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Ford Escape vs Subaru Forester

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

Vehicles

Ford logo

2026 Ford Escape

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Subaru logo

2026 Subaru Forester

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Overview

SpecFord EscapeActiveSubaru ForesterForester SUV
Selected trimActiveForester SUV
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainfront wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission8-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20262026

Pricing & market

SpecFord EscapeActiveSubaru ForesterForester SUV
MSRP$30,350$29,995 (best)
Lowest listing price$3,898 (best)$13,997
Median listing price$22,876 (best)$27,995
Highest listing price$43,129$42,263 (best)
For sale now131 (best)89

Fuel economy & range

SpecFord EscapeActiveSubaru ForesterForester SUV
Combined MPG30 MPG (best)29 MPG
City MPG27 MPG (best)26 MPG
Highway MPG34 MPG (best)33 MPG
Fuel tank14.8 gal16.6 gal (best)

Performance

SpecFord EscapeActiveSubaru ForesterForester SUV
Horsepower180 hp180 hp
Torque199 lb-ft (best)178 lb-ft
Engine size1.5 L2.5 L (best)
CylindersI3flat 4

Size & capability

SpecFord EscapeActiveSubaru ForesterForester SUV
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume65.4 cu ft74.4 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity2,000 lbs (best)—
Curb weight3,273 lbs (best)3,510 lbs
Ground clearance—8.7 in (best)
Wheelbase106.7 in (best)105.1 in
Length180.1 in183.3 in (best)
Width74.1 in (best)72 in
Height66 in68.1 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecFord EscapeActiveSubaru ForesterForester SUV
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)2 (best)3

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 EscapeSubaru Forester
1

Active

$30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Forester SUV

$29,995 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Active

$31,750 MSRP

Premium

$33,385 MSRP

3

ST-Line

$31,195 MSRP

Premium Hybrid

$34,730 MSRP

4

ST-Line

$32,595 MSRP

Sport

$36,105 MSRP

5

ST-Line Select

$33,890 MSRP

Limited

$37,695 MSRP

6

ST-Line Select

$35,015 MSRP

Sport Hybrid

$37,930 MSRP

7

Plug-In Hybrid

$35,400 MSRP

Wilderness

$38,385 MSRP

8

Platinum

$36,215 MSRP

Limited Hybrid

$38,995 MSRP

9

ST-Line Elite

$37,210 MSRP

Touring Hybrid

$41,545 MSRP

10

Platinum

$37,940 MSRP

Touring

$41,595 MSRP

11

ST-Line Elite

$38,935 MSRP

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Live inventory

Ford Escape vs Subaru Forester FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Forester?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Subaru Forester 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 2026 Subaru Forester?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Subaru Forester starts lower at $29,995. Live Ford Escape listings start at $3,898. Live Subaru Forester listings start at $13,997.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (29,995).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (40).
Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (37).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads on horsepower in this comparison (250).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Ford Escape leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,500).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Escape (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Forester (5/5 NHTSA overall).