Both the Corolla Cross and the Escape have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.
Compare the2022 Toyota Corolla CrossVS 2021 Ford Escape


Safety
Warranty
Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corolla Cross for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Escape.
Reliability
A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Corolla Cross’ engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Escape’s camshafts. If the Escape’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 22nd.
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. Ford is ranked 22nd.
Fuel Economy and Range
On the EPA test cycle the Corolla Cross gets better fuel mileage than the Escape:
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MPG |
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Corolla Cross |
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2WD |
2.0 DOHC 4-cyl. |
31 city/33 hwy |
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4WD |
2.0 DOHC 4-cyl. |
29 city/32 hwy |
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Escape |
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2WD |
1.5 Turbo 3-cyl. |
28 city/34 hwy |
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4WD |
1.5 Turbo 3-cyl. |
26 city/31 hwy |
Transmission
The Corolla Cross has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Escape doesn’t offer a CVT.
Suspension and Handling
For better maneuverability, the Corolla Cross’ turning circle is 1.8 feet tighter than the Escape’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.2 feet).
For greater off-road capability the Corolla Cross has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Escape (8.1 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the Corolla Cross to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.
Chassis
The Corolla Cross is 4.9 inches shorter than the Escape, making the Corolla Cross easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
Ergonomics
The Corolla Cross’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Escape and aren’t offered on the Escape S.
For greater rear passenger comfort, the Corolla Cross has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Escape S doesn’t offer rear vents.
Model Availability
The Toyota Corolla comes in sedan, four door hatchback and four door bodystyles; the Ford Escape isn’t available as a sedan or four door hatchback.