There’s something freeing about tossing your tent, gear, and well-worn hiking boots into the back of your SUV and hitting the road without hesitation. This is where the Subaru Forester shines. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 74.4 cubic feet, meaning you can pack that extra cooler without leaving behind the essentials (or the s’mores kit). If your plans involve your son and his friends, keep the rear seats upright and enjoy 110.8 cubic feet of passenger space. Regardless of the cabin configuration, the Forester outpaces the Escape’s 65.4-cubic-foot max cargo capacity and 104 cubic feet of passenger volume.

Got extra gear? The Forester and the Escape come standard with roof rails, but their capabilities are miles apart.

Then there’s the interior. After a muddy hike or an unexpected rainstorm, the Forester’s optional StarTex® water-repellent upholstery makes clean-up a breeze. No more rinsing muddy boots or skipping the roadside ice cream stand to avoid a mess. The Escape, while it does feature partial vinyl and synthetic leather options, lacks a water-resistant material.

Every spontaneous road trip deserves a sidekick built for more than paved paths. The Subaru Forester has standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), ready to adapt to rain-slicked roads and unmarked trails. Meanwhile, the Escape reserves AWD for select higher trims.

For trickier terrain, the Forester offers available X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, fine-tuned to optimize traction on dirt or gravel paths or steep declines. The Escape counters with its Slippery Mode, part of its drive-mode selector, but lacks the specialized grip or control.

Ground clearance tells the same story. The Escape offers 7.4 inches—not bad. But the Forester raises the bar (literally) with 8.7 inches standard, and up to 9.2 inches on Wilderness trim. That can make all the difference when navigating a washed-out trailhead or cresting a rocky incline.

Who knew utility could feel so comfortable? The Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape are designed for comfort, equipping available features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, perfect for jump-starting recovery after a grueling hike. While each model offers this feature, the Forester ups the ante with exclusive available features like:

• Heated rear seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Reclining rear seats

These features might seem like small luxuries, but they add up fast. Whether it's a bit of contrast therapy or a warm back seat that doubles as a cozy retreat during a surprise downpour, these features turn everyday moments into something more special.

Everyone knows one universal truth, regardless of the type of road you're traveling on: Every commute is better with your favorite tunes blasting. The Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape echo this sentiment.

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration (standard or optional) lets you pull up your mellow folk playlist as you head to the office or blast wild and free-spirited classic rock with the windows down. Once your phone is connected, simply utilize the available touchscreen display of more than 11 inches and filter through your library to find the playlist that matches your mood.

When it comes to sound systems, you might have to turn up the volume of your Ford Escape to match the output offered by the Forester. With more speakers in its available Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System, the Subaru Forester delivers a richer, more immersive experience. Think crisper vocals and deeper bass, setting the stage for you to belt out your favorite songs.

Safety is non-negotiable. Thankfully, the Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape reflect this importance as they each come with a standard driver-assist suite. Regardless of your SUV, Subaru EyeSight® and Ford Co-Pilot360™ have sophisticated monitoring technology that scans the surroundings and alerts you to hazards you may have missed.

Brand-specific versions of these features can be found with either model:

• Pre-Collision Braking
• Lane Departure and Sway Alert
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Automatic Emergency Steering
• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering

These similarities aside, the Forester has one key advantage: added assurance from highly reputable third-party sources. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the Forester a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK—a distinction not extended to the Escape.

Your new SUV purchase is a long-term investment. Comparable warranty coverage is offered with the Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape, granting you the added peace of mind needed to venture beyond the known, reassured that each brand has your back.

Once more, the Forester continues to offer more than the Escape. Several third-party organizations have recognized the Forester for its commitment to reliability:

• The Subaru Forester is Consumer Reports Top Pick for the 12th year in a row^*
• 96% of Subaru Forester models sold in the past 10 years are still on the road today^**

Additionally, Consumer Reports named Subaru the Most Reliable and Best Overall Automotive Brand. This kind of track record is more than impressive—it’s reassuring. Without accolades like these to back up the Ford Escape, the choice between these SUVs is clear.