Starting at
Starting at
| 30 FWD / 29 AWD | Fuel Economy (combined mpg) | 30 FWD / 28 AWD |
| 74.1 | Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) | 65.4 |
| 8 / 9 | Infotainment (in) | 4.2 / 8 |
Whether you're running errands in town or heading to the beach for your annual summer vacation, a quick look around and you'll easily see half a dozen (or more) compact SUVs on the road. But why are these smaller models so popular among American drivers? It's all thanks to automakers like Nissan and Ford, who deliver exceptional models that are affordable, efficient, and loaded with features. This "trifecta" of the compact SUV segment is exactly what you'll find when you compare the 2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Ford Escape, both of which have a great deal to offer drivers from all walks of life.
The Rogue is Nissan's best-selling model in the most competitive and largest segment in the automotive industry. No pressure, right? Nissan set its sights on leading the crossover segment and completely redesigned the Rogue for 2021. Now boasting a new design, innovative technology, and the reliability of the Nissan brand, the Rogue is truly unstoppable - especially when you consider its affordable starting price of $25,850.*
So, how does the 2021 Escape compare? Although the Ford is priced lower at $24,995 for its base model, that's the only clear advantage the Escape has over the larger and more spacious Rogue. Even then, you'll have to upgrade to the next trim to enjoy many features that come standard on the Rogue. Here's a closer look at those differences and why the 2021 Nissan Rogue easily outshines the 2021 Ford Escape in this battle of compact SUVs.
Designed with adventure in mind, the 2021 Rogue offers all the power and capability you need whether you're cruising the highway, sitting in rush-hour traffic, or navigating a busy city street. Every Rogue in the lineup comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that features a continuously variable valve timing control system that maximizes its power and efficiency. Paired with Nissan's exclusive Xtronic continuously variable transmission, the powertrain delivers all the power you need at 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque that makes the Rogue quick to accelerate and easy to handle.
Adventures aren't limited to dry roads and sunny conditions in the Rogue, and that's thanks to the available intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which helps you confidently steer the Rogue across a variety of terrains. When you're not facing slippery or challenging conditions, the Rogue's two-wheel-drive system is all you need to maximize efficiency and delivers an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
You can further customize the Rogue's performance and handling with five drive modes - Sport, Off-Road, Snow, Auto, and Eco. For a more engaging drive with sharper throttle response and heavier steering, switch over to Sport Mode. When you're venturing off the pavement, Off-Road Mode can easily handle dirt and gravel, while Snow Mode is designed for slippery and wet surfaces. Auto Mode is great for navigating your daily commute, while Eco Mode prioritizes efficiency.
Nissan's Intelligent Mobility technology truly sets the Rogue apart from the Escape with a suite of tools that work behind the scenes to deliver a dynamic driving experience. Intelligent Trace Control helps you navigate tight turns or corners by braking individual wheels. Active Ride Control delivers a smooth ride by adjusting the torque of the engine and applying the brakes to lessen the impact of bumps on the road. Automatic Brake Hold allows you to remove your foot from the brake when you're at a stoplight, while Hill Start Assist keeps the Rogue from rolling backward as you disengage the brake pedal and accelerate.
As for the 2021 Escape, the compact SUV also offers all-wheel-drive and five selectable drive modes, but you won't find anything comparable to the Rogue's Intelligent Mobility technology. Even the Escape's base 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine pales in comparison to the Rogue's larger, 2.5-liter engine that comes standard on every trim. While the front-wheel drive fuel economy of the two SUVs is similar, the Rogue comes out noticeably ahead when it comes to all-wheel drive efficiency.
There's no question that the 2021 Rogue outshines the 2021 Escape in the category of safety and driver-assist technology. The Rogue offers the most standard safety tools in its class thanks to the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite that comes standard on every trim. The suite includes advanced tools like:
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection keeps an eye out for the front of the Rogue and alerts you to potential collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. The system can enhance your emergency braking or apply hard emergency braking to bring the Rogue to a complete stop if a collision is imminent. Rear Automatic Braking works similarly while Rear Cross Traffic Alert notifies you of traffic crossing behind your SUV. Changing lanes is also easy thanks to the Blind Spot Warning, while Lane Departure Warning can help you keep the Rogue centered in its lane.
