2018 Nissan Rogue vs Ford Escape

Features & Specs

Engine power

170 horsepower

168 horsepower

Engine torque

175 lb-ft

170 lb-ft

Transmission

Continuously variable-speed automatic

6-speed shiftable automatic

Fuel Economy combined

29 mpg

24 mpg

2018 Nissan Rogue vs 2018 Ford Escape near Upper Darby, PA

If you are looking for the best small crossover SUV on the market, then you know that there are a lot of amazing options out there. This is a highly competitive segment that is filled with options that are not messing around. Two of the standouts in this segment are the 2018 Nissan Rogue and the 2018 Ford Escape. However, it isn't enough to simply have two suggestions. To make it even easier on you, we've decided to compare both of these models in order to figure out which one comes out on top. In order to get started we're going to find out if anything has changed with these models for the 2018 year! The Nissan Rogue has not made any significant changes, besides shuffling around trim levels. This is a good sign for the Rogue, especially considering the popularity that the 2017 Rogue had. On the other side of things, the 2018 Ford Focus has changed a lot for this model year. Some of these changes include a new trim level called the SEL. This trim comes with leather upholstery, a Sync 3 tech interface, and a power liftgate. There is a downside to the changes, as only the top-level Titanium trim is now offered with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Keep reading to learn more about these two small crossover SUVs and find out which one wins!

2018 Nissan Rogue Power & Handling

One thing that truly makes the Nissan Rogue special is the standard, and powerful, engine. This engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that can generate 175 lb-ft of torque and 170 horsepower. This engine comes with Nissan's Xtronic CVT, with driver-selectable modes. Another perk of the Rogue is the fact that you can get either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with this engine. We would also be hard-pressed to not factor in the Rogue Hybrid which is offered, and this engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 that is paired with an electric motor and produces 176 horsepower combined. The same transmission works with this engine option.

2018 Ford Escape Power & Handling

The 2018 Ford Escape has three engines available. The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4 that generates 170 lb-ft of torque and 168 horsepower. Along with this engine, you'll be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and only front-wheel drive. The base engine does not have the option to switch to all-wheel drive. Another engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4, producing 177 lb-ft of torque and 179 horsepower. With this engine, you can get front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The last engine is only available with the Escape Titanium trim (the top trim option) and is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, which creates 275 lb-ft of torque and 245 horsepower.

2018 Nissan Rogue Features & Design

There are many reasons to love the 2018 Rogue. The three trim level options, all of which are outfitted with many amazing features, are definitely some of the major reasons. The first trim you'll come across is the base trim S. With this model you'll be getting features like 60/40-split folding rear seats that recline and slide, Bluetooth, satellite radio, cruise control, a rearview camera, Siri Eyes Free iPhone control, a 4-speaker CD player, 16-inch steel wheels, and a five-inch infotainment display. Also included are safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic braking with forward collision warning. The option that sits firmly in the middle is the SV. This trim gives you automatic headlights, a power-adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry and ignition, a 6-speaker audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels, a cargo management system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The highest and most luxurious option is the Rogue SL. In this trim level, you'll find a seven-inch touchscreen, 19-inch wheels, NissanConnect emergency, leather upholstery, and adaptive cruise control.

2018 Ford Escape Features & Design

Four trim levels come with the Ford Escape. The base trim, the S, comes with a 4.2-inch central display, 17-inch steel wheels, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, Mykey parental controls, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, and automatic headlights. A second option is the SE, which includes a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, black-painted exterior trim, paddle shifters, partial leather upholstery, LED daytime running lights, 19-inch wheels, and paddle shifters. The highest option, called the Titanium, adds a hands-free power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 18-inch wheels, driver-seat memory settings, ambient interior lighting, and heated and ten-way power-adjustable front seats.

Conclusions

While we love both of these vehicle options, only one of them can come out on top. To us, the winner is clear. The 2018 Nissan Rogue is a small crossover SUV that gives you not just a powerful standard engine that comes with FWD and AWD, but three amazing trim levels that each offer the features that you're looking for the most. The Escape feels too dependent on its highest trim option, instead of focusing on the perks of base model options. If you want to learn more about the 2018 Nissan Rogue, check out our full model review below!

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