Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Escape Review

Utility
The Toyota Highlander's bigger trunk will accommodate more sizeable objects than the Escape. The Toyota Highlander will very likely prove handier than the Ford Escape for those of you with frequent child-cargo.

Dimensions
The Highlander is markedly heavier than the Ford Escape. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Toyota than the Ford because of its larger tank. The Ford Escape rides lower than the Toyota Highlander, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Ford Escape and the Toyota Highlander compete for the same parking spaces.

Convenience
The Ford Escape's fuel tank will need to be replenished slightly more often than the unit in the Toyota Highlander.

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 Toyota to the dealership as the Ford Escape. The Ford Escape won't save you much money at the pump compared to the Highlander. The Escape isn't much less costly than the Toyota Highlander regarding MSRP. The Toyota Highlander is substantially costlier than the Escape in terms of final cost.

Handling
The Ford and the Toyota Highlander have roughly similar tires. With their similar turning circles, the Escape and the Toyota Highlander most definitely handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Toyota Highlander's engine isn't much larger than the Ford Escape's. Torque equals pickup, and the Toyota Highlander will have picked up and gone by the time the Ford finally gets moving. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Toyota Highlander is markedly more powerful than the Ford Escape.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Escape offers a bit more head room than the Highlander, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The Toyota Highlander is not particularly roomier for your passengers than the Ford Escape.

Overview
The Ford Escape and the Toyota Highlander have the same basic warranty.

Other
The Toyota emits fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Ford Escape.