Nissan also gives you plenty of enhanced tools that are designed to give you greater confidence when you're on the road. Intelligent Driver Alertness technology monitors your steering pattern and can alert you if it senses that your focus is drifting from the road. Intelligent Cruise Control is part of the Rogue's ProPILOT Assist system and actively monitors the speed of the traffic ahead to maintain a safe distance when you're cruising at highway speeds. Other tools include Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Door Alert, and Blind Spot Intervention.
You'll find a few similar features on the 2021 Ford Escape, but the technology isn't as plentiful as the Rogue. The Escape's safety tools are part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite and include some stand-out features like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Lane-Keeping System with Lane-Keeping Assist. You can also add a few additional tools to the suite for an added price. However, no matter how many options you select, the Escape will never have all of the Rogue's standard features.
The 2021 Rogue offers one of the most spacious and comfortable interiors in the segment, thanks to some unique design features that deliver exceptional comfort whether you're in the driver's seat or riding as a passenger. The interior cabin is designed to meet your every need, whether you're hauling kids to and from school or you're making use of the 74.1 cu ft of cargo space. The Rogue can handle it all with six available configurations for what Nissan calls its Divide-N-Hide cargo system. You can even enjoy remote-folding rear seats and a motion-activated liftgate that enables you to open the rear liftgate by kicking your foot under the rear bumper.
Aside from the configurable cargo space, the Rogue is loaded with features that will keep you and everyone else in the SUV comfortable. The remote engine start system allows you to remotely start the engine and set the cabin temperature so that the Rogue is ready and at the perfect temperature when you get behind the wheel. The tri-zone automatic temperature control ensures that every passenger is comfortable throughout the cabin, while the heated steering wheel and heated front seats add a touch of luxury for you and your front passenger. You can even make use of the handy storage bin under the shifter that safely keeps smaller items out of the way but always within reach.
If you're looking for the same level of comfort on the 2021 Escape, you'll have to spend more on a top-tier trim - especially if you want added luxuries like heated front row seats and a power driver's seat. Unlike the Rogue, the Escape only offers dual-zone climate control, leaving your rear-seat passengers without separate temperature controls. The standard 4.2-inch infotainment screen the Ford uses is also incredibly out of date and does not come close to the Rogue's standard 7-inch touchscreen. Beyond that, the interior pales in comparison to the Rogue, especially when you consider the Escape only offers 65.4 cu ft of cargo space, which means less room to haul the items you need when you're on the road.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue and the 2021 Ford Escape are both popular compact SUVs that reflect the automakers' commitment to producing affordable vehicles that are not only reliable but are also loaded with innovative design and technology features. However, there's an obvious winner when you start comparing how the models perform, what safety and driver-assist tools they have to offer, and their designs and available cargo space. These details put the 2021 Rogue lightyears ahead of the Escape.
It's models like the 2021 Rogue that make the team here at Coyle Nissan proud to be your Nissan dealer. When you shop with us, you'll see this pride firsthand as we go to great lengths to deliver an exceptional car-buying experience that puts a smile on your face as you get behind the wheel of the Nissan of your dreams. So, how do we do it?
Unlike the car dealers you see on television, our focus isn't on selling you a vehicle with a gimmick like an "everything must go" sale. Instead, we're here to get to know you and what you need in a vehicle. We'll show you our extensive inventory and help you navigate the car-buying process with the guarantee that we'll get you in a Nissan that you will love.
What's even better is that our work isn't done once the deal is finalized. We're here to help you navigate the entire car-owning experience, and that means offering you a full suite of services right here at the dealership. Whether you need a routine oil change or more complex engine repair, we have you covered. We're here for it all, and that's what makes us the leading Nissan dealer in the area!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
