Compact crossover SUVs check many boxes: rugged looks, reasonable efficiency, generous space, and modest costs. The Toyota RAV4 created this segment with its 1996 U.S. debut. Honda followed a year later with the CR-V. Both vehicles continue to be benchmarks for the category.
As is typical in the auto industry, other manufacturers piled on. Ford joined the fray with the 2001 Escape. Other mainstream players include the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Hornet, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan—it’s a crowded field.
For several reasons, comparing used editions of the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V makes sense. Escapes are usually cheaper than comparable CR-Vs, there’s a plentiful supply of both in the used car market, and they have similar capabilities.
Bargain hunters will be drawn to the prices of used Escapes, which are often 20%- 40% less than a similar CR-V. But the adage “you get what you pay for” truly applies here. FIXD sensor data shows that engine reliability for older Escapes is awful. Only newer Escapes have parity with the CR-V.
This pains me as a “Ford guy.” However, after also owning numerous Honda products, I clearly understand why CR-V commands higher prices.
But shoppers shouldn’t cross the Ford Escape from their list. You can definitely use depreciation to your advantage. With some diligent cherry-picking, there are some model years worth buying. The trick is to know what you’re getting, which is detailed below.
That said, not every CR-V is a worthwhile purchase. There are some model years with a history of numerous check engine lights. You’ll want to dig into these details before signing any paperwork for a Honda.
My biggest takeaway from writing this article is that despite poor grades for engine reliability, the Escape has equal longevity prospects to the CR-V. You don’t have to be a Blue Oval fan to appreciate this.
Keep reading to see how this Ford Escape and Honda CR-V contest turns out. You can learn about resale values, depreciation, reliability, longevity, maintenance costs, and fuel economy—essentials to understand to make a more informed car-buying decision.
Other match-ups to review include Tahoe vs Expedition, Suburban vs. Tahoe, Jetta vs. Civic, Sentra vs. Corolla, Outback vs. Forester, 4Runner vs. Highlander, RAV4 vs. CR-V, Civic vs. Corolla, Pilot vs. Highlander, and Odyssey vs. Sienna.
| Income Bracket | Monthly Financing Cost Range | Cash Purchase Price Range | Ford Escape Years | Honda CR-V Years | Best Model Year: | Why? |
| < $5k | $42 – $83 | $1,500 – $3,000 | 2003 | N/A | 2003 Escape | Low price |
| $5k – $10k | $83 – $125 | $3,000 – $4,500 | N/A | 2005 | 2005 CR-V | Above-average engine reliability, strong safety score |
| $10k – $15k | $125 – $187 | $4,500 – $6,750 | N/A | 2008 | 2008 CR-V | Very good engine reliability, strong safety score |
| $15k – $25k | $187 – $312 | $6,750 – $11,250 | 2015 | 2013 | 2015 Escape | Good value, above-average engine reliability |
| $25k – $35k | $312 – $437 | $11,250 – $15,750 | 2017 | 2015 | 2015 CR-V | Top engine reliability, strong safety score |
| $35k – $50k | $437 – $625 | $15,750 – $22,500 | 2021 | 2019 | 2021 Escape | Top engine reliability, excellent safety score |
| $50k – $74k | $625 – $925 | $22,500 – $33,300 | N/A | 2020 | 2020 CR-V | Good value, top engine reliability, strong safety score |
See the methodology for the table above.
Before you respond to the “For Sale” ad, check out this How to Buy a Used Car article for a step-by-step checklist.
Price History Comparison | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
Average Market Value – Based on Owners’ Self-Reported Mileages | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
Car shopping often starts with a look at prices. In the case of the Escape (green) and CR-V (gray), data from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) show that these Fords are consistently cheaper than their Honda counterparts. Keep in mind that these numbers reflect private-party sales, which usually have transaction amounts of 30%-50% lower than buying at a dealer.
These market values also incorporate owner-reported mileage via FIXD surveys to provide a more accurate look at selling prices. As a result, there may be larger valuation gaps among specific model-year pairs. For example, the market valuations for the 2014-2017 CR-Vs are substantially higher than the equivalent Escapes. This is partially due to Escape owners, who, for whatever reason, drove considerably more than those with CR-Vs in their driveways. More miles equals lower values.
