2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2026 Nissan Rogue often comes down to whether you prioritize efficiency and a slight power edge or space and simplicity in operation. Both are front-wheel-drive crossovers starting right around $29,000, with the Rogue kicking off at $29,090 versus the Escape's $29,515. However, the Rogue offers a punchier 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Escape’s 180 hp and 199 lb-ft. On the fuel front, the Rogue also pulls ahead, boasting a combined 32 MPG compared to the Escape's 30 MPG. Despite its efficiency edge, the Escape is the more spacious utility choice, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room versus the Rogue's 31.6 cu ft. This comparison really boils down to whether that extra 5.9 cu ft in the Ford is worth sacrificing the Nissan's superior power-to-economy balance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 32 MPG.
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape is better for families because it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 37.5 cubic feet.
2026 Nissan Rogue
Enthusiasts will prefer the Rogue as it provides 21 more horsepower and 26 more lb-ft of torque than the Escape.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue offers better performance metrics (201 hp vs 180 hp) for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $29,090.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the Escape provides 37.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer a traditional feel since the Escape uses an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT.
- You want slightly better maneuverability in tight spaces, as the Escape is 2.9 inches shorter in length.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, given the Rogue's leading 32 MPG combined rating.
- You want better acceleration thanks to the Rogue's 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Rogue sits 0.5 inches higher in height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 183.0" |
| Width | 74.1" | 72.4" |
| Height | 66.0" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 420.5/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2026 Nissan Rogue.
Which crossover is more powerful, the 2025 Ford Escape or the 2026 Nissan Rogue?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is noticeably more powerful, producing 201 horsepower compared to the Ford Escape's 180 horsepower. This 21 hp difference also translates to 225 lb-ft of torque for the Rogue versus 199 lb-ft for the Escape.
How does the cargo space compare between these two compact SUVs?
The 2025 Ford Escape wins significantly in storage, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2026 Nissan Rogue offers less space for gear, maxing out at 31.6 cubic feet.
Is the 2026 Nissan Rogue more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
Yes, the Rogue has a slight edge in efficiency across the board. Its highway rating is 36 MPG, better than the Escape's 34 MPG, and its city rating is 29 MPG versus the Escape's 27 MPG.
What is the main difference in how these two vehicles drive?
The Escape uses a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer for consistent shifts. In contrast, the Rogue utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Are both models premium priced similarly?
Yes, they are very close in starting price, with the 2026 Rogue starting at $29,090 and the 2025 Escape starting at $29,515. Both require regular unleaded fuel.
If I prioritize standard dimensions for parking, which one is better?
The 2025 Ford Escape is slightly easier to maneuver in tight spots as it is about 2.9 inches shorter in length (180.1 inches vs 183.0 inches) and slightly narrower than the Rogue.
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