2024 Ford Escape ST-Line vs Kia Sportage HEV Earth comparison review

There are now a few more hybrid SUV options on the market so you no longer have to default to the RAV4. The new Ford Escape line-up is all hybrid, while Kia has recently added a Sportage HEV. Which is the better alternative? We check out the Ford Escape ST-Line X FHEV AWD, and Kia Sportage HEV Earth models.

It’s a fact that SUVs are quite popular, with the ‘medium’ varieties in hot demand. Hybrids are gaining in popularity too, with more manufacturers adding them to their line-ups.

Another fact; a hybrid-powered medium SUV is the country’s favourite passenger vehicle; the Toyota RAV4. They are literally everywhere.

But what to do if you like the idea of a hybrid SUV, but don’t want to own what everyone else is driving? Don’t fret, there are other options like the Ford Escape, recently renewed, and the Kia Sportage HEV.

So who makes the better hybrid SUV that’s not a RAV4?

First the newbie

The refreshed Escape range is hybrid-only these days. There’s the FWD Titanium, the AWD ST-Line X and a plug-in version. What we have here is the AWD ST-Line X, which has the same ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain as the Titanium, only this can send drive to the rear when needed.

That sees a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol team up with a traction motor (no specs given other than it’s powered by a 1.1kWh battery) to produce 134kW (no torque figure stated).

This drives the wheels (the fronts predominantly) via a ‘Ford-developed power-split automatic with a continuously variable ratio’.

Ford NZ states mean consumption of 5.3L/100km (WLTP) while it complies with Euro 6.2 emissions standards. 

The Escape’s front end has been rearranged, a lightbar linking new Matrix LED lamps on the ST-Line X, while a bolder looking Ford badge lives on the bigger grille.

According to the spec sheet, the ST-Line X AWD is meant to roll on 20-inch wheels, but not this one, stuck with 18s. Inside, a larger 13-inch touchscreen runs new software and removes the buttons from the dash.

It also adds 5G connectivity and cloud-connected navigation. There are a few more safety widgets and the cruise system has added smarts. The Titanium is $59,990, the ST-Line X AWD is $66,490.

It was only a few years ago that the Escape range started at $43k. Admittedly, specification and powertrain technology have improved but no wonder the overall market is slow, as prices just keep on rising. 

How does the Sportage compare? 

The Sportage range is extensive with conventional petrol and diesel options but the smart choice is the new hybrid. Like Escape, it’s a ‘self charging’ parallel hybrid, though its mechanical composition is a little different.

It has a 1.6 turbopetrol (134kW/265Nm) with an electric motor (44kW/264kW) encased in the six-speed auto’s housing. It draws energy from a 1.49kWh battery.

These combine for a total of 169kW and 350Nm, all sent to the front wheels alone (there is no AWD option). Consumption is rated at 5.4L/100km, compared with 7.5 for the non-hybrid 1.6T Sportage.

Sportage has an advantage on price, with the Light Hybrid being $53,990 and the Earth, which we have here, being $55,390. 

Is the more expensive AWD Escape that much better? 

Specification favours the Escape

The Escape does offer more with features like a head-up display, upgraded B&O sounds and there’s extended vehicle connectivity via the Ford Pass app. While both have CarPlay and AA, the Ford offers wireless connection.

On the safety front, both get lane keeping, a blind spot minder, AEB, and speed limit recognition while the Escape offers a few extras like evasive steering assist, intersection assist (monitors traffic when negotiating junctions), and extended blind spot operation for when you’re towing. 

Each has the usual smart key, charge pad and powered tailgate people now demand. 

Escape can tow up to 2100kg, the Sportage 1650kg. Kia’s warranty programme covers the hybrid for up to seven years or 150,000km, while Ford sees you right for five years with no limit to kays travelled.

The battery pack in each has an eight-year/160,000km cover.

Hybrids – smooth and economical 

Hybrids provide a good mix of easy torque and economy. Each gets underway with a combination of electric and petrol power and both can maintain speed (on the flat at least) with electric power alone, which helps reduce overall fuel consumption. 

