Compare the2026 Ford Escape PHEVVS 2026 Subaru Trailseeker

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ford Escape PHEV achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Subaru Trailseeker has not been tested.

Both the Escape PHEV and the Trailseeker have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 4 times as many Ford dealers as there are Subaru dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape PHEV’s warranty.

The Escape PHEV has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Trailseeker doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Escape PHEV first among compact suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Trailseeker isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Subaru With 4 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Ford higher than Subaru.

The Escape PHEV’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 503 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Trailseeker’s range is only 274 to 281 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 28 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas.

The Escape PHEV has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Trailseeker; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Ford Escape PHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 700 pounds less than the Subaru Trailseeker.

The Escape PHEV is 10.7 inches shorter than the Trailseeker, making the Escape PHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Escape PHEV uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Trailseeker doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Escape PHEV has 4.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Trailseeker (102.2 vs. 97.5).

The Escape PHEV has 1.2 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front hip room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom, 3.6 inches more rear legroom, 7.1 inches more rear hip room and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the Trailseeker.

The Escape PHEV has a much larger cargo volume than the Trailseeker with its rear seat up (34.4 vs. 31.3 cubic feet).

An optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the Escape PHEV. The Trailseeker doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Escape PHEV can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Escape PHEV can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Trailseeker can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Escape PHEV offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Trailseeker doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape PHEV’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Trailseeker doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its STARLINK Safety and Security can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

To lock it, the door handles on the Trailseeker must be held while closing the door. On the Escape PHEV you just lock the door and close it, which makes it easier to lock up, especially when your hands are full.

The Escape PHEV has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Trailseeker Limited/Touring.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ford Escape PHEV, based on reliability, safety and performance.