2023 Honda CR-V vs Ford Escape

The Honda CR-V and Ford Escape compete in the increasingly popular crossover SUV market segment. These vehicles offer an excellent mix of features and performance, not to mention an extensive list of safety technology. For the 2023 model year, the CR-V received a complete in-and-out redesign with updates to many of its features, and the Ford Escape had some key items refreshed as well. Let’s take a look at a comparison of the 2023 Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape to see what makes the CR-V come out on top.

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Engines and Performance

Power for the latest CR-V will come from a 1.5L turbo four-cylinder gas engine that releases 190 horsepower. It works with a continuously variable automatic transmission, tweaked by Honda to make it even quieter than before. For the 2023 model year, the CR-V lineup will now include a hybrid powertrain instead of offering the hybrid as a separate model. It will power the new Sport and Sport Touring models with a 2.0L four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors. These combine to generate 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

The base powertrain for the current Escape is a 1.5L three-cylinder gas engine that makes 181 horsepower and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you want more power, a 2.0L four-cylinder is available with the higher trims and gets you a whopping 250 horsepower. A hybrid powertrain comes standard for the Titanium model and optional for several others. This consists of a 2.5L gas engine and electric motors that issue out 200 horsepower.

Passenger and Cargo Space

The CR-V and the Escape have two rows of seats and room for up to five people. The CR-V is one of the more spacious compact crossovers on the market, with more rear-seat legroom than most of its competitors. It also offers more cargo space than the Escape. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 39.3 cubic feet of storage space, and if you fold down the rear seats, this opens up to 76.5 cubic feet.

While the Escape has a roomy and comfortable cabin, it doesn’t have as much rear-seat legroom as the CR-V, and its cargo area is smaller. In the Escape, there are 37.5 cubic feet of storage space in the back, and folding down the rear seats opens it up to 65.4 cubic feet.

Safety Features

The 2023 Honda CR-V comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, and the Escape also comes standard with several advanced driver aids. No matter which CR-V or Escape trim level you have, it will have a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning system with mitigation.

The CR-V adds to this list for 2023, including a lane centering system that works at speeds up to 45 mph and comes standard for all trim levels. The latest model also comes with a speed limit sign recognition system and a drowsy-driver monitor alerting system that triggers to ensure drivers are paying attention. Also standard in 2023 models is a rear seat reminder that alerts the driver so they don’t walk away without checking the back seat, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow-along, and a lane-keep assist system.

The Ford Escape comes standard with forward collision warning, a blind spot monitor, and lane departure mitigation. To get additional safety systems with the Escape, you need to bump yourself up to the SE trim and add the Co-Pilot Assist+ Package. This extra package includes lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Technology and Infotainment Features

The technology in the CR-V sees some improvement for the 2023 model year. A 7-inch touch screen now comes standard in the lower trims, with a 9-inch touch screen in the higher trims. It runs Honda’s latest version of their infotainment system and works with either a wired or wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded 9-inch screen runs the wireless version. The higher-end trims are augmented with wireless smartphone compatibility and wireless charging. These trims also have a 12-speaker Bose system instead of the standard stereo.

Ford Escape’s current technology features start with a 4.2-inch central display screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker stereo. Stepping up from the base to the next trim level gets you an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. An optional package for the higher trims offers a 10-speaker B & O stereo system, wireless charging, and a digital instrument panel. These optional features are also available with a separate Titanium trim package.

The most significant difference in the technology between these two vehicles is that many systems now come standard in the CR-V, even when opting for the base trim. With the Escape, however, you’d have to add them as part of the optional packages.

Cabin Features

As soon as you sit in the 2023 Honda CR-V, you’ll appreciate its upscale cabin. In addition to the spacious feel, it’s made with high-quality materials and newly designed front seats that help reduce driver fatigue on long trips. In the back, the rear seats will recline to provide the back seat passengers with added comfort. Between the two front seats, a large center console offers storage space for items you may want to keep out of sight.

Sitting in the Escape is also a pleasurable experience. It has a user-friendly dashboard and comfortable seats. Ford offers heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control as options for the SE trim, and these come standard in the higher trims.

In a side-by-side comparison of the 2023 Honda CR-V with the Ford Escape, you’ll see that both have good qualities. The updated CR-V offers some extras you either can’t get with the Escape or you’d have to add as an extra option. To learn more about the new CR-V, give us a call at (513) 793-7777 or stop by Performance Kings Honda to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales staff.

Image of 2023 Honda CR-V SUV via Honda Automobiles