The American SUV with a higher reliability score than Japanese rivals

Reliability is often the first thing buyers think about when choosing an SUV, and for decades, Japanese-made crossovers have dominated that conversation. Yet an American SUV has quietly surpassed many of its Japanese rivals in reliability scores, surprising buyers who assume domestic models can’t compete in long-term reliability. In 2025, its balance sheet makes it an essential choice for anyone who wants peace of mind without sacrificing practicality or everyday usability.

What sets this SUV apart is its consistency in long-term performance. Owners report fewer mechanical problems, lower repair frequency and predictable maintenance costs, metrics that rival or even exceed many traditional alternatives. This solidity, combined with a comfortable ride, efficient powertrain options and a versatile interior, makes it one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market.

For buyers who value reliability above all else, this American-made offering subverts conventional expectations and proves that reliable performance isn’t limited to import badges. It stands out in its class, offering strong long-term confidence along with the practicality that today’s SUV buyers demand.

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Beating Japanese rivals with proven reliability

Credit: Ford

Ford doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability. People still expect the American automaker to rank at the bottom when it comes to sustainability. However, they have come a long way in the last couple of years and many of their modern vehicles actually rank much higher than expected. The Ford Escape is a prime example, with modern model years beating out some big-name rivals.

2026 Ford Escape Reliability and Owner Testimonials

Ford’s compact SUV goes up against some heavy-duty trucks, many of which have much better reputations for reliability. Despite the tough competition, the Escape actually scores higher from sources like JD Power for reliability. The authority gives the 2025 model year a score of 86 out of 100 for quality and reliability. The 2026 model year is likely to yield similar results given that no changes have been made.

The current generation of the Ford Escape has been running since 2019. On Cars.com, owners rank every model year other than the 2022 model year as particularly reliable. Most models have earned four stars or more for reliability. The 2022 model year received 3.5 stars.

Japanese rivals score lower

The compact SUV segment has many Japanese crossovers known for their reliability. Obviously, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are the most notorious. Although they both have fairly good scores, they both fall short of the Ford Escape’s score of 86 out of 100. Other serious competitors, the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue, are also close.

There is a big caveat

Although its reliability makes the Ford Escape a rather desirable option, there is something you need to consider. The 2026 model is the SUV’s final model year. In some cases, this should have a significant disincentive to purchase a vehicle. However, given that the Escape doesn’t use many unique parts, and shares components with many other vehicles in Ford’s lineup, you should be fine.

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The Ford is also a bit more affordable than other small SUVs

Undercut your competitors and save you extra money

The compact SUV is the ideal segment to shop in if you are looking for a practical SUV without having to invest too much money. The fact that the Ford Escape is a bit more affordable than its rivals means it has even more of an edge. It’s practical, comfortable and comes with a generous list of standard equipment.

Versions and prices of the 2026 Ford Escape

Even if the margin is rather slim, the Ford Escape technically starts a little cheaper than its rivals. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan, among others, all offer higher starting prices. Despite this, we think the Ford is pretty well equipped, and you won’t miss out on any features by opting for the Escape.

Of the versions on offer, we would opt for the ST-Line Select version, as we believe it offers the best value for money. It adds some very desirable features without inflating the price by a ridiculous amount. First, it gets a more powerful engine under the hood, with a better reliability history than the base powertrain. It also gets standard all-wheel drive, an upgraded infotainment system, and better driver assistance features.

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You choose between the base three-cylinder or the perky four-cylinder

Fast, efficient and smooth

Credit: Ford

Ford gives you the choice between two distinct powertrains. Base Active and ST-Line models get a three-cylinder engine under the hood while the rest of the range gets a much more powerful turbocharged inline-four. Both are reasonably powerful, but the latter has the better reputation for reliability. It also gives the Escape a lot more personality.

Performance of the 2026 Ford Escape

The base powertrain for the 2026 Ford Escape is a fairly modest three-cylinder engine. It may be down on cylinders compared to some of its rivals, but the power is comparable and it’s actually faster up to 60 miles per hour. The turbocharged four-cylinder in more expensive models is downright quick, with quite a bit of power on tap. Both models come standard with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. Three-cylinder models come standard with front-wheel drive with the option of all-wheel drive. Four-cylinder models come standard with all-wheel drive.

The three-cylinder engine is a little gruff when you put your foot down, but it’s still quicker than many of its Japanese rivals when it comes to acceleration. The four-cylinder model is much more exciting. Either way, the Escape is more of a comfortable cruiser than something you’d want to travel backroads with.

Fuel economy

The three-cylinder models are obviously the most efficient. Front-wheel drive models match the efficiency of the best non-hybrid players in this segment. All-wheel drive models lose about two miles per gallon in most scenarios. The turbo-four models are obviously a bit heavier on fuel, but we think they do reasonably well given their power.

For those looking for even more efficiency, Ford offers a hybrid model. We cover that in another article, though.