Comparing original MSRPs provides additional insights into current prices for used Escapes and CR-Vs. In 2008, a base Escape XLS stickered at $23,095, compared to $22,535 for a CR-V LX. Despite relatively close initial selling prices, a 2008 CR-V costs noticeably more today than a comparable Escape.
The same applies to examples from 2012. An Escape XLS from this year started at $25,520 against $24,575 for a CR-V LX. Even though the Honda was $1,000 cheaper at the outset, used CR-Vs are substantially more expensive in 2024 than second-hand 2012 Escapes.
These gaps point to significantly worse resale values for Escapes than CR-Vs. That’s good news if you’re shopping for a Ford, but not so if you’ve got a Honda on your mind. CarEdge reports that a new Escape loses 31% after five years, compared to 18% for a CR-V. That’s a substantial gap in depreciation rates, which is evident in the chart.
Remember that the values in the chart are based on private transactions; you’ll pay more at a dealer. Shopping for an older Escape or CR-V or one with more miles or less equipment can offset higher retail prices.
Be sure to read our Best and Worst Years series of articles highlighting the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V winners and losers.
Depreciation vs. Maintenance Expenses
Like savvy investors hunting for undervalued stocks, smart used car buyers search for vehicles that have dropped significantly in price from their original cost but still have affordable maintenance expenses. Finding this “sweet spot” between a low purchase price and reasonable upkeep is akin to “buying the dip” in the used car market.
The Escape has a larger sweet spot buying window, 2003-2013, because depreciation has bottomed out sooner for this compact crossover, and repair costs are managed during this period. Older Escapes will be cheaper, but you’ll likely get walloped with high repair bills. At the same time, newer Escapes still retain some value, making them less of a bargain.
The CR-V has fewer target years, 2005-2011, primarily because of higher resale values. Depreciation doesn’t truly kick in until 2011. Like with the Escape, older (pre-2005) CR-Vs have higher maintenance costs. These expenses are relatively stable from 2005-2011.
But don’t assume every example within these ranges is a smart buy. Learn more by reviewing the best and worst years of the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. There’s also an at-a-glance summary towards the end of this article.
Reliability Comparison | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
Two ratings are at the core of our look at the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.
- The FIXD Reliability Score measures the number of check engine lights recorded for a particular model year by installed FIXD sensors. Think of it as an engine reliability score. While every check engine light doesn’t directly translate into reliability concerns (such as a dead battery or loose gas cap), these indicators still provide insight into a car’s dependability. This data is weighted by mileage.
- The second rating is the Owner Reliability Score. This is a subjective ranking of how surveyed owners feel about their respective vehicle’s dependability. Each owner estimates how capable their car is for trips of different lengths. A vehicle that can handle a cross-country adventure receives the highest score, while a car only suitable for a quick point A to point B trip gets the lowest score.
Both rankings are based on 1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest, and 5 being the average score.
We’ll also point out that both scores seldom align. The FIXD Reliability Score is determined by a definitive number, the frequency of check engine lights. On the other hand, the Owner Reliability Score is opinion-based. Owners tend to have pride in their automobiles, with higher ratings as a result. At a minimum, those with older vehicles are more accepting of check engine lights. For many, it’s the price of owning an aging car.
Many factors influence depreciation and resale values; reliability is among the most important. One look at the FIXD Reliability Scores for the Escape and CR-V explains why used Escapes are so much cheaper.
There’s not a single year from 2001 to 2021 where the Escape has better engine reliability than the CR-V. To make matters worse for these Fords, the CR-V has a better FIXD Reliability Score by two or more points for 13 out of the 21 evaluated model years. The best the Escape can pull off is a tie for four years.
To be fair, older CR-Vs have just as many check engine lights as aged Escapes. However, these are vehicles approaching classic car status (25 years old and beyond). Meanwhile, newer Escapes have engine reliability that’s on par with more recent CR-Vs. This is to be expected. After all, if a car is going to be dependable, it should be while it’s still relatively new.
