How the Ford Escape Stacks Up Against Other Used Compact SUVs

Looking for that perfect compact SUV for enjoying city life in downtown Albany and taking advantage of all the gorgeous nature on weekend adventures? Then we recommend checking out the Ford Escape, and the great news is that we have the used Ford Escape for sale in Albany, right here at DePaula Ford. The compact SUV category is popular amongst Albany drivers in general because of its city-ready dimensions. Small SUVs are easy to manage in congested city streets and get in and out of tight parking spots. And when it’s time to break free from the pavement for camping or weekend excursions, they have the rugged abilities to do that, too. There are tons of options in this body style, so which one is right for you?

Today, we’re going to compare the used Ford Escape to some of its used compact rivals, such as the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, and GMC Terrain. For many drivers, it comes down to these models because they all come from reputable brands and have attractive price points. We’ll be specifically looking at 2022 through 2024 models today. These will get you the manufacturer’s newest technology features so you won’t be sacrificing all-important safety features or convenience infotainment perks. We ultimately feel that, based on the priorities of compact SUV shoppers, the Ford Escape is the premium choice. Here’s why.

The Escape Offers a Better Towing Capacity

Plan on taking your SUV out of the city for some camping or other adventures? Then, you probably have a small boat, camper, or other vessel you’d like to bring along for the fun. The Ford Escape has the most impressive towing figures among its competitors. Select models can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Meanwhile, the Chevy Equinox, the GMC Terrain, and the Honda CR-V can each only tow up to 1,500 lbs so that you can get more than twice the towing power in the Ford Escape than all three other models.

Imagine the possibilities those towing figures open up. You can enjoy longer camping trips because you can bring a bigger camper with you. You can have more elevated days on the lake because you can bring a larger boat that fits more friends and family for more fun. Plan on moving? If you need to rent a moving pod, you will be able to rent a larger one in the Ford Escape, allowing you to make fewer trips across town when it’s time to relocate. There are plenty of reasons higher towing powers will come in handy. And if you know that they matter to you, you should be looking at a used Ford Escape.

It Has a Larger Touchscreen

Today, your car is so much more than just your mode of transportation, right? It’s your office. It’s your mini concert hall. It’s your library. It’s where you plan adventures! We all get so much done on the road and need technology to keep up with us. If you can relate, you will probably like the massive 13.2-inch touchscreen that became available on the 2023 Ford Escape. That’s about the size of a laptop screen.

With swipe capabilities and smartphone connectivity, this huge touchscreen allows you to see and control all of your favorite apps. You can see your turn-by-turn navigation directions, play DJ, and switch between your favorite playlist, podcast, and audiobook. You can see who is calling, look up the weather, check traffic, and more. The Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain have up to 8-inch touchscreens. The Honda CR-V has a 7-inch one for 2022 and a 9-inch screen for 2023. The reality is that when it comes to touchscreens, bigger is better, and that is why the Ford Escape is superior to its competitors.

The Escape Has PHEV and HEV Options

Alright, here’s a big perk of the Ford Escape that Albany drivers will love: the option to get a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a hybrid (HEV) powertrain. If you love exploring the quaint, charming towns around upstate New York on the weekends, then you probably don’t want to waste much time at the gas pump (those weekend hours are precious!). Plus, if you’re working towards financial goals, you’d probably appreciate a cut in your gas costs, too. So we think drivers will love the option for a hybrid Escape, which will combine the powers of a battery and traditional engine to achieve tremendous fuel economy, recharging your battery through regenerative braking (which you’ll do plenty of in downtown traffic).

Then, there’s the option for a plug-in hybrid. With a PHEV, you get that awesome fuel economy of a hybrid, with the added flexibility to plug in your vehicle to charge the battery. If you know you have a long road trip ahead of you and want that battery ready to go and on your schedule, just plug it in at home. And if you find that your battery is low out on the road, just find a public charging station. Utilizing just the battery for short trips will cut down on fuel costs, giving you a range of 37 miles on a full charge.

So, how does the competition hold up? Neither the Equinox nor the Terrain have a PHEV or HEV option. The CR-V has an HEV but no PHEV, so you won’t have the freedom with the CR-V to plug in for a charge. You’ll need to rely on regenerative braking to give your battery power, and if you’re cruising for long stretches of highway, that might not happen much.

A Versatile Pre-Owned Compact SUV That’s Perfect for Drivers on a Budget

Ready for a pre-owned compact SUV that can keep up with your busy days around Albany? If you’re looking at the used vehicle market and want a compact SUV from a reputable brand with dimensions that are great for city life, consider the Escape! With fuel efficiency that’s perfect for weekend getaways and technology that can power your work and play, it’s a versatile, modern, and reliable option that is great for a range of drivers.

The Escape stands out amongst its competitors for its massive touchscreen that’s much larger than the Honda CR-V’s, GMC Terrain’s, or Chevy Equinox’s. It is the only option among this group with both a PHEV and HEV powertrain, allowing you to access incredible fuel economy while contributing to cleaner air and the choice to plug in with the PHEV. It also has towing figures that exceed those of its competitors (by more than double on some models). So, when you want to take a camper or boat out for adventures, you can take a bigger one with the Escape.

At DePaula Ford, our teams would love to help you find a used Escape that meets your needs and budget! We have more models arriving daily, including several trims, and we know the ins and outs of every option! We think you’ll love how a used Escape elevates your days, whether you’re meeting with clients, running errands, or exploring a great hiking trail. Ford is a trusted name, and the Escape has been a fan favorite for years. Visit us today to find yours!