The 2021 Ford Escape's #10 ranking is based on its score within the Compact SUVs category. Currently the Ford Escape has a score of 7.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good cargo capacity User-friendly infotainment system Well-balanced ride and handling
Cons Cheap cabin materials Transmission sometimes hunts for the right gear
Ford has expanded the availability of the hybrid powertrain to the SE and SEL trims for 2021; it's now standard on the top-spec Titanium model. Elsewhere, adaptive cruise control and a traffic-sign recognition feature join the optional Co-Pilot360 Plus package; a hands-free power liftgate and memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors are now part of the Technology package; and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a keyless-entry keypad, and LED exterior lighting are now on the list of features in the Convenience package. A new 19-inch wheel design is optional on the Titanium model, and a Class II Trailer Tow package is now available on Escapes with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Pros Handsomely styled exterior, multiple powertrain options, safety tech comes standard.
Cons Cheap interior on base models, rough-edged base three-cylinder engine, high starting price.
For 2021 Hybrid powertrain now available on SEL trim.Traffic sign recognition added to models with adaptive cruise control.Minor shuffling of trim and package features.
Pros Roomy and comfortable seating Smooth ride quality Easy-to-use controls Available hybrid powertrain that gets around 40 mpg
Cons Transmission's abrupt shifts Lackluster handling
The 2021 Toyota C-HR needs to be seen to be believed; the driving’s forgettable.
Pros Grabby looks Standard safety tech Rides well Decent value
Cons It’s courageous, for sure Rear seat’s dark, cramped Power’s low Meh mpg
Toyota's smallest SUV receives a boost to its safety cred for 2021 with an updated suite of driver-assistance features. Standard across the lineup is Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 active safety system, which includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist with road-edge detection, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlamps, and adaptive cruise control with lane-trace assist—which keeps it centered in the lane..
Pros Funk-tastic styling, nicely outfitted cabin, standard safety tech.
Cons Slothful acceleration, tight rear seat space, limited cargo room.
New Nightshade Edition available.Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety features and driver aids now standard on all trims.
Pros Sporty handling makes it fun to zip around turns Comes standard with plenty of features, including safety tech Swoopy styling helps it stand out
Cons Unlike most rivals, it doesn't offer all-wheel drive Even in this slow class, acceleration is lethargic Pervasive road and engine noise in the cabin Minimal cargo space, even for its small segment
