 401 pound-feet of torque available at just 2,200 rpm. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case, ensured impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist provided excellent traction on various surfaces. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser's fuel economy was a mere 14.7 mpg, and its on-road handling was more akin to a luxury vehicle, with a refined yet somewhat disconnected driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design came at the cost of cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Hybrid models had slightly less space. Despite this, the Escape prioritized passenger comfort, with ample headroom and legroom, and a variety of storage solutions for everyday use.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with plush leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row bench seat was spacious, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults on long trips. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base model featured a small 4.2-inch screen, but the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, although its flip-up screen design was less effective for taller drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system relied on Toyota Entune technology, with basic voice recognition and a straightforward interface. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was outdated, and the JBL Synthesis audio system, while decent, did not match the high-end offerings in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Escape came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Ford Co-Pilot360, which offered forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. It received a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, and no crash-test ratings were available for this model.