2021 Ford Escape vs Nissan Rogue

2021 Ford Escape vs Nissan Rogue: Performance and Engine Specs

Ford understands that each driver’s needs differ from the last. This is exactly why Ford offers four unique engines in the 2021 Escape:

Engine Option	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-3	181	190
2.0-liter EcoBoost® I-4	250	280
2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid	165	155
2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 plug-in hybrid	165	155

The Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, is very limited when it comes to performance since it only offers one engine. Plus, with only 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, it’s comparable to the baseline motor in the Escape. However, it falls way short of the peak power of the Ford SUV, so you’re sure to notice a difference when it comes to performance.

Bring Your Trailer Along for the Ride

With more torque output, the Escape is better prepared to haul all your essentials.

With a maximum towing capacity of 1,350 pounds when properly equipped, the Rogue can take a small pop-up camper or tiny aluminum boat to the lake for the weekend. The Escape Hybrid is also ready to bring these items on an adventure with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds with either of the hybrid powertrains.

Looking for more brawn? There’s no competition for the maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity of the Escape offers when its available 2.0-liter engine is properly equipped.

With this much muscle in the Escape, you’ll easily be able to haul the following items:

• A couple of jet skis for an unforgettable afternoon on the water
• A lightweight travel trailer for weekend camping excursions
• A few snowmobiles for a mountain escape
• A small aluminum fishing boat for trips with your fishing buddy
• A lightly loaded utility trailer with supplies for small home-improvement projects

Unfortunately, with the Rogue, these items may have to be left behind.

Stay on the Road Longer

In addition to more powerful engine options, the Ford Escape has better fuel economy over the Nissan Rogue.

When it comes to their baseline motors, these SUVs are evenly matched. The Escape earns an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway when equipped with front-wheel drive, and the Rogue achieving an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway when so equipped.

However, the Escape takes it a step further with two hybrid options. The 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid motor uses part-time electric drives to create an EPA-estimated 44 MPG city and 37 MPG highway, helping you make less frequent gas station stops, even during lengthy road trips. 

Want to travel even more miles? Then opt for the plug-in hybrid option. It’s even better on the environment and makes use of more electric to provide you with a stellar EPA-estimated 105 MPGe combined. The Rogue is only available with a gas powertrain, so there’s no option to enhance your fuel economy or lend a hand to the environment.

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Ford Escape vs Nissan Rogue: Interior Features

When you get a vehicle with a great blend of dynamic performance and efficiency, you’ll want to maximum your time spent behind the wheel. Therefore, it’s important you have the proper amount of space for you and your fellow adventures to enjoy.

The cabin dimensions of the 2021 Ford Escape vs. Nissan Rogue are similar, so you’re sure to have a roomy ride no matter which SUV you select:

	Ford Escape	Nissan Rogue
Front Headroom	40 inches	41.1 inches
Rear Headroom	39.3 inches	39.2 inches
Front Legroom	42.4 inches	43.3 inches
Rear Legroom	40.7 inches	38.5 inches

As you can see, even taller drivers and passengers will enjoy the expansive cabins these vehicles provide. If you’re going to be in traffic when commuting, though, you may as well be able to sit comfortably. For that very reason, the Escape interior offers seating configurations the way you and your passenger like.

With the Escape, you’ll have access to a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and recline. Choose from an array of seating positions to find the best one to keep your supported throughout your trek. The Rogue, on the other hand, only allows the driver to adjust their seat eight ways, so you may not be as comfortable.

Pack It All In

Despite similarities in interior dimensions, when it comes to cargo space, you’ll find there’s a clear difference. The Rogue offers 36.5 cubic feet of room for you to store your camping gear in.

But if you’re looking to squeeze an extra cooler in the rear, you’ll be happy to find a maximum of 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row in the Escape.

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Escape vs Rogue: Advanced Technology Features

As you relax into your spacious cabin, you’ll want to upgrade your drive with some premium entertainment options. In both SUVs, you’ll have access to 8-inch center touchscreen displays with smartphone integration so you can have a curated listening experience as you take a road trip or run errands around town.

However, what good is Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ integration without a powerful speaker system?

Standard with just four speakers, the Nissan Rogue fails to keep up with the standard six speakers in the Ford Escape. With the available speaker upgrades, you’ll find six or 10 speakers in the Rogue and the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers in the Escape.

Going the Extra Mile with Convenience

Speaker systems aren’t the only difference when it comes to the Escape vs. Rogue technology features, though. The Escape offers FordPass Connect™ with a Wi-Fi® hotspot, which means you can turn your car into a digital workstation for up to 10 devices.

Want to stay connected to your house when in the car? With the Escape, you can bring your Amazon Alexa skills with you on the go, thanks to Ford+Alexa. It lets you connect directly with your at-home Alexa—something that can’t be done inside the Nissan Rogue.

Want to make sure the lights are on in your house before you get home from work? Just ask Alexa to enable your supported Smart Home devices. When you pull into your driveway, your house will already be illuminated by speaking into your car.

Unfortunately, this type of convenience isn’t found in the Rogue since it doesn’t offer Amazon Alexa integration.

Built to Keep You Safe

In addition to ample entertainment technology, the 2021 Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue offer plenty of safety assistance. To help you stay completely alerted on the ever-changing road ahead, these SUVs come standard with the following:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Measures the distance between your SUV and the car ahead, alerting when you’re following too closely. If needed, it applies the brakes to help avoid a frontal collision.
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of other vehicles traveling in your side blind zones so you know when to make a lane change. As you back out of a parking space, it can alert you to approaching cars so you can reverse with confidence.
• Lane-Keeping System: Detects unintentional sway and applies gentle steering corrections as needed to stay firmly within your lane.

With these systems by your side, you’re sure to feel protected, even with your little ones in the backseat.

When it comes to parking though, you may prefer the Active Park Assist 2.0 the Escape offers. This system allows you to sit back and ease into spots. Parallel and tight parking maneuvers won’t be as simple with the Rogue, though, since a comparable system isn’t available.