2016 Ford Escape vs 2016 Nissan Rogue

Ford Escape: The History

Originally released in 2000, the Ford Escape is a compact crossover vehicle currently in its 3rd generation. It was first developed and released through a joint effort by Ford and Mazda Japan. Early incarnations of the Escape were fairly reminiscent of the Mazda Tribute – Mazda’s version of the small SUV. However, the two models shared only the same underpinnings, which were constructed from the Ford CD2 platform, and were based on Mazda GF underpinnings, as well as the same floor and roof panels. The two cars also shared powertrains, which were supplied by Mazda with respect to the base model inline-four engine. Ford did, however, provide the option to upgrade to a V6. More importantly, this first incarnation of the Escape is notable for being the first SUV to offer a hybrid drivetrain option.

In 2007, the 2nd generation of the Ford Escape was released. Ford did most of the engineering for this iteration, as opposed to the collaborative approach used in previously developing the crossover. The Escape received a 3rd generation in 2012, while the Tribute was not so lucky, and its production ended in 2011. In effort to make the Escape follow Ford’s ‘Way Forward’ strategy, the Escape’s production was merged with European exclusive, the Ford Kuga. The decision to merge the production of the two vehicles aligned with the Way Forward plan of having only one vehicle per segment internationally. In other words, in Europe the Kuga became known as the Escape. In North America, the Escape became the Kuga.
With the history out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the exciting changes that Ford has implemented for the 2016 model year and see how well they stack up against one of the Escape’s fiercest rivals – the Nissan Rogue.

2016 Ford Escape Engine Options

The Ford Escape has several new features fresh for 2016 that allow it to pull ahead of its closest competitors. From 2015 to 2016 the Ford Escape received, not just a slight face lift, but a technological rework, and a refinement of the classic trio of engine options offered — all of which further complement the Escape’s better than average ride and handling. These engine options include a 168-hp 2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, for 170lb-ft of torque, though, the entry level engine remains FWD only. Other options include Ford’s EcoBoost 178-hp 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder and the EcoBoost 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder which both come with options for either FWD or AWD. On average, the Ford Escape gets great gas mileage for being a small SUV – with averages of around 10.23 L/100 KM, and 7.35 L/100KM highway, although AWD options do lower this efficiency slightly. The new 2016 Escape also reaches a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and Class II Trailer Tow Package, which is just one of the packages that come available for the Escape. Another new addition is the ‘active grill shutters’, which were designed to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency.

2016 Nissan Rogue Engine Options

After debuting in 2008 as a replacement for the Nissan X-Trial, the Nissan Rogue is now in it’s second generation, which was released in 2014. Because of this recent redesign the Rogue didn’t see many exterior changes from 2015 to 2016, aside from a deepening of the chrome V on the nose of the crossover. The rear of the car also was raised a bit, while the front was lowered. Additionally, the new Rogue received LED headlights, the mirrors received signal lights, and a large glass sunroof.
There has been only ever been one engine offered for the Nissan Rogue throughout its lifetime. The crossover is powered by a 170-hp, 2.5-liter Four-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While this engine does provide solid gas mileage, at 9.05 – 7.13 L/100KM, or 8.4 L/100KM combined for both FWD and AWD, it is a noisy sacrifice to make. The engine trades road noise and mediocre acceleration for the gas mileage it gets, but the lack of power is definitely reflected in the abysmal towing capacity of the Rogue vs the Escape. The Rogue’s maximum towing capacity for 2016 is only 1000 pounds, whereas the Escape can pull nearly triple that amount.

Ford Escape Interior Features

The 2016 Ford Escape put a significantly greater emphasis on entertainment and connectivity behind the wheel. Using the new Ford Sync 3, which the Escape is bringing to Surrey for the first time, drivers will have access to a new touchscreen display that is reminiscent of your smartphone’s screen. This new interface has been designed to be easier to use than the previous MyFord Touch system, and guarantees to enhance your ability to communicate and locate information in a more efficient manner than previous infotainment systems have allowed for. To help with this, Ford has even created and employed a One Box Search feature, which makes it much more convenient to look up points of interest or navigation while driving. Some of the options returning from 2015 include a six-speaker audio system (10 speakers available on the Titanium model!), Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, keyless entry, brake assistance, and rear view camera. Other goodies offered for the Escape includes the Active Park Assist system, which will actually park the crossover on its own. There’s also the hands-free lift gate, that allows busy shoppers to be able to simply shake a leg under the rear bumper of the crossover, which will open the trunk door without using a hand.

The Escape provides a significant amount of interior space for passengers and drivers with a competitive amount of cargo space available in the back of the crossover. Offering nearly 70 cubic feet of spaces, with the rear seatbacks folded down, there is plenty of space for virtually anything you’ll need to transport. There is one important note about this, though. The 2016 Escape has reduced the rear-seat padding by about a third to allow the rear seatbacks to fold dead flat. This is an awesome change for loading, but it comes at a tradeoff for back-seat passenger comfort in long haul trips.

