New 2026 Ford Escape vs Honda CR-V

It’s a subcompact crossover SUV competition—and it's taking place right here at Bolton Ford! 

The 2026 Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V are prime contenders for new SUV shoppers. Both crossovers offer reliable performance and comparable technology. However, our Ford dealership knows that the 2026 Escape is the true standout, and we’re going to prove it to you. Today, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the new Ford Escape and Honda CR-V to help you on your SUV-shopping journey. 

Performance & Capabilities

The 2026 Ford Escape offers premium engine performance that leaves the new Honda CR-V in the dust!

With a choice of five powertrain combinations, the 2026 Escape lineup leads the charge in versatility. Whether you’re interested in a powerful gas model like the 2.0L EcoBoost® or an efficient hybrid like the 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid, there’s a new Escape for you. 

The 2026 Honda CR-V lags behind in performance and trim options, offering only two powertrain choices, both with less horsepower and towing capacity than the Ford. 

Pop open the hood and see for yourself!

Engine Specs – 2026 Ford Escape

• 1.5L EcoBoost®

• Engine type: 1.5L Ti-VCT GTDI I-3

• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or optional AWD with AWD Disconnect

• Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Transmission

• Horsepower: 180 hp 

• Torque: 199 lb-ft 

• Towing: 2,000 lbs

• 2.0L EcoBoost®

• Engine type: 2.0L Ti-VCT GTDI I-4

• Drivetrain: AWD with AWD Disconnect

• Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Transmission

• Horsepower: 250 hp

• Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

• Towing: 3,500 lbs

• 2.5L Hybrid

• Engine type: 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid

• Drivetrain: AWD with AWD Disconnect

• Transmission: Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)

• Horsepower: 192 hp (combined)

• Torque: 155 lb-ft 

• Towing: 1,500 lbs

• 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid

• Engine type: 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Plug-In Hybrid

• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

• Transmission: Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)

• Horsepower: 210 hp (combined)

• Torque: 155 lb-ft 

• Towing: 1,500 lbs

Engine Specs – 2026 Honda CR-V

• 1.5L Turbocharged Engine

• Engine type: In-Line 4-Cylinder with Turbocharger

• Drivetrain: 2WD or optional Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ 

• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Horsepower: 190 hp 

• Torque: 179 lb-ft 

• Towing: 1,500 lbs

• Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain

• Engine type: In-Line 4-Cylinder

• Drivetrain: 2WD or optional Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ 

• Transmission: Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)

• Horsepower: 204 hp (combined)

• Torque: 247 lb-ft 

• Towing: 1,000 lbs

Gas & Hybrid Fuel Efficiency – Near Beaumont

Fuel efficiency is a top priority for many crossover SUV buyers, and the 2026 Ford Escape and Honda CR-V are fierce competitors. 

When it comes to gas power, the 2026 Escape offers more fuel efficiency on the highway, while the CR-V takes the lead in the city. While the Honda CR-V hybrid has a higher overall fuel economy, the Escape hybrid offers a more efficient AWD hybrid model. And of course, the 2026 Escape stands alone with the innovative efficiency of its plug-in-hybrid model.

Explore each SUV’s fuel efficiency to find the right fit for your next adventure!

Fuel Efficiency – 2026 Ford Escape

• 1.5L EcoBoost®

• FWD: 27 city /34 hwy / 30 combined MPG

• AWD: 26 city /32 hwy / 28 combined MPG

• 2.0L EcoBoost®

• AWD: 23 city / 31 hwy / 26 combined MPG

• 2.5L I-4 Hybrid: 

• AWD: 42 city / 36 hwy / 39 combined MPG

• 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid: 

• FWD: 101 combined MPGe and 

• Range: 37 miles

Fuel Efficiency – 2026 Honda CR-V

• 1.5L Turbocharged Engine

• 2WD: 28 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined MPG

• AWD: 27 city / 31 hwy / 29 combined MPG

• Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain

• 2WD: 43 city / 36 hwy / 40 combined MPG

• AWD: 40 city / 34 hwy / 37 combined MPG

Interior Size & Dimensions

Everyone could use more space, whether you’re a Lafayette parent or a Sulphur commuter. 

