2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 80.3 to 63.5, on fuel & range. The Ford Escape is ahead on safety.
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Escape…
2026 Tesla Model Y
The 2026 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as a electric compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range RWD, is …
2026 Tesla Model Y
Clear winThe Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 80.3 to 63.5, on fuel & range. The Ford Escape is ahead on safety.
| Category · weight | 2026 Ford Escapeoverall 63.5 | 2026 Tesla Model Yoverall 80.3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | no data | no data |
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 33.3 | 100 |
| Safetyw 4 | 86.1 | 65.5 |
| Space & cargow 2 | no data | no data |
| Performancew 2 | no data | no data |
| Tech & comfortw 3 | no data | no data |
| Warrantyw 2 | no data | no data |
| Overall | 63.5 | 80.3 |
Ford Escape: model-level data · Tesla Model Y: model-level data. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Specifications side by side
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Escape
Top recalls
- criticalElectrical System26V091000 · 25,237 vehicles
- highPower Train26V301000 · 208 vehicles
- highSeat Belts25V862000 · 780 vehicles
Tesla Model Y
Top recalls
- highSuspension26V558000 · 19 vehicles
- highStructure26V445000 · 15 vehicles
- highElectrical System25V690000 · 12,963 vehicles
- highExterior Lighting25V658000 · 260 vehicles
- highElectrical System25V490000 · 6 vehicles
- highSeats25V410000 · 48 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford Escape | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | — |
| Price range across trims | — | — |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV, GAS | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Escape FWD PHEV | Model Y Standard RWD (18in Wheels) |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 40 | 138 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,550 | $550 |
| EV range | — | 321 mi |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Ford Escape or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 80.3 to 63.5, on fuel & range. The Ford Escape is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Tesla Model Y scores 80.3 and the 2026 Ford Escape 63.5. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Ford Escape or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
2026 Ford Escape: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 3 recalls. 2026 Tesla Model Y: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 8 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.