The Escape’s powertrain is the smoothie, blending the engine and motor together seamlessly. Sometimes the introduction of the ICE component can cause a slight surge in the Kia.

And as it has a geared trans, you notice the changes. The Ford’s e-trans does a few mock shifts to help disguise its CVT-like nature, but these are super smooth.

The Sportage can be encouraged to do more electric running, and for longer. And so its consumption was marginally better than the Ford’s at 5.7L/100km versus 6.1 when on test.

Both trip computers keep track of mileage covered in EV mode and, with a little thought to throttle use, half of your urban journeys can be done with the engine off.

The Ford utilises more motor regen when you’re off the gas, more so on descents. Click the L button in the middle of the gear selector and you can invoke more powerful regen too.

The surround view camera of the Ford is helpful, better than the regular reversing camera of the Kia. The cruise control is a bit smarter in the Escape when it comes to traffic and intersections (starting to slow for the latter), and smoother in operation.

With slightly smaller dimensions and better turning circle, the Escape is that bit easier to park. And it has a function that can do it for you. But it’s a feature you’ll seldom use.

The Escape is said to have a sports tune to its suspension, yet the everyday ride quality is a little firmer in the Kia.

Okay out of town too

Both are decent on the overtake, Escape taking 5.5sec but the Kia has more pep, taking 4.8sec.

The Ford has the more accommodating ride over bumpy sections of highway, and less invasive lane keeping (the system can be switched off easily in both). Tyre noise is more evident in the Escape however, noticeably louder than in the Sportage. 

On winding country roads, the Ford’s throttle response can be a tad laggy as the engine switches itself off and on, even in Sport mode. And with the throttle pinned, the trans winds out in a typical CVT fashion.

It steers well though, with a tad more life to it than the Kia. Escape hangs on in the bends without too much push up front, and rides the bumps nicely.

The brakes are good performers too, with a natural pedal feel for a hybrid. 

Sportage keeps its engine firing when in Sport mode, vastly improving throttle response. Otherwise it too delivers a delay as the engine takes a moment to re-fire.

With just the fronts driving, there’s a hint of torque steer and while it tracks cleanly through the bends, there is some kickback through the steering over the bumps.

While there is no motor regen when you’re off the gas, the brake pedal action is good. The Ford drives a mite better, but there’s not much in it. 

Practical of course 

You might find the Ford’s seat is better, in both comfort and fit, with more adjustment. The Sportage’s is partly trimmed in leather, whereas the Escape’s is synthetic, but convincing.

Both have good features for cooler climes, a heated wheel and seats (those in the rear of the Escape also get warmers). That means the engine doesn’t need to run as much to keep the cabin as warm via the heater.

Ford’s heated screen might be useful in frosty places, as will its AWD, something that the Sportage doesn’t offer. 

There’s more storage in the Kia, and better cupholders. The overall sense of quality and finishing is better as well. While most of the buttons have been removed in the Ford, its big screen format is a smart operator.

Most functions are easy to access as there’s minimal tapping to get things done. And common actions have quick access buttons for things like the ventilation.

The Kia’s menus aren’t so well arranged, the system not quite as quick, and there’s no voice control, which is pretty smart in the Ford. 

The Kia has a slight edge in interior space. Each has enough room in the rear, the Kia with more of it for legs, and a slightly easier entry. In the boot, the Kia has the bigger hold, both in terms of length and width.

Each has remote levers to drop the rear seats, presenting a flatish load area, which is longer overall in the Kia. They each have a space saver spare.

The Ford’s rear seat is on sliders, so you can increase the boot space when passengers don’t require so much leg room.

The Kia then? 

Probably. The extras of the Ford are nice to have, but can’t fully justify the extra $11k asked.

Sportage has the edge in powertrain performance with better economy, though it’s not quite as refined. The Escape is a better drive, but the Sportage isn’t far behind.

Arguably the Kia is the better looker, which might seal the deal.  

Stats Comparison

This article first appeared in the November 2024 issue of NZ Autocar magazine.