Ford Escape vs Nissan Xterra
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2015 Nissan Xterra
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active | X |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2015 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,350 | $23,660 (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 | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | 21.1 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 261 hp (best) |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I3 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 65.4 cu ft | 65.7 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,273 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | — | 8.2 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in (best) | 106.3 in |
| Length | 180.1 in (best) | 178.7 in |
| Width | 74.1 in (best) | 72.8 in |
| Height | 66 in | 74.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Nissan XterraX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 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 | Nissan Xterra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active $30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing) | X $23,660 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active $31,750 MSRP | X $25,710 MSRP |
| 3 | ST-Line $31,195 MSRP | S $25,670 MSRP |
| 4 | ST-Line $32,595 MSRP | S $26,670 MSRP |
| 5 | ST-Line Select $33,890 MSRP | S $27,720 MSRP |
| 6 | ST-Line Select $35,015 MSRP | PRO-4X $30,590 MSRP |
| 7 | Plug-In Hybrid $35,400 MSRP | PRO-4X $31,640 MSRP |
| 8 | Platinum $36,215 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 Nissan Xterra FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Ford Escape or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Ford Escape vs 2015 Nissan Xterra 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 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2015 Nissan Xterra starts lower at $23,660. Live Ford Escape listings start at $12,380.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Ford Escape or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,660).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Ford Escape or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (40).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Ford Escape or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (37).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Ford Escape or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on horsepower in this comparison (261).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Ford Escape or 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Ford Escape vs 2015 Nissan Xterra?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Escape (5/5 NHTSA overall); Nissan Xterra (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).