2021 Ford Edge vs. 2021 Ford Escape Comparison

Compared with the newer SUVs in Ford’s lineup, the Edge’s styling feels stale and outdated. It also sits on an older platform than the larger Explorer and compact Escape.

Outside, the Ford Escape’s smooth curves and handsome profile helps hide its larger footprint (compared with the previous generation, which exited in 2019). Cheap plastics inside knock what would otherwise be stellar cabin design. It’s styling also helps it capture attention from both crossover and sedan buyers.

The Edge’s ride is comfy, but the driving experience is best suited for proficient commuting versus engaged driving. The standard engine provides plenty of power for most buyers, so the ST trim’s more powerful (and pricier) engine may not be worth it.

Beyond the buzzy three-cylinder, the Escape’s gas four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains all deliver smooth, healthy acceleration. Every trim but the base S can now be equipped with a plug-in hybrid variant. The crossover also maintains a decent ride over most road surfaces. The ability to equip hybrid powertrains to the SE and SEL trims is a welcome update for 2021.

SYNC 4A is a superior infotainment system and the large screen now allows the user to multi-task with split-screen capability. The 2021 Edge also adds two more USB ports (one is a speedy USB-C) for a total of four. Rear cargo space is near the top among the competitive set, and legroom in both rows is generous.

The Escape offers plentiful head and legroom, as well as a sliding second-row seat that adds flexibility to both the passenger and cargo space. The front seats are comfy, but could use a longer seat bottom for taller passengers.

When configured with FWD, the Edge is rated to achieve 21 mpg in city driving, 29 on the highway and 23 mpg combined. The AWD model on the loses 1 mpg in city and highway, but returns the same 23 mpg in combined driving. The ST with the six-cylinder gets 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 21 combined. That’s mostly in line with segments rivals, which all offer AWD and average 23 mpg in combined driving.

The Escape’s variety of powertrains deliver a variety of fuel economy readings. The base three-cylinder should deliver up to 30 mpg combined, while the four-cylinder is rated at up to 26 mpg combined. The PHEV powertrain can go as high as 44 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Edge earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All Edge SUVs come with a host of standard driver-assistance features including blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance. All trims but the base SE get adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability and lane centering.

The Escape earned a 2021 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and five stars from NHTSA. Those scores are on top of a solid list of standard safety features in Ford’s Co-Pilot360 system, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition features (new for 2021), blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and high beams.