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Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Ford logo

2026 Ford Escape

Kia logo

2027 Kia Sportage

Overview

SpecFord EscapeActiveKia SportageLX
Selected trimActiveLX
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission8-speed automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegashybrid
Model year20262027

Pricing & market

SpecFord EscapeActiveKia SportageLX
MSRP$30,350 (best)$30,590
Lowest listing price$3,898 (best)$12,275
Median listing price$22,876 (best)$33,355
Highest listing price$43,129 (best)$43,325
For sale now131928 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecFord EscapeActiveKia SportageLX
Combined MPG30 MPG41 MPG (best)
City MPG27 MPG40 MPG (best)
Highway MPG34 MPG42 MPG (best)
Fuel tank14.8 gal (best)13.7 gal

Performance

SpecFord EscapeActiveKia SportageLX
Horsepower180 hp232 hp (best)
Torque199 lb-ft271 lb-ft (best)
Engine size1.5 L1.6 L (best)
CylindersI3I4

Size & capability

SpecFord EscapeActiveKia SportageLX
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume65.4 cu ft73.7 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity2,000 lbs2,000 lbs
Curb weight3,273 lbs (best)3,598 lbs
Ground clearance7.1 in (best)
Wheelbase106.7 in108.5 in (best)
Length180.1 in184.4 in (best)
Width74.1 in (best)73.4 in
Height66 in (best)65.4 in

Safety & recalls

SpecFord EscapeActiveKia SportageLX
NHTSA overall5 / 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 pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)2None 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.

TrimFord EscapeKia Sportage
1

Active

$30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing)

LX

$30,590 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Active

$31,750 MSRP

S

$31,290 MSRP

3

ST-Line

$31,195 MSRP

S

$32,890 MSRP

4

ST-Line

$32,595 MSRP

EX

$32,290 MSRP

5

ST-Line Select

$33,890 MSRP

EX

$33,890 MSRP

6

ST-Line Select

$35,015 MSRP

X-Line

$35,790 MSRP

7

Plug-In Hybrid

$35,400 MSRP

X-Line

$40,590 MSRP

8

Platinum

$36,215 MSRP

SX-Prestige

$40,690 MSRP

9

ST-Line Elite

$37,210 MSRP

X-Line Prestige

$47,390 MSRP

10

Platinum

$37,940 MSRP

11

ST-Line Elite

$38,935 MSRP

Live inventory

Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Ford Escape or 2027 Kia Sportage?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Ford Escape vs 2027 Kia Sportage 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 2027 Kia Sportage?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Ford Escape starts lower at $30,350. Live Ford Escape listings start at $3,898. Live Kia Sportage listings start at $12,275.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Ford Escape or 2027 Kia Sportage?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (30,350).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Ford Escape or 2027 Kia Sportage?
The 2027 Kia Sportage leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (41).
Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Ford Escape or 2027 Kia Sportage?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (37).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 Ford Escape or 2027 Kia Sportage?
The 2027 Kia Sportage leads on horsepower in this comparison (268).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Ford Escape or 2027 Kia Sportage?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,500).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Ford Escape vs 2027 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Escape (5/5 NHTSA overall).