Compared: 2022 Ford Escape vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai | Ford

Article QuickTakes:

• Price
• Fuel economy
• Features

Here we have a battle between two popular compact crossovers, the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson. The latter received a major redesign for 2022, whereas the Escape is a couple of years old now. Let’s see which hits the sweet spot for discerning drivers out there.

Ford Escape vs. Hyundai Tucson: Pricing

The Escape offers the choice of four trim levels (S, SE, SEL, and Titanium) and four powertrains. The lowest-priced model rings in at $27,255 to start and uses a 181 hp turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine that drives either the front wheels or all four corners for $1500 more. The Escape Hybrid starts at the SE trim level for $29,740 and comes with a 200 hp 2.5L four-cylinder augmented by electrification. Ford also offers a plug-in version of this powertrain in all but the S, but unlike in the Hybrid, this one pairs exclusively with front-wheel drive. It costs more, too, opening at $34,785. Lastly, there’s a 250 hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, available only in all-wheel-drive versions of the SEL and Titanium. Buyers will need to shell out at least $34,510 for that engine.

For the Tucson, Hyundai gives buyers the choice between three powertrains and seven trims, including two—the racy N Line and rugged XRT—that cater to enthusiasts. At the bottom of the lineup, you can get the entry-level SE for $26,745. That comes with a 187-hp 2.5Lfour-cylinder and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is a $1,500 option. Above that are two hybrid models, both of which come standard with all-wheel drive and draw power from a 1.6L four-cylinder and electric motor. The 226 hp Tucson Hybrid starts at $30,595, and the 261 hp Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, at $36,145.

Ford Escape vs. Hyundai Tucson: Fuel Economy

The 1.5L-equipped Escape returns decent fuel economy for a compact crossover. The front-driver boasts EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, whereas the all-wheel-drive version returns 26 mpg and 31 mpg, respectively. The Escape Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid are much more efficient, with the former seeing up to 44 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, while the latter achieves 105 miles per gallon equivalent with a full battery and 40 mpg combined with a depleted one. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can also run on electric power alone for 38 miles, which comfortably covers the average American’s daily commute.

The Tucson family doesn’t perform quite as well as the Escape. The gas-only model manages 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive brings those numbers down to 24 mpg and 29 mpg. The Tucson Hybrid, with standard all-wheel drive, returns up to 38 mpg in both environs. And the plug-in hybrid has an electric range of 33 miles and fuel-economy scores of 80 miles per gallon equivalent with battery power and 35 mpg without it.

Ford Escape vs. Hyundai Tucson: Features

All Escapes boast the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping, automatic high-beams, and automated emergency braking. The standard infotainment system consists of a 4.2-inch screen surrounded by hard buttons. If you want Ford’s Sync 3 software with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim than the S. The Escape has between 102 and 104 cu.ft. of passenger volume and 34 and 38 cu.-ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats, depending on which powertrain you select.

The lowliest Tucson provides lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and a driver-attention-warning system. The interior of the Tucson is a major point of differentiation: Hyundai includes an 8.0-inch center touchscreen as standard equipment and removes most of the buttons from the center stack, giving the cabin a sleek and modern feel. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle offers the least passenger room of the three Tucsons, with 106 cu.-ft., but that still beats the Escape’s volume. Cargo room behind the second row ranges between 32 and 39 cu.-ft.

For sure, the Escape is a solid compact crossover, with competitive pricing and better fuel economy than the Tucson. On the other hand, the Hyundai is more engaging, and when it comes to interior design, it pulls ahead of the Escape with relative ease.