What I found particularly fascinating was how the owner reliability scores for the Escape and CR-V were matched. No matter the reality of frequent check engine lights, Escape owners think as highly of their cars as CR-V owners. There are even a few years where the Escape outscores the CR-V.
Review the Best and Worst Years articles on the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V to learn more about these vehicles’ FIXD Reliability and Owner Reliability Scores.
Longevity Comparison | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
Every used car shopper should consider vehicle longevity. What’s the point of going through the trouble and expense of buying a vehicle only to do it again a short time later?
At a minimum, a 21st-century automobile should reach at least 150,000 miles. FIXD owner surveys show the Escape and CR-V can achieve this milestone or are close to doing so. Taking a more generous approach, Consumer Reports says that cars from more reliable brands should be able to get 200,000 miles, which some CR-V owners have achieved (or are close to reaching).
Let’s look beyond the survey data to see what longevity is like for the Escape and CR-V. This involves an unscientific review of listings from autotrader.com (March 12, 2024), focusing on examples from 2011-2012, the model years most likely to have higher mileage.
This analysis shows 1,089 Escapes and 2012 CR-V for sale. Of these, there are 296 (27.2%) Escapes and 592 (29.4%) CR-Vs with 150,000-200,000 miles; similar results from a percentage standpoint. Meanwhile, there are 95 (8.7%) Escapes and 226 (11.2%) CR-Vs with at least 200,000 miles on the odometer. Again, these percentages don’t align, but they’re close.
The results mean that Escapes and CR-Vs have similar longevity prospects. However, each used car is different, with proper maintenance and gentle driving greatly contributing to lifespan.
Review the individual articles on the best and worst years of the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V for a more thorough look at longevity.
Who Should Buy These Cars: The Legacy of Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
You’ve seen this scenario countless times: a young family in an Escape or CR-V and a car seat or two in the back row. These vehicles are designed for transporting little loved ones (safety scores are covered later), and FIXD surveys confirm this usage. Half of Escape owners are in the family-hauling business, while 46% of CR-V owners perform the same tasks.
Another selling point for compact crossovers like the Escape and CR-V is good fuel economy (also detailed below), which goes hand-in-hand with long commutes and road trips. These activities, grouped under “lots of driving,” are frequent for 31% of Escape owners and 34% of CR-V owners.
On the contrary, these vehicles see little action as an “office on wheels” or for hauling or outdoor adventures.
| Frequent Use Categories: | Ford Escape | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) | Honda CR-V | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Family Vehicle | ***** | **** |
| Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) | **** | **** |
| Hauling/Towing | * | * |
| Office on Wheels | * | * |
| Sport/Fast Driving | * | * |
| Luxurious Driving | * | * |
| Outdoor/Off-Road | * | * |
Driver Experience | A Summary of The Top 10 Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V Posts:
A review of Reddit posts comparing the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V can be helpful to prospective buyers. Here’s a look at some of the most popular discussions from Reddit: r/whatcarshouldIbuy.
Reliability
Reddit discussions often emphasize the reliability of the Honda CR-V over the Ford Escape. Many users share personal experiences, like one who mentioned their Honda surpassing 200,000 miles, suggesting this company’s vehicles are built to last. Another Redditor, reflecting on their experiences with Ford vehicles, including an Explorer and a Fusion, expressed disappointment in Ford’s long-term reliability. This sentiment led them to consider the CR-V for their next car, highlighting a common perception of Honda’s superior reliability in the automotive community.
Value and Resale
The financial aspect, particularly regarding value and resale, is a significant point of discussion. The Ford Escape often comes up as the more affordable option initially. However, many commenters argue that the Honda CR-V maintains its value better over time. This perception of value retention makes the CR-V appear a more prudent financial choice in the long run despite its higher initial cost than the Escape.
Performance and Functionality
Performance and functionality are less frequently discussed but are still part of the conversation. One user pointed out that the CR-V and Escape have continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which could be a critical factor for potential buyers concerned about drivetrain characteristics. Although specific performance metrics are not extensively mentioned, the talk about CVTs shows this transmission type is a notable comparison point for these vehicles.
