If you need something bigger than a car but don't want to fully commit to an SUV, consider getting a crossover. These vehicles offer the benefits of cars by creating a comfortable, spacious interior for passengers and promoting better handling. They also have the toughness of SUVs, as they're able to handle driving conditions ranging from urban streets to off-road trails.
Of course, not all crossovers are built equal. Here at Sioux Falls Ford, we're here to make your decision easier by comparing the 2023 Ford Escape to the 2023 Nissan Rogue. Read on to learn about their trim levels, engines, and more to discover which vehicle is right for you.
Trim Levels
The 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Nissan Rogue are available in various trims to accommodate different budgets and driving preferences. The basic, stripped-back models are more affordable, while the more expensive models come with premium features. It might be easier to customize your vehicle if you choose the Escape, as it offers seven trims in comparison to the Rogue's five trims.
The Escape also comes out on top if you're looking for the most affordable option. If you're okay with getting only the essentials, consider the 2023 Ford Escape Base. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $27,500, which is a little cheaper than the basic 2023 Nissan Rogue SV's MSRP of $29,050. If you get the Escape, you can make your purchase even more affordable with the help of Sioux Falls Ford's financing center.
Engine
The 2023 Ford Escape has multiple engine options to help you customize your vehicle's performance. Eco-friendly drivers tend to pick the 2.5-liter I-4 hybrid engine, as it uses regenerative braking to boost efficiency. Another option that prioritizes the environment is the plug-in hybrid version of the same 2.5-liter I-4 engine. You can charge the vehicle by plugging the Level 1 Mobile Power Cord into any standard 120-volt outlet. It offers impressive acceleration while optimizing range. Even if you don't go with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid engine, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is an efficient option thanks to direct injection and turbocharging.
One can also appreciate the 2023 Nissan Rogue's 1.5-liter engine, as it's the world's first variable compression turbo engine. It uses an advanced multi-link system to adjust the compression ratio based on your acceleration. It also features a continuously variable transmission to reduce internal friction, improve fuel efficiency, and shift between gears more easily. The problem is that this engine is only available across the five Rogue trims, leaving you unable to customize the performance you get from your vehicle.
Performance
If you frequently drive in the city, you'll appreciate the 2023 Ford Escape's Auto Start-Stop Technology. This feature is available on all EcoBoost engines and works to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Another desirable performance feature of the Escape is All Wheel Drive (AWD) with AWD Disconnect, which involves the system deactivating AWD when it's not necessary and implementing front-wheel drive instead. Four selectable driving modes give you the power to save fuel, prioritize speed, or navigate normal or slippery roads.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is similar to the Escape in that it has available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It delivers power to the front and rear wheels on challenging roads and switches to two-wheel drive on smooth highways. Additionally, the Rogue comes with five driving modes so you can accomplish anything from increasing off-road performance to driving through snow.
Exterior
The 2023 Ford Escape has a slightly sleeker appearance, as the 2023 Nissan Rogue's roof tapers into a boxier shape in the back. Regardless of the model you pick, different trims come with unique appearances. For instance, the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line has dramatic details like unique body-color exterior accents and ST-Line wheels. The Escape Platinum trim comes with unique features like chrome beltline molding, LED fog lamps, and 19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels. If you opt for the Rogue Midnight Edition trim, you can expect dark details like a black V-Motion grille, black bumpers, and a black rear diffuser.
Interior
The 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Nissan Rogue comfortably seat five passengers and provide adequate legroom for everyone. If you get the Escape, you can take advantage of up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Your passengers can make themselves comfortable thanks to the sliding second-row seats, and the 60/40 split-fold seats make it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo. The Rogue offers up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the second-row seats, which you can do by using the motorized lever in the cargo area.
Comfort and Convenience
The available liftgate with the Rogue works by kicking your foot under the rear bumper, while the Escape's available liftgate is accessible with buttons on the liftgate key, key fob, and inside your vehicle. Available comfort features for both of these models include Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and panoramic roofs.
If you choose the Escape, you can take advantage of the exclusive FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot and SYNC 4, which allows you to use your smartphone to connect to the people and places that matter to you. Additionally, the escape has an available Bang and Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers.
Safety
Considering that crossovers tend to be family cars, it makes sense that the Escape and the Rogue prioritize your safety. The Escape's suite of safety features is particularly impressive as the available 360-degree camera system gives you a clear view of your vehicle's surroundings. You'll also appreciate Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology with Active Park Assist 2.0, Pre-Collision Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Lane Keeping System, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking.
Thanks to this guide, you should have a better understanding of the 2023 Ford Escape versus the 2023 Nissan Rogue. We might be a little biased, but the 2023 Ford Escape clearly wins in categories like customizability, eco-friendliness, and comfort. If you want to learn more about this model contact Sioux Falls Ford today. Our team is eager to help you pick the trim level that suits your preferences and schedule a test drive at a time that works for you.