The 2021 Ford Escape's #10 ranking is based on its score within the Compact SUVs category. Currently the Ford Escape has a score of 7.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good cargo capacity User-friendly infotainment system Well-balanced ride and handling
Cons Cheap cabin materials Transmission sometimes hunts for the right gear
Ford has expanded the availability of the hybrid powertrain to the SE and SEL trims for 2021; it's now standard on the top-spec Titanium model. Elsewhere, adaptive cruise control and a traffic-sign recognition feature join the optional Co-Pilot360 Plus package; a hands-free power liftgate and memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors are now part of the Technology package; and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a keyless-entry keypad, and LED exterior lighting are now on the list of features in the Convenience package. A new 19-inch wheel design is optional on the Titanium model, and a Class II Trailer Tow package is now available on Escapes with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Pros Handsomely styled exterior, multiple powertrain options, safety tech comes standard.
Cons Cheap interior on base models, rough-edged base three-cylinder engine, high starting price.
For 2021 Hybrid powertrain now available on SEL trim.Traffic sign recognition added to models with adaptive cruise control.Minor shuffling of trim and package features.
Pros Roomy and comfortable seating Smooth ride quality Easy-to-use controls Available hybrid powertrain that gets around 40 mpg
Cons Transmission's abrupt shifts Lackluster handling
Lincoln has given the Nautilus a thorough interior redesign for 2021, bringing the mid-size SUV in line with the rest of the company's lineup. A new dashboard design incorporates a larger 13.2-inch infotainment display running the latest version of Ford's Sync 4 operating system. Lincoln's now-pervasive piano-key shifter replaces last year's push-button setup.
PROS Comfort-tuned suspension, nicely-outfitted cabin, large infotainment display.
CONS Top Black Label model's eye-watering price, lacks athleticism, not as fuel efficient as other similar SUVs.
Redesigned and upgraded dashboard.Sync 4 infotainment with larger 13.2-inch screen.Updated front styling.New interior and exterior color schemes for 2021.
PROS Quiet interior with plenty of legroom all around Comfortable seats with lots of adjustments Strong, smooth acceleration from the optional turbo V6 New easy-to-use infotainment system that's packed with features
CONS Compromised rear headroom if you select the panoramic sunroof Piano-key gear selector is an improvement but can still be annoying to use
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus's #7 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Lincoln Nautilus has a score of 8.0 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
PROS Spacious, high-end interior Intuitive touch screen Many standard safety features Cushioned ride
CONS Ho-hum handling