The 2026 Ford Escape offers an ultra-comfortable cabin complete with a heated 10-way power driver's seat. Drivers and passengers can stretch out with over 40 inches of legroom in both the front and rear rows. 

The 2026 Honda CR-V offers more overall passenger room than the Escape. However, the Ford SUV provides a more spacious rear row with superior headroom, hip room, and shoulder room than the Honda SUV. 

Step inside and find the best new SUV for your trips near Louisiana!

2026 Ford Escape – Interior Dimensions

• Passenger capacity: 5

• Passenger volume: 102.2-104 cu ft

• Leg room (in.)

• Front: 42.4

• 2nd row: 38.9-40.7

• Headroom (in.)

• Front: 40.0  

• 2nd row: 39.3 

• Hip room (in.)

• Front: 55.2

• 2nd row: 53.3

• Shoulder room (in.)

• Front: 57.6

• 2nd row: 56.0

• Cargo volume (cu ft)

• Behind front: 60.8-65.4

• Behind 2nd row: 34.4-37.5

2026 Honda CR-V – Interior Dimensions

• Passenger capacity: 5

• Passenger volume: 143.8-150.3 cu ft

• Leg room (in.)

• Front: 41.3

• 2nd row: 41.0

• Headroom (in.)

• Front: 40.0 

• 2nd row: 38.2

• Hip room (in.)

• Front: 55.6

• 2nd row: 52.6

• Shoulder room (in.)

• Front: 57.9

• 2nd row: 55.9

• Cargo volume (cu ft)

• Behind front: 76.5 

• Behind 2nd row: 39.3

Audio & Multimedia – Near Orange

If you’ve got a busy lifestyle, you need technology that can keep up. 

The 2026 Ford Escape helps keep you connected on the go with an available 13.2-inch touchscreen, complemented by standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Drivers can also upgrade their Escape with a 10-speaker B&O® sound system.

While the Honda CR-V offers a few more available speakers with its Bose Premium sound system, the Escape offers a better standard speaker system along with much larger available digital displays. 

Explore each SUV’s interior technology and stay connected on your next adventure!  

2026 Ford Escape – Audio & Multimedia

• Touchscreen

• Standard: 8 in.

• Available: 13.2 in.

• Instrument Cluster

• Standard: 8 in.

• Available: 12.3 in.

• Connectivity

• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ 

• FordPass® app with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® Hotspot 

• SiriusXM with 360L 

• Audio System

• Standard: AM/FM stereo with 6 speakers

• Available: B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, 10-Speakers Including Subwoofer

2026 Honda CR-V – Audio & Multimedia

• Touchscreen

• Standard: 9 in.

• Instrument Cluster

• Standard: 7 in.

• Available: 10.2 in.

• Connectivity

• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ 

• Available Wi-Fi® Hotspot Capability

• Available Google built-in

• Audio System

• Standard: 160-Watt Audio System with 4 Speakers

• Available: Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers, including Subwoofer

Looking to customize your vehicle’s cabin? Explore a range of genuine Ford accessories like cargo nets, floor mats, and more—available through our parts department. 

Safety & Driver-Assistance – Near Port Arthur

Ford understands that an enjoyable drive starts with having confidence in your safety systems. 

The 2026 Ford Escape carries on Ford’s exceptional reputation with a robust safety and driver-assistance suite. Its standard safety package helps promote confidence with features like Pre-Collision Assist®, which features Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, and Forward Collision Warning. 

While the 2026 Honda CR-V offers comparable safety features, few manufacturers match Ford’s legacy of reliability.

Take a closer look to see which standard safety features are right for your Lafayette journeys. 

