Dodge Nitro vs Ford Escape
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Ford Escape
Overview
| Spec | Dodge NitroSE Fleet | Ford EscapeActive |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE Fleet | Active |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2011 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Dodge NitroSE Fleet | Ford EscapeActive |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $21,590 (best) | $30,350 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Dodge NitroSE Fleet | Ford EscapeActive |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 22 MPG | 34 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.5 gal (best) | 14.8 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Dodge NitroSE Fleet | Ford EscapeActive |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 210 hp (best) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 235 lb-ft (best) | 199 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I3 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Dodge NitroSE Fleet | Ford EscapeActive |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 75.6 cu ft (best) | 65.4 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs (best) | 2,000 lbs |
| Payload | 1,150 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,976 lbs | 3,273 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 108.8 in (best) | 106.7 in |
| Length | 178.9 in | 180.1 in (best) |
| Width | 73.1 in | 74.1 in (best) |
| Height | 70.5 in (best) | 66 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Dodge NitroSE Fleet | Ford EscapeActive |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Dodge Nitro | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE Fleet $21,590 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Active $30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SE Fleet $23,340 MSRP | Active $31,750 MSRP |
| 3 | Heat $22,245 MSRP | ST-Line $31,195 MSRP |
| 4 | Heat $23,995 MSRP | ST-Line $32,595 MSRP |
| 5 | SXT Fleet $23,235 MSRP | ST-Line Select $33,890 MSRP |
| 6 | SXT Fleet $24,985 MSRP | ST-Line Select $35,015 MSRP |
| 7 | Detonator $26,245 MSRP | Plug-In Hybrid $35,400 MSRP |
| 8 | Detonator $27,995 MSRP | Platinum $36,215 MSRP |
| 9 | Shock $27,245 MSRP | ST-Line Elite $37,210 MSRP |
| 10 | Shock $28,995 MSRP | Platinum $37,940 MSRP |
| 11 | — | ST-Line Elite $38,935 MSRP |