Ford Escape vs Ford Explorer Sport
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Ford Explorer Sport
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Ford Explorer SportXLS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active | XLS |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Ford Explorer SportXLS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,350 | $21,870 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $12,380 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $23,296 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $26,380 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 15 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Ford Explorer SportXLS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 17 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 15 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | 16.8 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Ford Explorer SportXLS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 203 hp (best) |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 237 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I3 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Ford Explorer SportXLS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 4 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 3 |
| Cargo volume | 65.4 cu ft | 71 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 5,140 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 600 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,273 lbs (best) | 3,769 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in (best) | 101.8 in |
| Length | 180.1 in | 180.4 in (best) |
| Width | 74.1 in (best) | 70.2 in |
| Height | 66 in | 68.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Ford Explorer SportXLS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | 2 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 2 | None reported (best) |
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 | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active $30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLS $21,870 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active $31,750 MSRP | XLS $22,545 MSRP |
| 3 | ST-Line $31,195 MSRP | XLS $24,890 MSRP |
| 4 | ST-Line $32,595 MSRP | XLS $25,565 MSRP |
| 5 | ST-Line Select $33,890 MSRP | XLT $23,835 MSRP |
| 6 | ST-Line Select $35,015 MSRP | XLT $26,915 MSRP |
| 7 | Plug-In Hybrid $35,400 MSRP | XLT Premium $25,595 MSRP |
| 8 | Platinum $36,215 MSRP | XLT Premium $28,760 MSRP |
| 9 | ST-Line Elite $37,210 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Platinum $37,940 MSRP | — |
| 11 | ST-Line Elite $38,935 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Ford Escape15 for sale
See all
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Iconic Silver Metallic•Ebony28,848 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Iconic Silver Metallic•Ebony20,025 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Agate Black•Ebony29,876 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2024 Ford Escape
ST-Line
Vapor Blue Metallic•Ebony w/Red Stitching24,445 mi$24,270Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2017 Ford Escape
Titanium
White Gold•Charcoal Black107,648 mi$12,380Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2025 Ford Escape
Platinum
Agate Black Metallic•Ebony32,710 mi$26,380Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Ford Escape vs Ford Explorer Sport FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Ford Escape vs 2003 Ford Explorer Sport on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport starts lower at $21,870. Live Ford Escape listings start at $12,380.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (21,870).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (40).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (37).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on horsepower in this comparison (250).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Ford Escape or 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,140).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Ford Escape vs 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Escape (5/5 NHTSA overall).