Reddit Recap
The Honda CR-V is often favored on Reddit over the Ford Escape, mainly due to its perceived reliability and better resale value. While the Escape is recognized for its lower initial cost and accessible pricing, the CR-V is viewed as a more reliable and financially sound investment over time. Discussions on performance and functionality tend to be less detailed, but the presence of CVTs in both models is a point of interest. Overall, the CR-V’s durability and value retention reputation seem to give it an edge in these online discussions.
Year-by-Year Comparison | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
Best & Worst Years | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V | 2001-2024
The least expensive option in this Ford versus Honda comparison is a 2003 Escape. Buyers should approach this vehicle with a healthy dose of reality. It’s far from perfect, but it at least has a history of reasonable repair expenses.
Stepping up to a somewhat newer Honda means adding the 2005-2006 and 2008-2010 model years to your list and opening your wallet wider. The big benefit is substantially better engine reliability and many more buying options than just one model year.
Shoppers looking for something newer have even more possibilities. Besides the 2016 model year, the Escape gets a green light for examples from 2013 through 2021. There are almost as many possibilities with the CR-V—all editions, except for the 2014 and 2017 model years, get a thumbs up.
I’ll call attention to the undecided years (yellow) only because there isn’t enough information to give these editions a thumbs up or down.
Important Features Timeline | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
Identifying which vehicle received a specific feature and when can be helpful when comparing the Escape and CR-V. For example, a buyer wanting an older car with heated seats can shop for an Escape from as early as 2003 versus 2005 for the CR-V.
A couple of other comforts and conveniences—a driver’s memory system and a power front passenger seat—arrived first in the Escape. Ford also beat out Honda with some safety gear. Parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring debuted in the Escape, not the CR-V. However, Honda can claim bragging rights for being first with lane departure warning and a rearview monitor.
Interestingly, some tech appeared simultaneously in both models. Remote start was introduced in 2008, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became available in 2017.
Maintenance Costs (Year-by-Year Average) | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
It is always advisable to factor maintenance and repair costs into the car-buying equation, especially with a used vehicle. A cheap car isn’t so cheap if it comes with big repair bills.
Overall, the Escape and CR-V have a history of reasonable upkeep costs. Via FIXD surveys, owners reported 2022 spending of an average of $670 for the Escape and $640 for the CR-V. In comparison, these expenses were $588 for Toyota RAV4 owners.
However, examining the data for specific model years uncovers some Escapes and CR-V that aren’t average (and not in a good way). Owners of 2005, 2007, 2014, and 2021 Escapes reporting spend at least 20% above the $670 average. In particular, the $1,000 outlay for the 2021 model year is unusual, but don’t attribute this amount to build quality or mechanical issues. The high total reflects a large expense for body repairs.
CR-V owners who spent 20% or more over the $640 average have 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012 model year examples in their garages.
Review the best and worst years of the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V to learn more about maintenance and repair costs for these vehicles.
Safety Rating Comparison | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
As mentioned, the Escape and CR-V are mainly used for family transportation, so good safety scores are essential. For the most part, the Escape and CR-V meet the standard, with 4.0 out of 5 being the minimum for a good safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The explanation for 2011 and 2012 will come shortly.
While older (pre-2011) Ford Escapes meet the 4.0 standard, most CR-Vs from the same period do better (4.6 or above). Buyers hyper-focused on safety should be aware of this distinction. Escape and CR-V safety scores became more balanced after 2012, making safety less of a separator among the more recent model years.
What’s the deal with the 2011 and 2012 model years? Starting with the 2011 model year, NHTSA introduced more stringent testing standards, causing some models (the Escape and CR-V included) to perform poorly in the new assessments.
The new requirements weren’t a surprise, but many automakers chose to ride things out until a new generation was ready. Honda launched the fourth-generation CR-V for the 2012 model year, while Ford rolled out the third-generation Escape for 2013.
