2015 Subaru Forester vs Ford Escape

Price

With a base MSRP of $22,195, the 2015 Subaru Forester is less costly than the base Ford Escape S FWD, which has a base MSRP of $23,450. While all-wheel drive (AWD) is a safe and convenient standard feature in the 2015 Forester, it is unavailable in the Escape S, and optional in other models. This makes the Subaru Forester the better choice for those that like to get off the beaten path and take their vehicle off the road. For the price, the Forester offers more horsepower and torque than the Escape. It provides 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque compared to the Escape's 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Better fuel economy and a higher resale value means that the Forester is a better long term investment. 

Comfort and Convenience

The 2015 Subaru Forester excels in its standard comfort and convenience features. Firstly, drivers will notice that the Lineatronic 6-speed continuously variable electronically controlled manually interactive automatic transmission provides for a smoother ride, with its convenient overdrive and tow/haul/snow modes as optional features. In addition, not only is the Forester longer than the Escape, but it also provides more front headroom, rear headroom, rear legroom, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, passenger volume and cargo volume. The Forester provides 108.3 cubic feet of passenger volume whereas the Escape provides 98.1 cubic feet of passenger volume. Drivers will notice that the Forester is equipped with convenient 60/40 split flat-folding rear seatbacks, a 4.3 inch color display which shows important vehicle information, a 4-speaker audio system with USB ports and Bluetooth®, along with audio streaming with hands-free phone controls. 

Safety and Security

The 2015 Forester also excels when it comes to safety, with its standard all-wheel drive, anti-lock braking system, dual front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, driver's knee airbag, Subaru advanced frontal airbag system, side curtain airbags, rollover sensors, and 3-point center seatbelts. The 2015 Forester received a 5 star front driver crash test rating by the NHTSA compared to a 4 star rating in the Ford Escape. Standard security features include a keyless entry system, antitheft security system, and engine immobilizer. While the Escape provides many of these features as well, it comes at a higher overall cost than the Forester.