2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Ford Escape

$35,000 · Crossover

$30,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Acura ADX and the 2026 Ford Escape is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the ADX commanding $4,650 more at $35,000 compared to the Escape's $30,350. Performance metrics show the ADX producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the Escape's 180 hp, though the Escape counters with greater torque at 199 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Escape, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the ADX's 28 combined MPG, and the Escape exclusively uses regular unleaded fuel, while the ADX recommends premium. Utility heavily favors the Escape, which offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the ADX's 24.4 cubic feet. Furthermore, the ADX features a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Escape utilizes an 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Escape

The Escape offers superior fuel economy (30 combined MPG) and a lower initial purchase price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Escape

The Escape provides substantially more usable space with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to 24.4 cubic feet in the ADX.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura ADX

The ADX outputs marginally higher peak horsepower (190 hp vs. 180 hp).

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Escape

The Escape offers better fuel economy and significantly more cargo volume for a $4,650 lower starting price.

Choose the Acura ADX if...

Purchasers prioritize a slight horsepower advantage (190 hp) over the competitor.
Budget allows for the $35,000 MSRP and the associated premium fuel recommendation.
The buyer prefers the dimensions of the slightly narrower (72.5 inches) and shorter (185.8 inches) platform.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

Minimizing running costs through regular unleaded fuel usage and better MPG (30 combined) is critical.
Maximum cargo hauling capability is required, given its 37.5 cu ft capacity.
A lower entry cost of $30,350 is the primary purchasing factor.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura ADX	Ford Escape
Length	185.8"	180.1"
Width	72.5"	74.1"
Height	63.8"	66.0"
Wheelbase	104.5"	106.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Ford
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	—
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Ford
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Ford
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/31 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/434.0 mi.	399.6/503.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Ford
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Steering Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Ford
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Ford
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Ford
Front Head Room	38.4 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Ford
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R H	225/65R H
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Ford
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Ford
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Ford Escape.

How does the difference in fuel recommendation impact annual ownership costs?

The 2025 Acura ADX requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded specified for the 2026 Ford Escape. This differential, combined with the Escape's 2 MPG overall efficiency edge, suggests lower operational expenditures for the Escape.

Which vehicle offers superior rear storage capacity?

The 2026 Ford Escape offers significantly greater rear storage, measuring 37.5 cubic feet, which is 13.1 cubic feet more than the 2025 Acura ADX's 24.4 cubic feet capacity.

What is the difference in drivetrain technology between these two crossovers?

The Acura ADX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the Ford Escape employs a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. This results in different acceleration profiles and responsiveness.

Are the dimensions vastly different between these two FWD crossovers?

Yes, the 2026 Ford Escape is notably taller at 66.0 inches versus the ADX's 63.8 inches, and the Escape is also wider at 74.1 inches compared to the ADX's 72.5 inches.

Does the lower horsepower in the Ford Escape translate to a significant power deficit?

While the Escape produces 10 fewer horsepower (180 hp vs. 190 hp), it compensates by producing 20 lb-ft more torque (199 lb-ft vs. 179 lb-ft), which may improve low-end responsiveness despite the lower peak horsepower rating.