2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 84.7 to 73, on fuel & range, warranty. The Ford Escape is ahead on price and 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 an 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, 84.7 to 73, on fuel & range, warranty. The Ford Escape is ahead on price and safety.
| Category · weight | 2026 Ford Escapeoverall 73 | 2026 Tesla Model Yoverall 84.7 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 75.9 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 31.3 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 77 | 74.5 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Performancenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Warrantyw 2 | 73.5 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Basic and powertrain coverage in years and miles. | |||||||||||||||||
| Overall | 73 | 84.7 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 4 of 7 categories compared
Ford Escape: base trim Active · Tesla Model Y: base trim Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Tesla Model Y wins
- It lists 2 standard driver-assist features against 0.
- It is rated 138 combined against 40 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,700).
Where the 2026 Ford Escape answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 439 filed with NHTSA).
- It starts $9,640 lower ($30,350 against $39,990 base MSRP).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
9 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $30,350 | $39,990 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Engine type (full description) | — | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 6.4 in |
| Overall height | — | 63.8 in |
| Overall length | — | 189 in |
| Overall width | — | 78 in |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 5 |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (minimum) | — | 4,061 lbs |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Grok |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
38 features · differences first, then sharedSafety2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8 exterior cameras | — | std |
| Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capable; Traffic-aware cruise control | — | std |
Infotainment9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2 wireless phone chargers | — | std |
| 15.4" Center Touchscreen | — | std |
| 16'' First-row touchscreen | — | std |
| 3 USB-C ports | — | std |
| 7Speaker audio system | — | std |
| Basic Vehicle Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first | — | std |
| Cellular data, Wi-Fi, ultra-wide band and Bluetooth connectivity | — | std |
| Grok voice assistant | — | std |
| MSRP (starting price, USD): $39,990 / $41,990 / $45,990 / $49,990 / $57,990 / $61,990 | — | std |
Convenience1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-free power open on approach | — | std |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Particulate and odor filter; First-row touchscreen-adjust air vents; Second-row manual-adjust air vents | — | std |
Seating5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| First-row heated seats | — | std |
| Dual tone with textile and vegan leather | — | std |
| First-row power recline | — | std |
| Five-seat interior | — | std |
| Second-row manual-folding seats | — | std |
Interior3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated steering wheel | — | std |
| Manual-adjust heated steering wheel | — | std |
| Open center console | — | std |
Exterior8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance: 6.4" | — | std |
| Knit textile roof | — | std |
| LED headlights; Auto high beams | — | std |
| Manual-folding side-view mirrors | — | std |
| Overall Height: 63.8" | — | std |
| Overall Length: 188.7" | — | std |
| Weight (Curb Mass): 4,061 lbs | — | std |
| Wheels: 18" or 19" | — | std |
Powertrain6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph: 6.8 sec | — | std |
| Battery & Drive Unit Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 mi, whichever comes first | — | std |
| Drive Modes: Chill, Standard | — | std |
| Range (EPA est.): 321 mi | — | std |
| Supercharge in 15 min: 160 mi | — | std |
| Supercharging Max: 225 kW; Pay Per Use | — | std |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Passive shock absorbers | — | std |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cargo Space: 76 cubic feet | — | std |
| Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Escape
Top recalls
- critical Electrical System 26V091000 · 25,237 vehicles
- high Power Train 26V301000 · 208 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 25V862000 · 780 vehicles
Tesla Model Y
Top recalls
- high Suspension 26V558000 · 19 vehicles
- high Structure 26V445000 · 15 vehicles
- high Electrical System 25V690000 · 12,963 vehicles
- high Seats 25V410000 · 48 vehicles
- moderate Exterior Lighting 25V658000 · 260 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V490000 · 6 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford EscapeActive | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30,350 (base trim) | $39,990 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $30,350 – $38,935 6 trims | $39,990 – $61,990 6 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 | $1,700 | $550 |
| EV range | — | 321 mi |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
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, 84.7 to 73, on fuel & range, warranty. The Ford Escape is ahead on price and safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Tesla Model Y scores 84.7 and the 2026 Ford Escape 73. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Ford Escape or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
The 2026 Ford Escape starts lower — $30,350 against $39,990, a gap of $9,640 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Ford Escape or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
2026 Ford Escape: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 3 recalls. 2026 Tesla Model Y: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 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.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
Where the 2026 Tesla Model Y wins: it lists 2 standard driver-assist features against 0, is rated 138 combined against 40 (EPA mpg or MPGe), and costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,700). Where the 2026 Ford Escape answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 439 filed with NHTSA) and starts $9,640 lower ($30,350 against $39,990 base MSRP). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.