Comparison between the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid

If you haven’t purchased a car in a few years, the current market for compact SUVs may surprise you. Many of the most popular models now offer a hybrid “have your cake and eat it” model.

Hybrid compact SUVs offer improved fuel economy. But, unlike hybrids of a few years ago, you don’t have to trade passing power to get it. Many are more powerful than their gas-only counterparts.

The Honda CR-V and Ford Escape have been vying for the attention of compact SUV shoppers for more than two decades. For 2024, each is available in a powerful and fuel-efficient hybrid version.

Let’s take a look at these two crossover SUVs and find the right one for you.

Honda CR-V Hybrid 2024

The Honda CR-V is one of the ten best-selling cars in America so far this year. And last year. And the year – you get the point. Honda’s compact crossover has been the right answer for millions. The CR-V Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient and fastest version. It was completely redesigned for 2023, so the 2024 model needs few changes. Prices start at $33,350.

Honda CR-V hybrid features

Smarter: Objectively, the CR-V Hybrid has a tighter turning radius than the Escape Hybrid. This means that it is easier to handle in a parking lot and at low speeds. Personally, our expert reviewers say, “there’s a balance and agility to how the CR-V Hybrid drives” that many competitors lack. There is nothing wonderful about dealing with escape. It is normal for the category. The CR-V is a little better than usual.

Traffic jam assistance: Will you be using your next car to commute during peak traffic hours? If so, the CR-V Hybrid might be the better choice. Honda’s Traffic Jam Assist system can make steering, acceleration and braking adjustments to keep up with traffic traveling under 45 mph. It’s not completely self-driving – you have to keep your hand on the wheel because it can’t safely handle unexpected traffic situations. But it reduces fatigue significantly, and is standard on all trim levels.

Refined interior: Overall, car interiors have come a long way in just a few years. Even the most basic models in this class have many standard amenities. But Honda’s designers have packaged it better than most competitors. The CR-V Hybrid has an upscale look that’s not exactly luxury-car elegance but suggests it.

Check this week’s Fair Buy Price or see the Honda CR-V Hybrid models for sale near you.

2024 Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape has always been a great, affordable option in this segment. Our expert reviewer says that for 2024, “the easiest powertrain for us to recommend is the four-cylinder hybrid with 192 horsepower and a combined fuel economy rating of 39 mpg. With more power and better fuel economy at a premium Small in price compared to a three-cylinder, the hybrid is a no-brainer if it fits your budget. Your budget will need $33,340 to fit this year.

The Ford Escape isn’t all-new for 2023, but it has received a design update inside and out that puts it at the top of its class. It features one of the most spacious interiors in its class two Hybrid editions. Pricing starts at $33,340.

Ford Escape Hybrid features

Available plug-in hybrid version: Hybrids were the new technology of 2000. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a more useful alternative for model year 2024. They recharge from a wall socket and can travel a set distance on electricity alone before using any gas. The Escape PHEV gets up to 37 miles on its battery alone. This allows many drivers to use it as an electric vehicle for most needs and use gas only on days when they exceed 37 miles. Honda has no equivalent.

Greater towing capacity: If you’re buying a small crossover so you can see traffic, either will do. If you’re buying one for extra power, the Escape makes it even more useful. The CR-V Hybrid’s towing capacity is surprisingly low — just 1,000 pounds. Even small rental trailers can weigh almost that much when empty, so that’s kind of like saying they don’t tow. The Escape hybrid is good for 1,500.

Sliding second row seats: The Escape remains the only compact SUV outside the luxury segments with sliding second-row seats. It does a lot to make the cabin more flexible.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ford Escape Hybrid models for sale near you.

Similarity

These two devices are ten dollars apart in their most affordable form and have the same warranty coverage.

Conclusion

A Honda CR-V Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid can meet your needs as a daily driver, and the $10 base price difference makes the cost irrelevant for many.

The CR-V Hybrid may win for refinement, and its Traffic Jam Assist makes life easier for those stuck in traffic often. But the Escape Hybrid has more useful towing power, and its sliding second row makes its space more flexible.

You may need a test drive to choose between these two.

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