2010 Subaru Forester vs 2010 Ford Escape Comparative Review

2010 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester, a successful small SUV/wagon since 1998, was redesigned last year. This generation is larger and more similar to all the other car-based compact SUVs out there. It seats five people and has standard all-wheel drive. For 2010, Forester benefits from a revised instrument cluster with easier-to-see colors, and you can choose which interior lamps light when you open a door. The 2010 Forester 2.5X Premium comes with a 10-way power driver's seat, and the optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Besides these changes, the Forester is a carry over from last year. The Forester is dazzling in its sure-footedness and comfortable ride, never once hesitating.

Powering the Forester

Foresters are powered by a choice of 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engines and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged Forester XT has twin cams and boasts 224 horsepower. The XT is more desirable because of its superior power, though it calls for Premium fuel and rates 19/24 mpg. Forester's 16.9-gallon fuel tank can last about 400 miles on the highway. The transmissions come with different all-wheel-drive systems. According to Subaru, the automatic comes with Variable Torque Management, which shifts power to the front and rear axles by monitoring throttle position, battery voltage, generator rpm, wheel speed, brake status, lateral g-force and automatic transmission fluid temperature. The manual Forester has a simple viscous coupling that's reactive rather than proactive. A rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags to protect occupants and prevent their ejection in the case of a rollover.

2010 Forester Design

Where previous Forester models looked more like tall wagons than SUVs, the newer Forester more closely resembles a traditional SUV. The Forester is 179.5 inches long and 70.1 inches wide. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches. Fog lights are optional, and turbo versions are distinguished by a hood scoop that funnels cooling air into the intercooler just under the hood. Forester XT is distinguished by a functional hood scoop. From the rear, the XT has a twin chrome-tipped exhaust and a spoiler over the rear window.

Subaru Forester Cabin

The door openings are large, and the rear window is larger than on the previous Forester. A center armrest is standard for the backseat, and a retractable center tray is optional. The cloth seats come in gray or black, and are on the conservative rather than sporty side. The available perforated leather is a whole new ball game, erasing the almost-frumpy feeling sent by the cloth. Driver visibility is excellent in all directions. The A-pillars were designed to minimize blind spots. The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold flat to make a gigantic cargo area capable of carrying lots of gear. Cargo space measures 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up, 68.3 with the seats flat.

2010 Ford Escape

The Escape is Ford's smallest crossover SUV. Escape was redesigned for 2008. For 2010, changes are minor. It seats five and gains a new self-parking system for 2010. The Escape makes it obvious that it comes from the same family as the Explorer, Expedition, and Excursion with its truck like values.  Ride height and seating position are a bit higher than competitors, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially more than most other vehicles in the class. Still, its smooth ride and agile handling make for enjoyable driving, and its compact dimensions make the Escape easy to park.

Powering the Escape

The new self-parking system handles all the steering required for parallel parking. The driver must still shift the transmission into gear, as well as operate the gas and brake pedals. The driver can also override the system and steer the car if needed. For 2010, the Escape gets MyKey, which allows owners to create settings specific for teen drivers, such as setting a top speed limit, maximum stereo volume and alerts if the driver goes faster than 45 mph.

2010 Escape Design

The Escape looks more like a Ford Explorer now, but with a plunging chrome grille in some trim levels. A raised hood and high beltline may make the SUV look tougher, but they probably don't do much for visibility. The Escape has the air of a conventional, truck-based SUV, with a more rugged look than many other small, sedan-platform sport-utilities. A new step pad on the bumper provides secure footing for anyone who steps up to put something on the roof rack, and the two-piece tailgate is handy. The rear glass can be popped open with the key fob, so dropping small items like a gym bag into the cargo area is much easier than it might be with some competitors, which require hefting the entire gate upward.

Ford Escape Cabin

The Escape seats five in two rows of seats. The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be folded down to increase cargo space. Ford's optional voice-activated Sync multimedia system now includes traffic and weather information. The Escape provides comfortable seating for four, or five in a pinch. Folding the rear seats opens a good sized cargo area with a flat floor, and space behind the seat surpasses that in the trunk of a typical sedan. There are lots of interior storage spaces, the finish is upscale and pleasing, and feature function and switches are among the best.

Conclusions

The Forester and the Escape for 2010 both offer consumers an excellent choice in the small SUV market. The Subaru Forester offers foul weather capability with its all-wheel-drive system and it excels on unpaved roads and in other less-than-perfect driving conditions. Forester is stable and rugged off road, while there are no harsh spots to the highway ride. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard, gives the Forester outstanding traction and capability in foul weather and it's fully equipped with safety features. Forester achieved the best-possible five-star rating in all government crash tests, and a four-star rating for resistance to rolling over. Forester has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Ford Escape engines are all solid performers. Both the four- and six-cylinder engine deliver good response and decent acceleration. The Escape handles well. One reason is the electric power-assisted steering system (EPS), which operates with an electric motor rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine. The Ford Escape is one of the best vehicles in Ford's lineup, and competitive in a crowded field of small sport-utilities, regardless of price. Price wise, the two SUVs are similar: the 2010 Forester has an MSRP of $20,295 - $28,495, while the Escape can be bought for $21,020 - $27,375. Mileage is 20 City / 27 Hwy mpg for the Forester and 22 City / 28 Hwy for the Ford Escape.