Ford Escape vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,350 (best) | $34,995 |
| Lowest listing price | $12,380 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $23,483 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $26,380 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 9 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 31 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I3 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 65.4 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,273 lbs (best) | 3,741 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 108.1 in (best) |
| Length | 180.1 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 74.1 in (best) | 74 in |
| Height | 66 in | 67.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Not Rated |
| 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 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active $30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active $31,750 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | ST-Line $31,195 MSRP | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | ST-Line $32,595 MSRP | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | ST-Line Select $33,890 MSRP | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | ST-Line Select $35,015 MSRP | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
| 7 | Plug-In Hybrid $35,400 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 Escape9 for sale
See all
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
Used2019 Ford Escape
Titanium
Agate Black Metallic•Charcoal Black65,046 mi$19,470Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Agate Black Metallic•Gray30,488 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Iconic Silver Metallic•Ebony20,025 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Ford Escape vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Subaru Outback 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 Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Ford Escape starts lower at $30,350. Live Ford Escape listings start at $12,380.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (30,350).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (40).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (37).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- 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 Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Escape (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).