Envision vs Escape
Buick brings the Envision; Ford answers with the Escape. Both play in the compact suv class. Your answer depends on what you value. The Envision does better on engine & performance, and the Escape does better on space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Envision wins
- Space & Practicality Escape wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.5
- Space & Practicality2.4
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Space & Practicality5.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Escape has 49% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the Escape posts 37.5 cu ft against 25.2 cu ft for the Envision, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Envision has 48 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 228 hp for the Envision versus 180 hp for the Escape. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Envision has 59 lb-ft more torque
The Escape lists 199 lb-ft; the Envision comes in at 258 lb-ft. That’s not a rounding error. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Escape has 24% more maximum cargo space
At 65.4 cu ft versus 52.7 cu ft, this is a decisive lead for the Escape, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Envision leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Envision. The Envision wins here with 48 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the Envision gets the nod.
Total system output
Envision: 228 hp Escape: 180 hp The Envision’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Envision: 258 lb-ft Escape: 199 lb-ft The Envision’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Escape leads
In the space & practicality category, the Escape isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Escape brings 49% more cargo space. The Escape’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. For space & practicality, the Escape is the one to beat.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Envision: 25.2 cu ft Escape: 37.5 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Envision: 52.7 cu ft Escape: 65.4 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 1.5L turbo I3 |
| Total system output | 228 hp (winner) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft (winner) | 199 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.2 cu ft | 37.5 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 52.7 cu ft | 65.4 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Envision | Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $38,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Envision if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (228 hp vs 180 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (258 lb-ft vs 199 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Buick
Choose the Escape if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (37.5 cu ft vs 25.2 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (65.4 cu ft vs 52.7 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you’re loyal to Ford and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Envision or the Escape?
There’s no single right answer. The Envision leads on engine & performance and the Escape on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
The Envision against the Escape: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. For me, the deciding factor is that only the Envision gives you 48 hp more power. I don’t want to sell the Escape short, though: it has 49% more cargo space.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the Envision, space & practicality to the Escape.
My pick: decide whether you’d miss engine & performance or space & practicality more, then buy the Envision or the Escape accordingly.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.