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    Hybrid Face-Off: Honda CR-V vs. Ford Escape

    Do either of these hybrid small SUVs pose a challenge to the Toyota RAV4?

    Honda Escape Hybrid vs. Ford Escape Hybrid
    Ford Escape Hybrid vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid
    Photo: Consumer Reports, Ford

    Both Ford and Honda offer hybrid SUVs that can challenge the elder statesman of the segment, the popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Ford introduced its Escape Hybrid in 2020, looking more like a raised hatchback than an SUV. It has abundant technology, while retaining the fun-to-drive experience the Escape has been known for. Honda’s redesigned CR-V Hybrid arrived this year having grown larger, with more features and an attractive, minimalist cabin.

    More On Compact SUVs

    The two SUVs match up closely in size and price, but they stand out from each other in unique ways. So which one performs better? Which is more enjoyable to drive? Which is easier to live with?
    To answer those questions and more, we took an in-depth look at these two compact hybrid SUVs to compare how they fare in CR’s testing and surveys. There’s a clear winner in this battle.

    We also note which active safety equipment—such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speed, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW)—comes as standard or optional equipment. Then we let you know which car we think is tops.

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    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.