Even without looking at any specific polls or studies, it’s easy to see that crossovers are among the most popular vehicles in America now. Renowned for combining the storage space, safety and power of an SUV with the handling, agility and efficiency of a car, vehicles like the Ford Escape and Chevrolet Traverse continue their rise to ubiquity.

Between these two models, drivers have a choice. The Escape is a smaller, 5-passenger crossover that focuses on delivering capability in a compact package while the Traverse is a large, 8-passenger crossover that sacrifices agility and efficiency for more space and power. If the number of passengers your vehicle requires is more than five, you may already have your mind made up. However, if you’ve been considering the Traverse for its safety, technology and comfort, adding the efficiency and handling of a smaller crossover to the mix can only help!

2018 Ford Escape    Vs.    2018 Chevrolet Traverse
24 miles per gallon (S)    Base MPG combined    21 miles per gallon (L)
275 lb-ft. (Titanium)    Max available torque    266 lb-ft. (High-Country)
43.1 inches    Front legroom    41 inches
34.3 cubic feet    Cargo space w/ all seats up    23 cubic feet
$23,850 (S)    Base MSRP    $23,930 (L)

As a smaller-segment SUV, the 2018 Ford Escape enjoys several differences when compared to the third-row Traverse. These differences are not, by themselves, better or worse, but make the case for the 2018 Ford Escape being the more versatile of the two vehicles.

With a significant lower MSRP, higher fuel economy and more available torque for quick acceleration, the 2018 Ford Escape certainly makes the case for versatility. With limitations in the number of seating being its primary drawback, the 2018 Ford Escape doesn’t give up much beyond that.

Available all-wheel drive and active safety features work to drastically reduce the utility gap between the two. With the Escape being a smaller vehicle, it does have less maximum cargo volume, but a noticeable advantage when the seats are up and in use.

Ford’s commitment to meeting drivers’ unique needs is on display in the 2018 Ford Escape, as it features a range of 4-cylinder engines that begin at an efficient 168 horsepower and work their way up to the robust 2.0L turbocharged engine that delivers a whopping 275 lb-ft. of torque.

The difference in price is not a small one. On the base model, it’s $6,000, while the Escape provides maximum value at its highest trim level, Titanium, that even in its AWD configuration blasts the Traverse’s High Country AWD out of the water by nearly $20,000.

For more information on the 2018 Ford Escape, or to schedule a test drive, contact us today!