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When it comes to shopping the compact SUV segment, the 2021 Ford Escape and the 2021 Honda CR-V both make for worthwhile picks. Each offers sleek styling, seating for five, and a long list of interior features. There are a few key differences worth mentioning, though. For instance, the Honda CR-V has more interior space to offer than the Ford Escape. That’s not the only reason to choose the Honda CR-V over the Ford Escape, either.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Touring in a city
2021 Honda CR-V Touring | Honda

The base 2021 Honda CR-V offers a better ride

At the heart of the 2021 Honda CR-V is a 190-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter base engine. Teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that Car and Driver called one of the best available options when it comes to CVTs, this Honda aims to impress with its “refined ride, enthusiastic steering, and strong brakes.” 

The 2021 Ford Escape, on the other hand, isn’t quite as impressive. At least not when you opt for the base model. Standard with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, Car and Driver called the Ford Escape “somewhat grumbly and unrefined.” Fortunately, it can be had with a more spirited, 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but that upgrade is going to cost you.

It also boasts more interior space than the Ford Escape

At first glance, the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape might look similar in size. However, when it comes to interior space, it’s the 2021 Honda CR-V that has the edge. While both vehicles offer a similar amount of headspace for front and rear passengers, the Honda CR-V does offer significantly more legroom for rear passengers. It also offers significantly more cargo volume than the Ford Escape, whether or not you have the second-row seats folded down.

The Honda CR-V has better resale value than the Ford Escape

While you might be shopping for a new vehicle now, perhaps you plan on selling it at some point down the road. It would be wise then to consider the resale value of the car that you end up purchasing. When comparing the resale value of the Honda CR-V to that of the Ford Escape’s, you’ll learn pretty quickly that the Honda CR-V has a better resale value.

CarEdge reports that the Honda CR-V will depreciate 41% after 5 years. The Ford Escape, on the other hand, will depreciate 54% after 5 years, according to CarEdge. If you plan on selling your car down the road and want to make a pretty penny, then it would be smart to choose the 2021 Honda CR-V over the Ford Escape.

But which SUV is the right choice for you?

In the end, the 2021 Ford Escape isn’t a bad compact SUV. It’s just that when compared to the 2021 Honda CR-V, it doesn’t quite have the edge. The Honda CR-V offers a better ride, more interior space, and it retains its value better than the Ford Escape. That’s pretty hard to argue with.

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Section Editor - Sedans & Coupes

Sarah Brennan

Sarah Brennan became an autos content creator in 2015, joined MotorBiscuit in 2020, and now serves as our Sedans & Coupes Section Editor. Inspired by innovation, Sarah scours automotive media, attends car shows, and visits dealerships. She has covered pickup trucks, SUVs, RVs, vehicle maintenance, and automotive technology for our site.

Much of Sarah’s content is inspired by her childhood, as she spent many pleasant rural afternoons exploring car showrooms with her dad. Sarah attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Writing and Political Science.