2016 Kia Sportage vs Ford Escape
2016 Kia Sportage LX
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Drivetrain Warranty: |
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Horsepower: |
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Torque: |
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Towing Capacity: |
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Starting MSRP: |
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10 yr / 100,000 mi
2016 Ford Escape S
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Drivetrain Warranty: |
5 yr / 60,000 mi |
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Horsepower: |
168 @ 6000 rpm |
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Torque: |
170 ft-lbs @ 4500 rpm |
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Towing Capacity: |
1500 lbs |
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Starting MSRP: |
$23,100 * |
2016 Kia Sportage vs 2016 Ford Escape
Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Largo
The U.S. compact crossover market is chock full of worthy competitors and the 2016 Kia Sportage, and 2016 Ford Escape are two notable offerings. Ford's Escape has been a fixture on the American crossover vehicle scene since its 2000 introduction as a 2001 model while Kia's Sportage made its U.S. appearance in 2005. Kia though has offered the Sportage globally since 1993, giving it a rich legacy of product development and innovation. The fourth-generation Sportage, new for 2016, delivers an eye-catching design combined with a variety of equipment levels and available turbocharged power. The 2016 Ford Escape is relatively unchanged from 2015.
Modern Looks Galore
Both the 2016 Sportage and Ford Escape feature a modern look that's pleasing to the eyes, especially as it concerns the Kia. Size-wise, both the Sportage and the Escape measure up well against each other but the Kia manages to appear a bit beefier and muscular while providing panache and a demeanor that says it can handle rougher terrain when needed. The Escape, by contrast, seems more suited to smooth, suburban asphalt and non-rainy days, even in four-wheel drive and turbo configuration. The Sportage's modern looks suit it well, and its profile and stance make it a first-rate compact crossover.
Engine and Drivetrains
Compact crossovers doing battle in the U.S. market fight it out in two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive armor. The Sportage and the Escape are no different, with Kia's crossover model available in either front-wheel drive or AWD. Ford offers the Escape in 4x4 or front-wheel drive. Power plants in the Sportage and the Escape come in several different sizes, with turbocharged engines an option in both. For those with a need for big gulps of power and speed, they’ll be happy to know the base-level Kia Sportage LX is sure to please. Its four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine delivers a hefty 182 hp. The Ford Escape's base 2.5-liter seems a bit outmatched with only 168 hp.
Quality, Price, Value
Kia is a serious player in the U.S. market nowadays, and quality, price, and value is a big reason. For 2016, sticker prices for the Sportage come in well below the Escape, and Kia's compact crossover tends to offer more equipment at a lower price than does the Ford. A high-line Sportage EX in all-wheel drive and jam-packed with a host of desired and innovative equipment, for example, comes in several thousand dollars below the 2016 Ford Escape Titanium in four-wheel drive. Add in Kia's notable quality improvements over the last decade and an industry leading warranty and it's easy to see why the Sportage has been an increasingly popular choice for consumers.
With Ford seeming to rest on its laurels with the Escape, it looks like 2016 is the best time ever to experience a Kia Sportage in all its available clothing. Budget-conscious families are sure to like the Sportage's wallet-friendly demeanor while those with a desire for looks and performance won't be able to resist the crossover's allure. To schedule a preview and test drive for the 2016 Kia Sportage, visit our Kia dealership in St Petersburg today.
* MSRP: Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.