Toyota Highlander vs Ford Escape

Deciding on the right SUV can be tricky, especially if you’re torn between two like the Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Escape. These models come highly rated from drivers, but when it’s your car, which one do you ultimately choose? The best way to decide is by learning how they differ!

At Waldorf Toyota, we’re here to assist drivers near Waldorf, Saint Charles, and Bowie by providing this Highlander vs. Escape comparison. This guide can help you learn what these vehicles offer, how they differ, and which one seems like the better fit for you!

Toyota Highlander vs Ford Escape Engine Power & Performance

At the base level, these vehicles offer slightly similar engines. The Highlander includes the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Escape includes a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, which maxes out its performance at 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.

Each vehicle offers multiple engine options to appease different levels of drivers. The Highlander offers the 3.5-liter V6, which can boast 295 horsepower. The Escape offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine, and while this engine is turbocharged, it falls short at 245 horsepower.

Infotainment & Technology

These SUVs each come with their own sophisticated infotainment systems which include dashboard-mounted screens and an assortment of media options. The Toyota Highlander includes the Entune™ Audio 6.1-inch screen while the Ford Escape includes the 4.2-inch SYNC® system. Each screen incorporates voice recognition technology which allows you to use voice commands to select your media preferences.

Each SUV comes with an AM/FM radio, USB ports and auxiliary inputs for portable devices, and even Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone calls from the road and audio streaming from your phone’s media library or apps. The Highlander even comes standard with a CD player. This feature isn’t available with the Ford Escape.

Driver-Assistance Features

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ P. This is a suite of driver-assisting technology features that utilize sensors mounted to the exterior of the vehicle to measure the rate of approach, as well as the proximity to objects or vehicles ahead. The Highlander comes with features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control which lets you set a cruising speed and a preferred distance from the vehicle ahead.

The Ford Escape does offer some light driver-assistance features. However, they’re only available with the vehicle’s highest trim level.

Deciding Between the Highlander vs Escape

At Waldorf Toyota, we hope that this Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Escape comparison helped you get a stronger sense of what these two SUVs offer and how they differ from each other. But while you’ve learned enough about each vehicle, you also saw that the Highlander has a bit more to offer its drivers than the Escape. Why not take the next step to learn more about the Toyota Highlander by visiting us and taking a closer look?

Get a feel for the Highlander by scheduling your test drive with us! We’re here and ready to help drivers all throughout Waldorf, Saint Charles, and Bowie for when it’s time to find their next car!

 

More Highlander Research:

2019 Toyota Highlander Review

Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

Toyota Highlander vs. Chevy Traverse