When it comes to crossover SUV competition, it’s tight. This class of vehicles gets more and more popular every year as El Cajon drivers fall in love with their combination of spaciousness and driveability. How do two of the most popular and affordable compact SUVs — the new Kia Sportage vs. Ford Escape — compare for the 2021 model year? Find out with Kearny Mesa Kia.

Kia Sportage vs. Ford Escape: Performance

When doing a crossover comparison between the Ford and Kia you’ll find similar performance features and stats. The main difference is that the Kia offers them for a lower MSRP than the Ford. The two come up even with 181 horsepower. The Escape does have a 3-cylinder engine instead of the 4-cylinder on the Sportage. While this gives the Ford Escape a slightly better fuel economy, reviewers like Car & Driver call the Escape’s performance “somewhat grumbly and unrefined.” Take a look at the performance numbers in our crossover SUV comparison: 

Kia Sportage: Key Performance Specs

• Base 2.4L 4-cylinder engine
• 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-estimated 23 city/30 highway mpg

Ford Escape: Key Performance Specs

• 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine
• 27 city/33 highway mpg

If you want a sportier, more enjoyable driving experience in La Mesa, you can upgrade the Sportage with a turbocharged 2.0L engine that generates 240 horsepower and up to 260 lb-ft. of torque. The power boost barely drops the fuel economy; the Turbo option gets 20 city/28 highway mpg. 

Kia Sportage vs. Ford Escape: Warranty Coverage

When you’re doing a crossover SUV comparison, you definitely want to take a close look at the warranties, especially if you intend to keep your SUV for many years. It might not be as exhilarating as thinking about turbo power, but it could mean keeping that engine in great shape for years to come. Kia knows how important this is to Chula Vista drivers, and that’s why they have the industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty program that includes limited basic, limited powertrain, and limited anti-perforation warranties, along with roadside assistance and a trip interruption program. When it comes to Ford or Kia, Ford’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty is no comparison, and it lacks many of the extra perks like roadside assistance and other perks like assistance, towing, or travel coverage. Take a look at the Ford and Kia warranty details: 

Kia Warranty Coverage

• 10-year/10,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty
• 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan

Ford Warranty Coverage

• 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty

Find Your Crossover Comparison Winner at Kearny Mesa Kia!

Get into a winning 2021 Kia Sportage at Kearny Mesa Kia! Contact us to get to know this top-notch crossover SUV comparison-winner better. We’d love to show you the 2021 Kia Sportage interior — we know you’ll be surprised at how well-appointed an affordable SUV can be!

* Model listed is a 2020