More details about crash test safety scores are covered in the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V articles.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison | Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
Decent fuel economy is appealing for compact crossovers like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. At the start of the 21st century, 20 mpg was a reasonable fuel economy expectation for vehicles in this category. But periodic spikes in oil prices and government mandates meant the automakers had to do better.
The chart (for gas-powered Escapes and CR-Vs) shows a steady improvement in fuel economy over the past two decades. Now, 25-30 mpg is the standard. Interestingly, both automakers took similar approaches to squeeze out greater efficiency.
For 2017, Honda introduced a small 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the CR-V. Initially an upgrade, this powerplant is now standard on newer non-hybrid CR-Vs. Ford also introduced a 1.5-liter turbo with the redesigned 2020 Escape, but this engine only has three cylinders.
However, despite its best efforts, Ford’s approach to fuel economy for the Escape still falls short of what Honda does with the CR-V, a fact shown across every model year in the chart.
However, Ford’s work with hybrids is superior to Honda’s. The Blue Oval enabled the Escape to approach the 30 mpg threshold almost 20 years ago with a hybrid system. The Escape Hybrid was available through 2012. Ford dropped the hybrid at this time as the conventional engine in the new third-generation Escape improved its fuel economy.
Ford resurrected the Escape hybrid, and Honda added hybrid power to the CR-V for the 2020 model year. Vastly improved technology enables both automakers to approach or cross the 40 mpg milestone with their compact crossovers.
Methodology
- Compare two vehicles, the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V, and provide a comprehensive analysis.
- Gather relevant information and data on both vehicles from reliable sources, such as manufacturer specifications, expert reviews, customer feedback, industry reports, and data sources like manufacturer websites, FIXD App, Kelley Blue Book, FuelEconomy.gov, and NHTSA.
- Collect data on various aspects, including performance, safety features, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, reliability, owner satisfaction, and market value.
- Identify the key criteria that will be used to evaluate and compare the two vehicles.
- Ensure the criteria cover both objective factors (such as performance metrics, safety ratings, and fuel efficiency) and subjective factors (such as owner satisfaction, comfort, and features).
- Examine the safety features and ratings of both vehicles.
- Evaluate crash test ratings, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), active and passive safety features, and any notable recalls or known issues related to safety.
- Consider both NHTSA safety ratings and IIHS awards for a comprehensive safety assessment.
- Analyze the fuel economy of both vehicles based on EPA mileage estimates.
- Compare their MPG ratings, average full-tank range, and any significant differences in fuel efficiency.
- Assess the average annual maintenance and repair costs for both vehicles.
- Consider data from surveyed owners and other reliable sources, such as FIXD App owner surveys, to determine the overall cost of ownership over time.
- Evaluate the reliability of both vehicles based on owner reports, FIXD App data, and any known issues or recalls.
- Consider factors such as engine reliability, common problems by model year, long-term durability, and owner reliability scores gathered from surveys.
- Consider owner satisfaction by gathering information from forums, online communities (Reddit: r/whatcarshouldIbuy), customer reviews, and owner reliability scores.
- Summarize key factors that owners appreciate and any common complaints or drawbacks mentioned by owners.
- Compare the features and technologies offered by both vehicles.
- Highlight any notable differences in terms of infotainment systems, connectivity options, driver assistance features, interior quality, and available upgrades.
- Assess the market value and depreciation of both vehicles.
- Compare average prices, resale value, and how the vehicles hold their value over time.
- Consider average private-seller valuations from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) for a comprehensive assessment.
- Summarize the findings of the comparison, highlighting the positives and negatives of each vehicle.
- Provide a fair and balanced recommendation based on the comparison, considering factors such as budget, personal preferences, specific needs of the buyer, and the comprehensive analysis conducted.
Sources:
- KBB Values: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov.
- Annual Maintenance/Repairs: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Ford Escape and Honda CR-V owners.
- Safety Ratings: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph. We also collected IIHS Awards for this
article.
Dave Goldberg is an automotive journalist and lifelong car fanatic. He writes for numerous enthusiast and business outlets and is an ongoing contributor to HotCars.com, one of the most popular car culture websites. When he’s not writing or driving, Dave is either under a hood or asleep. His credentials include a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University.
