Dodge Nitro vs. Ford Escape Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Escape to the dealership as the Dodge Nitro. The Escape will save you money at the pump compared to the Nitro. As far as gas mileage, the Escape bests the Nitro. Regarding MSRP, the Ford Escape costs almost as much as the Dodge Nitro (though the Dodge Nitro is a tad cheaper). The Dodge Nitro will cost you a bundle in gas every year compared to the Ford Escape.

Utility
The Ford Escape and the Dodge can accommodate the same number of passengers. There's no clear winner between the Dodge Nitro and the Ford Escape in terms of transporting cargo. The Nitro outpulls the Ford Escape by a sizeable margin.

Convenience
You'll definitely have to take the Nitro for a fill-up more often than the Ford Escape because of its tank size and fuel economy.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Dodge Nitro offers a bit more head room than the Ford, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The Dodge Nitro offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Ford Escape does.

Dimensions
Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge than the Ford Escape because of its bigger tank. The Ford and the Dodge Nitro compete for the same parking spaces.

Handling
With their comparable turning circles, the Nitro and the Ford Escape definitely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Dodge's engine is substantially larger than the Ford Escape's. Note that larger engines may use more gas than smaller ones. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Dodge is substantially more powerful than the Ford Escape. The Dodge Nitro packs quite a punch compared to the Ford when it comes to torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly.

Warranty
The Dodge Nitro and the Ford Escape have the same basic warranty.