2026 Ford Escape – Standard Safety 

• Pre-Collision Assist® with: 

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) 

• Pedestrian Detection

• Forward Collision Warning 

• Dynamic Brake Support

• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with: 

• Rear Cross-Traffic Braking

• Lane-Keeping System with: 

• Lane-Keeping Assist 

• Lane-Keeping Alert  

• Driver Alert

• Autolamp (Automatic On/Off) Headlamps with: 

• Courtesy Delay

2026 Honda CR-V – Standard Safety 

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)

• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow

• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

• Traffic Jam Assist

• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)

• Driver Attention Monitor

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a few questions about the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Honda CR-V? We’re here to help!

At Bolton Ford, our sales team is dedicated to giving you all the information you need when exploring new Ford models. To make your experience even easier, we’re answering a few of the top questions about the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. 

When we’re done, you’ll be primed and ready to find the best crossover SUV for your needs!

Which costs less, the 2026 Ford Escape or the 2026 Honda CR-V?

The 2026 Escape has a lower starting price of $30,350 MSRP, while the 2026 CR-V starts at $30,920. 

How does the fuel economy of the 2026 Escape compare to the 2026 CR-V?

Both SUVs deliver similar gas-powered efficiency, while the CR-V has a slight lead in hybrid fuel economy. 

• Gas Models – Max Fuel Efficiency (City / Hwy / Combined)

• Ford Escape: 27 / 34 / 30 MPG

• Honda CR-V: 28 / 33 / 30 MPG

• Hybrid Models – Max Fuel Efficiency (City / Hwy / Combined)

• Ford Escape Hybrid: 42 / 36 / 39 MPG

• Honda CR-V Hybrid: 43 / 36 / 40 MPG

How do the interior tech features of the 2026 Escape compare to the 2026 CR-V?

While both new SUVs come with standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, the Escape shines with SiriusXM with 360L and a better standard sound system.

What powertrain options are available for the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Honda CR-V?

The new Ford Escape offers gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, while the Honda only offers gas and conventional hybrid models. 

Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the 2026 Ford Escape or the 2026 Honda CR-V?

The 2026 Escape offers much more towing power for both gas and hybrid trims when properly equipped. 

• Gas Models – Max Towing Capacity

• Ford Escape: 3,500 lbs

• Honda CR-V: 1,500 lbs

• Hybrid Models – Max Towing Capacity

• Ford Escape Hybrid: 1,500 lbs

• Honda CR-V Hybrid: 1,000 lbs

Is the 2026 Ford Escape available at Bolton Ford?

Absolutely. Stop by our Lake Charles Ford dealership to test drive the new Escape. Be sure to check out our new vehicle specials for Ford purchase offers and lease deals. 

Test Drive the New Ford Escape at Bolton Ford

The 2026 Ford Escape earns a decisive victory with premium performance, design, and technology!

Book your test drive by calling (337) 474-0070 or visiting us at  1500 East College Street, Lake Charles, LA 70607.

Why Choose Our Lake Charles Ford Dealership?

At Bolton Ford, we’re committed to delivering a friendly, trustworthy car-buying experience for drivers across Louisiana.

Our Lake Charles Ford dealership features an impressive selection of new Ford vehicles, including the versatile Ford Escape. You’ll also find a dependable used inventory that’s regularly updated with popular brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, GMC, and Nissan.

Once you’ve found the right vehicle for your lifestyle, our knowledgeable finance department is ready to assist. Get started anytime by applying for credit or valuing your trade-in online.

Thank you for choosing Bolton Ford as your trusted Lake Charles car dealership—proudly serving drivers near Sulphur, Orange, Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Lafayette!

DISCLAIMERS:

Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A/X/Z Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A/X/Z Plan.

EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

Including hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. They do not make your vehicle autonomous or replace your responsibility to drive safely. Please only use if you will pay attention to the road and be prepared to take over at any time. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

Calculated via combined performance of the engine and electric motor(s) with peak battery power. The calculations utilize SAE J1349® engine results and Ford electric motor dyno testing. Your results may vary.

Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.

When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.

Actual fuel economy may vary.?

Based on full charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, high-voltage battery age and state of health.

Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

Qi wireless charging may not be compatible with all mobile phones.

Feature availability varies by model.

2.0L engine/AWD. Actual mileage will vary.

Hybrid engine. Actual mileage will vary.

Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.