Nissan Rogue Interior Features

The Rogue’s major improvements for 2016 primarily took place in the interior. Coming standard with all options includes remote keyless entry, push button start, NissanConnect internet access, a 5-inch infotainment display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an iPod/USB interface, and a four-speaker sound system with auxiliary audio jack. On the SV trim, the Rogue receives automatic headlights, rear privacy glass, and satellite radio. The most premium level receives a 7-inch touch screen, with a navigation system, and Around View camera system. The Rogue also can come with a similar power lift gate that is included with the Ford Escape.

For cargo space, the Nissan Rogue has a max of 70 cubic feet across each trim with all of the cargo seats folded down. With the seats up, the cargo space falls dramatically to 39.3 cubic feet. However, the Rogue does offer a third row of seating, primarily aimed at younger passengers, as full-sized adults will not be able to comfortably fit for long periods of time. The downside to the Rogue’s third row of seating is that choosing this option means the loss of a spare tire. There simply isn’t enough room to accommodate both. Despite this, the availability of a third-row is an edge that the Rogue retains over the rest of the models in the crossover class. The Rogue does take a bit of an advantage for front head and legroom over the Escape, but the Escape has much more room for back-seat passengers.

Nissan vs Ford: Safety Ratings

Both models are rated at 4 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from the US. The Escape and the Rogue actually earned the same scores for both the Front, Side, and Rollover crash tests — a 4 of 5, 5 of 5, and 4 of 5, respectively. The two both also come standard with a tremendous amount of safety features, ranging from unique airbag placement to technological advances to help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. For instance, they both feature rear view cameras, tire pressure monitoring, lane monitoring, forward emergency braking, blind spot warning systems, and the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for booster seats. However, the two differ in a few distinct ways.
Let’s look at the Escape first.

Ford Escape Safety Features

The Ford Escape’s wide variety of safety features starts with something unique to Ford — the MyKey system. Originally designed as a tool for parents to encourage teenagers to drive responsibly, the Ford MyKey system is a revolution in parenting oversight for new drivers. The system allows the owner to program in a restricted driving mode that promotes safe driving. By forcing seatbelts on, limited vehicle top speeds, and lowering the stereo system’s top volume, the MyKey system can prevent unnecessary risks and distractions. Other standard safety options include dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, Ford’s Safety Canopy System side-curtain airbags, head restraints and three-point seatbelts at all seating positions.
Some of the safety technology that Ford has implemented into the 2016 Escape include Ford’s SOS Post-Crash Alert system, which makes notifications in event of a crash. There’s also the Curve Control technology, which automatically slows the vehicle if it’s taking a corner too fast, and the Torque Vectoring system, which automatically applies braking and adds torque to selected wheels for optimal traction and road holding, features available for the Escape.

Nissan Rogue Safety Features

The Rogue also features a wide variety of safety features, and some of them are similar to the features found in the Escape. One such system is the Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control systems, which helps to adjust for over and understeer around turns. This is very similar to Ford’s Curve Control technology, which also helps make micro adjustments for over and understeer around curves. The Rogue also features Nissan’s roof-mounted curtain supplemental airbags with rollover sensors for outboard occupant head protection in each row. The system of airbags is fairly similar to Ford’s Canopy system side-curtain, although the Nissan mounts these to the roof.
Where the Nissan does differ, though, is with the inclusion of a moving object detection system. This alerts the driver when there are moving objects around the car, which enhances safety when pulling out of a parking space or other tight situations. The Nissan also features hill start assist, which allows for greater ease in heavily inclined starts and stops. There is also the Around View, which uses 4 cameras to provide a bird’s eye view of the car. This is a very cool safety feature, and it is fairly reminiscent of the Ford F-150’s 360-degree surround view camera system.

Best SUV for Surrey?

The competition certainly is fierce between the two, but at the end of the day, the Escape simply offers more. The technology included, the power of the engine, and the general comfort of the cabin – both for riding comfort and lack of road noise – make the Ford Escape the clear winner. Even without the 3rd row of seats, the Escape just includes more – like space for a spare tire. Admittedly, the Around View is an awesome feature for the Rogue, and we kind of wish it was available for the Ford Escape, but the Ford does have a large touchscreen display, and much more creature comforts at a lower cost. More importantly, while the Around View in the Nissan Rogue makes it easier to see what’s around you as you park, the Ford Escape can actually parallel park itself for you. Additionally, having the option available in the Ford Escape for a Cold Weather Package, which includes heated front seats, heated side view mirrors, front and rear all-weather floor mats, heated wiper park, and a supplemental heater, make the Ford Escape perfect for the winters of Surrey, British Columbia.
Interested in seeing the Ford Escape for yourself? Visit our contact page or speak to our sales team at 604-239-0323 to schedule a test drive of the Ford Escape today! We’d love for you to see how the Escape can easily handle anything that Surrey can throw at it.