So, you’re thinking of buying a small crossover SUV, and have narrowed your search down to the likes of Ford’s Escape and Nissan’s Rogue. Both great choices, for sure, but how do they measure up against one another? If you’re interested in the Cliff Note comparison of the 2018 Ford Escape vs. 2018 Nissan Rogue, here you go:
While that boils things down to their simplest respective denominators, any discussion of how the Ford Escape bests the Nissan Rogue is deserving of far more elaboration. Now, to be clear, we’re not knocking the Rogue, as it’s a great vehicle. But if you’re considering the Rogue, that alone is all the more reason to consider the Escape, as well. Here are a few reasons why…
The Basics
To start things off, both vehicles are priced comparably. The Ford Escape starts at around $23,940 MSRP, while the Rogue is priced to start at $24,800 MSRP. That said, both seat five and are positioned competitively within their respective lineups. This aligns them nicely against one another with the Escape enjoying a small advantage.
And regarding lineup, the Escape is served up in court trim levels (S, SE, SEL, and Titanium) while the Rogue comes in three trim levels (S, SV and SL). Both come front-wheel drive standard, with the option of AWD.
Performance Ratings
In its base (S) trim level, the Ford Escape is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. We recommend jumping up, at least to the SE trim which upgrades the engine to a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder channeling 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Even more compelling is the Titanium’s powertrain which comes in the form of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, capable of 245 hp and 275 lb-ft.
The Rogue’s (base) S level is also powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but paired with a CVT. This results in 170hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, placing it below its counterpart in the Escape lineup. The only other engine configuration comes in the Rogue’s Hybrid variant, but that only gains six horses. That said, the Escape beats the Rogue substantially regarding both horsepower and toque, from base trim to top of the line.
Amenities
Both the Escape and the Rogue arrive confidently regarding both standard and optional equipment. In fact, most of the Rogue’s strengths come regarding its amenities. Bluetooth-compatible, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the Rogue comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen interface, rearview camera, and well-equipped stereo.
That said, the Rogue mirrors all of these features at the base trim level, incorporating the impressive voice control of the Sync tech interface. Jumping trim scores a number of upgrades and new features worthy of consideration, from onboard WiFi to built-in navigation. Throw in a power liftgate, household and utility power outlets and a number of add-on safety features and the Escape outclasses the Rogue at every stop.
With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see why so many choose the Ford Escape over the Nissan Rogue. On all accounts, it really is “better where it matters.” What do you think?
