Starting at
Starting at
| 180-250 HP | Horsepower | 170 HP |
| 177-275 lb-ft | Torque | 175 lb-ft |
| Yes | Hybrid Option | No |
When it comes to looking for a compact SUV, two of the top-performing options on the market are the 2020 Ford Escape and the 2020 Nissan Rogue. The Ford Escape recently went through a complete redesign, giving the Escape several new updates and tweaks with the 2020 model year. The Nissan Rogue is currently in its second generation, which has been using a similar body style since 2014. However, no matter the body style or the current generation, if you're searching for a compact SUV, you'll want to compare the 2020 Ford Escape vs 2020 Nissan Rogue.
Now, you might not know it, but the Ford Escape and the Nissan Rogue have more in common than being competing compact SUVs. In fact, the two vehicles started out as the same vehicle before going their separate ways.
How is this possible? After all, one is Nissan, a Japanese manufacturer, and one is Ford, a manufacturer based out of Detroit. Well, you have to turn back the history books to the early 1990s. At this time, the predecessor of the Nissan Rogue was the Nissan Terrano. During this time period, Nissan had no real foothold in the UK. To sell its vehicles in the UK, Nissan partnered with Ford Europe to release the Nissan Terrano; only it would be called the Ford Maverick. The Ford Maverick just happens to be the predecessor of the Ford Escape. Today these two SUVs share some striking features, but only one stands out as the best.
When considering the 2020 Ford Escape vs 2020 Nissan Rogue the two vehicles do pack a similar punch. The safety features are nearly the same on all trim packages and the engine performance on the base trim packages is similar (although the Escape does slightly outperform what the Rogue offers). It is the Ford Escape Titanium though that separates itself from the Rogue. It provides a vastly superior engine, which will help in not only performance but if you ever want to tow a trailer, and it offers a WiFi hotspot. While you'll need to pay a little more for it, going with the 2020 Ford Escape Titanium is definitely worth the investment.
The current starting price point for the entry-level 2020 Ford Escape is $24,885. When compared to the 2020 Nissan Rogue at an MSRP $25,200, you'll end up paying just about the same price on a monthly car loan. Although, if you're looking to save every penny you can, the Ford is $315 less.
When considering compact SUVs, you'll likely want a vehicle that has a solid engine and yet still offers good fuel economy. Now, it is important to point out that with the recent 2020 Ford Escape redesign, the fuel efficiency rating has not been fully tested. While Ford has released engine specs and trim information, it has not yet been tested to determine the exact fuel economy. Due to this, the fuel economy numbers are not known, although there's a good chance the numbers will be improved over the 2019 model.
For the 2020 Ford Escape, the compact SUV will feature a few engine choices, including a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. This engine should produce around180 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque for the smaller engine based off of the 2019 model information. As Ford continues to move towards smaller, more fuel-efficient, and powerful engines, you should expect a superior fuel economy.
As for the 2020 Nissan Rogue, the SUV uses a similar engine that was offered on the 2019 Ford Escape, a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produced 175 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. It also has a fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. So in terms of a base engine, the Ford does nudge past the Rogue with engine performance and, while fuel economy is not yet known, it's likely on par with the Rogue.
Now, how about the second engine offered by Ford for the 2020 Escape? The other engine on the Ford Escape is a 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. This engine produced 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque in 2019, so we can only expect better ratings for 2020. Since the Rogue only offers one engine, both engine choices are clearly better offerings than the one offered on the Rogue.
One reason to shop for a compact SUV over a larger sedan is the safety features that come on the SUV. As the vehicle is larger, it is higher off the ground allowing for greater visibility, which is always beneficial. However, there is more to an SUV than just size. When looking at the 2020 Ford Escape vs the 2020 Nissan Rogue, which is the better safety buy?
The Ford Escape comes standard with driver, front head, front side, passenger, and rear head airbags. It features 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes, plus brake assist, daytime running lights, traction control, lane departure warning, cross-traffic alert, electronic stability control, child safety locks, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Ford is one of the best manufacturers in terms of standard safety features.
As for the base Nissan Rogue, it uses the same number of airbags and brakes plus the same safety features. So thankfully, you can't go wrong with either of the two models in terms of safety.
Whether you're driving to and from work on your own or you're traveling with the family, you will want to have a solid entertainment system built into your vehicle. On the 2020 Ford Escape, the SUV comes standard with AM/FM stereo, MP3 player, an AUX input jack for connecting your favorite external audio device that has a 3.5mm headphone connection, smart device integration via Ford's Sinc 3 infotainment system, and WiFi hotspot.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue has an AM/FM stereo, an AUX input jack, MP3 player, smart device integration via Bluetooth, plus a CD player and satellite radio capability (with subscription). If you're someone who enjoys listening to CDs, still having this CD feature is a major benefit. Fewer and fewer vehicles are including the CD player as removing it helps free up the central dash space for other technology.
The 2020 Ford Escape Titanium brings several upgrades over the base package. While it still has the AM/FM stereo, AUX jack, MP3 player, and smart device integration, it also has WiFi hotspot (with a data plan), a premium Bang & Olufson sound system, satellite radio, and HD radio.
HD radio offers a superior listening experience, while the premium sound system will ensure you can hear this difference in whatever you listen to. The WiFi hotspot feature is becoming more important as it allows you to maintain a streaming connection no matter where you are. Plus, you can always pull over, park, and work on last-minute changes to your business presentation thanks to the Internet connection. And, on top of all these features, the Titanium package includes a built-in navigation system as standard.
What does the top trim Nissan Rogue have? It also still includes the AM/FM stereo, AUX jack, CD player, MP3 player, smart device integration, and satellite radio. It also has HD radio, a premium Bose sound system, and a navigation system. However, it does not offer a WiFi hotspot. For some, this might not be a big deal if you don't care about the latest technology, you probably don't need a WiFi hotspot. However, if you need an Internet connection for work, streaming music from your phone, or just want the ability to park, work on your computer, or stream Netflix on your phone with the data connection, having WiFi access is extremely beneficial.
Both models are comparable in this field as well and are both clear winners. However, it is the engine and pricing that might swing you one way or the other. The Ford Escape offers great features and improved performance with a lower price point than the Nissan Rogue.
Here at DePaula Ford, we are proud to offer Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs, and we are especially proud of the rich history behind each model. You can find a great selection of vehicles here on our lot from the Escape to the F-150, along with a friendly and knowledgeable sales team that is happy to walk you through any of our vehicles. Beyond Ford vehicles, we offer Roush Performance vehicles. You'll also find regular specials and incentives to bring the price further down.
We are prepared to help you with anything from purchasing your vehicle to financing, and even after you drive off the lot, you can rely on us for regular maintenance on your new vehicle. Call or visit us today and check out the inventory at our Albany, NY dealership.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
