2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Ford Escape presented a sleek and attractive design, borrowing elements from the Ford GT supercar. Its curvaceous form marked a departure from the previous model's upright rear end, offering a modern aesthetic that was well-received, though it sacrificed some cargo space. Inside, the Escape featured a contemporary cabin with a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining user-friendly controls. The model lineup ranged from the base S trim with basic features to the luxurious Titanium trim, which included premium touches like a dual-panel moonroof and leather seating.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained a familiar yet distinctive look with sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX's design had not evolved significantly over the years. Inside, the NX offered a radical design with a stepped center console and sport-inspired elements like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery. However, the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury, with plastic switchgear and trim. The NX's interior was functional but lacked the refinement expected from a luxury brand.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of engine options, including a 180-horsepower 3-cylinder engine and a 250-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The hybrid setup delivered 198 horsepower, while a plug-in hybrid variant was also available. The Escape's performance was characterized by brisk acceleration and a sporty feel, especially with the turbo engine. Fuel efficiency varied, with the non-Sport hybrid achieving 44 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering lacked responsiveness. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, and the NX struggled with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The hybrid models had slightly less space. Despite this, the Escape prioritized passenger comfort with ample headroom and legroom, along with practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats down. The NX's design aimed for a sporty feel, but rear visibility was compromised by thick pillars.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base model featured a small 4.2-inch screen, while the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, though its placement was not ideal for taller drivers.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the system felt dated. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The 2020 Ford Escape came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It received a "Good" rating from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with advanced driver aids, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.