Not only are they in different size classes, but the 2022 Ford Edge and 2022 Ford Escape are strikingly different to drive. Here’s how they compare.
2022 Ford Edge
2022 Ford Edge Starting Price: $34,905 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Plenty of space for passengers; fun to drive; standard all-wheel drive; sporty ST variant.
Below Average: Interior quality a bit lacking; not much off-road prowress.
Consensus: A 2-row midsize crossover, the 2022 Ford Edge has plenty of space for five passengers and good driving manners. There is an off-road package, but despite its standard all-wheel drive, the Edge is not meant for serious duty in the wilderness.
2022 Ford Escape
2022 Ford Escape Starting Price: $25,555 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Numerous engine options, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid; good standard features; spacious for its size.
Below Average: Not terribly exciting to drive; bland interior; weak base engine.
Consensus: Roomy for a compact crossover, the 2022 Ford Escape offers a choice of engines, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. It’s not terribly fun to drive, however, and the interior is rather plain.
Edge vs. Escape: Performance or Economy
Ford Edge
Unlike a lot of midsize crossovers that try to jam in three rows of seats, the 2022 Ford Edge is designed with just two. This makes for plenty of space for all five passengers in a package that’s a lot of fun to drive. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is spunky, and standard all-wheel drive gives it added grip in all weather conditions. As in the larger 3-row Explorer, there is also a high-performance ST variant, this one powered by a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6. The ST also includes an optional sport-tuned suspension and grippy tires for more driving excitement.
Inside, at least in the base trim, the Edge is a little plain, and the quality could be better. Space is good, including plentiful legroom, but there’s nothing particularly special about it. Upper trims improve a bit with such things as leather seats, satin accents, and ambient lighting. Cargo space is about average for a midsize crossover, with 73.4 cubic feet when all seats are folded.
Standard features are plentiful and include 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Infotainment comes via a 12-inch vertical screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi capability, and a 6-speaker audio system. Safety features include the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision assist, and a back-up camera.
Upper trims include the 400-hp V6, leather seating and a premium audio system in the Titanium trim. An Adventure package adds more of an off-road vibe without actually improving the Edge’s ability.
Ford Escape
The best thing about the 2022 Ford Escape is that it’s offered with four engine choices, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The worst thing is that the lower trims get a weak 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine. Couple that with a ride focused primarily on comfort and the Escape isn’t terribly fun to drive.
The 3-cylinder engine is the only choice in the lower two trims, while the SEL is eligible for the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo with considerably more juice. Most trims can be equipped with all-wheel drive, although the base S trim and the plug-in hybrid are front-drive only.
Inside, the Escape is impressively roomy for a compact crossover, with 40.7 inches of maximum rear legroom and comfortable seats. The interior is rather bland, and we would strongly suggest avoiding the base S trim, which lacks not only Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration but has a rather ludicrous 4.2-inch infotainment screen. Base safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.
Only $2,000 more gets you the SE trim with keyless entry, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as optional all-wheel drive. Above that, the SEL adds simulated leather upholstery, the option of the larger engine, more safety features, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
The hybrid trims are equipped similarly to their gasoline counterparts and both make 200 horsepower. The regular hybrid returns 44 mpg in the city, and the plug-in makes an impressive 105 MPGe along with a 37-mile battery-only range.
Similarities
Warranty; 5-passenger seating; choice of engines; roomy cabins; NHTSA 5-Star safety.
2022 Ford Edge Advantages
More fun to drive; sporty ST variant; cargo space; standard all-wheel drive.
2022 Ford Escape Advantages
Lower price; optional hybrid and plug-in hybrid; fuel economy.
Which One is Right for Me?
If you want a practical SUV that’s powerful and fun, the 2022 Ford Edge has plenty of oomph even with the base engine, and the V6-powered ST trim takes it to a whole new level.
The 2022 Ford Escape doubles down on fuel economy. It may not be the most exciting thing to drive, but the Escape is sized well for urban living, while also providing good space for passengers.
Ready to buy a Ford Edge or Ford Escape? Shop for one on sale now near you.
| 2022 Ford Edge | 2022 Ford Escape | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo I4 | 1.5-liter turbo I3 |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 24 mpg (21 city/28 hwy) | 31 mpg (28 city/34 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.7-liter turbo V6; 7-spd automatic | 2.0-liter turbo I4; 2.5-liter I4 hybrid; 2.5-liter I4 plug-in hybrid; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 106.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 188.8 inches | 180.5 inches |
| Width | 75.9 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 68.3 inches | 66.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.2 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.3 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 40.6 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.3 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.5 inches | 56.0 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 113.9 cubic feet | 104.0 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 39.2/73.4 cubic feet | 33.5/65.4 cubic feet |