Ford Escape vs Porsche Macan

The 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design from its 2015 debut, despite undergoing several updates over the years. The latest iteration featured a refreshed styling, larger standard wheels, and a new centre console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The Macan lineup in Canada included four models: the base Macan, the new Macan T, the Macan S, and the Macan GTS, with the Macan Turbo's high-output powertrain now found in the GTS. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, showcased a Volcano Gray exterior with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuding a sporty and upscale appearance. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a flat dashboard, complemented by red leather and metallic accents for a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky exterior. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. The Escape, along with the Bronco Sport, was among the smallest in Ford's SUV lineup, offering various trim levels, including the ST-Line Elite we tested. The Escape's design leaned towards an upscale look, with 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps. Inside, the ST-Line Elite boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat allowed for easy customization. Despite a sea of plastic in the interior, the Escape's design aimed for durability and comfort.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the base Macan and Macan T featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test car was equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, generating 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The Macan S featured larger 20-inch wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and optional performance upgrades like Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes. The Macan S excelled in delivering a thrilling driving experience, with precise handling and impressive stability, though the brake pedal required a firm push.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with AWD. While the Escape's four-cylinder engine provided ample power for acceleration and passing, it lacked the performance tuning of a true performance crossover. The Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, ideal for navigating rough roads, and the brakes offered predictable stopping power. The steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats featuring heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls provided a modern look but required attention away from the road. Cargo space measured 488 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded, accommodating four full-size suitcases.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with well-positioned armrests and supportive seats. The steering wheel, though plain, felt good to hold. The Escape's cargo space was competitive, offering up to 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. While it fell short of some segment leaders, it was sufficient for daily use. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM), offering wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, navigation, and connected services. The system included touch-sensing virtual buttons and proximity sensing, though voice recognition was less reliable than competitors. The Macan provided stereo volume and tuning controls below the screen, with climate controls separate from the touchscreen.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims like the ST-Line Elite. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look, and Sync 4 was well-organized with easy navigation between features. While the system was occasionally slow to respond, it offered a comprehensive feature set, including a wi-fi hotspot and a Bang & Olufsen sound system on higher trims.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, though it lacked advanced driving assistance features. Parking assistance options included a surround-view camera and Park Assist system. The Macan had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology for a semi-autonomous driving experience.