Each year new compact SUVs come on the market offering great advantages. This year, two of the best options are the 2022 Ford Escape and the 2022 Kia Niro. These vehicles have so many incredible features that you may have a hard time deciding between the two. However, one car may have certain amenities that best fit your needs and lifestyle preferences. Our expert team at Sioux Falls Ford has compared these two SUVs below to help you decide which one to get.
Performance
A great place to start is by comparing the performance capabilities of these SUV models. For instance, the 2022 Ford Escape has a wide range of powertrain options. The base model has a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 181 horsepower, which you can equip with either a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive system. For more power, you can upgrade to the 2-liter EcoBoost engine with 250 horsepower. If you choose the base model and make no modifications, you can expect to get around 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
As for the 2022 Kia Niro, this SUV uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. These combine to produce 139 horsepower, which is significantly less than the Ford Escape. However, the 2022 Kia Niro makes up for this with improved fuel efficiency ratings: around 53 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. Therefore, the Ford Escape is the better option if you want more power on the road, while those who prioritize fuel efficiency may prefer the 2022 Kia Niro instead.
Interior Space and Comfort
Whenever you're buying a new vehicle, it's important to consider how enjoyable the drive is. Interior space is a huge component of this, alongside features that contribute to a comfortable driving experience. For the 2022 Ford Escape, you'll get a spacious interior that offers plenty of space for all passengers, including 42.4 inches of legroom in the front and 40.7 inches in the rear. Highly textured cloth seats come standard on the base model but you can upgrade this to leather in more premium trims. Finally, you can fold down the rear seats for more cargo room.
The 2022 Kia Niro also offers a comfortable ride. Expect to see a lot of plastic and cloth in the base model, however, which can make for a less than luxurious experience. There are also great features like two-zone automatic climate control, which helps to make for a more comfortable temperature inside. As for cargo space, the rear seats in the 2022 Kia Niro don't fold flat, limiting the maximum amount of cargo space.
Entertainment Features
Both the 2022 Ford Escape and the 2022 Kia Niro offer similar entertainment features. Both have an infotainment touchscreen, which allows you to connect to both Apple and Android devices. Through this infotainment center, you can easily control your media and settings while you drive. It should be noted that the Ford Escape S model doesn't come with this infotainment center, but this feature comes standard on all trim levels above the base model.
Besides the infotainment center, the 2022 Ford Escape comes with remote access via a smartphone app, which allows you to start the vehicle remotely. Other optional additions to the Ford Escape include a premium 10-speaker audio system, a digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display. While the Kia Niro doesn't have these options available, you can opt for a navigational system that helps save battery energy.
Safety Features
As with the entertainment features, the safety features are very similar between the 2022 Ford Escape and the 2022 Kia Niro. Some of the safety features they have in common include:
- Forward collision warning.
- Automated emergency braking.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Lane-keeping assist technology.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
In addition to these features, the Ford Escape also comes with lane-departure warning technology. The Kia Niro, meanwhile, can come with adaptive cruise control capabilities. Finally, it should be noted that the 2022 Ford Escape received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Kia Niro only received four stars.
Trim Levels and MSRPs
Finally, there's the cost to consider. Each vehicle has several trim options to choose from, which impact the features you get and the MSRP. Below are the starting MSRPs for the 2022 Ford Escape and its respective trim levels:
- 2022 Ford Escape S: $26,760.
- 2022 Ford Escape SE: $28,095.
- 2022 Ford Escape SEL: $30,470.
- 2022 Ford Escape Titanium: $36,880.
Here are the MSRPs for the 2022 Kia Niro trim levels:
- 2022 Kira Niro LX: $24,690.
- 2022 Kira Niro LXS: $26,090.
- 2022 Kira Niro LXS Special Edition: $27,590.
- 2022 Kira Niro Touring Special Edition: $29,890.
- 2022 Kira Niro EX Premium: $31,990.
As you can see, the prices are fairly similar between the two vehicles. To pick the trim level that's right for you, think about how much you're looking to spend versus the features you want. Your dealership may also have good deals on a new SUV depending on the season, allowing you to spend less on your dream car.
Which Vehicle Is Right for You?
There's a lot to like about both the 2022 Ford Escape and the 2022 Kia Niro, but one vehicle is likely better for you than the other. If you're looking for powerful engine performance, a more luxurious interior, and extra cargo space, you'll likely prefer the 2022 Ford Escape. On the other hand, if you want to save money on gas and you don't need the extra space, the 2022 Kia Niro may be the better option.
Contact Sioux Falls Ford Today
Are you a Sioux Falls resident who needs help deciding between these two great SUVs? Let our expert salespeople at Sioux Falls Ford assist you. We can answer any questions you may have and help you determine the right features for your needs.
If you decide the 2022 Ford Escape is the vehicle for you, we'll get you started on the paperwork so you can take home your new SUV. You can also check out our new Ford inventory to see which models we have in stock. To get started, please contact us today and schedule a visit to our local dealership.