Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| Escape | Sportage | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford | Kia |
| Starting price | $30,350 | $28,790 |
| Monthly payment | $353 | $335 |
| Fuel type | Plug-in hybrid | Plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel economy | 40.0 mpg | 36.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 222 g/mi–343 g/mi | 97 g/mi–373 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
Affected 2019-2022/2023 Escapes with the 1.5L EcoBoost can suffer coolant intrusion and cracked engine blocks or cylinder heads, especially 2020-2022 models. Symptoms include coolant loss without a visible leak, white exhaust smoke, misfires, overheating, and oil/coolant mixing, which can lead to engine seizure and complete engine replacement. A replacement typically costs about $4,000-$8,000 in the United States.
2020-2024 Escapes with the 8-speed automatic can have hard or delayed shifts, jerking, shuddering, clunking, and hesitation. A PCM/TCU software recalibration may fix mild cases, but severe cases may need valve body work or transmission replacement. Full replacement typically costs about $4,000-$7,000 in the United States.
The 2019-2021 Sportage with the 2.4L GDI engine can develop connecting-rod bearing wear, causing knocking, low oil-pressure warnings, sudden stall, and possible engine compartment fire. Repair usually requires a short-block or complete engine replacement, typically around $5,000-$8,000 at a dealership. Some owners have been covered under Kia's expanded Theta-II engine warranty.
The 2.4L engine in 2019-2021 Sportage models may burn oil between changes, produce blue exhaust smoke, foul spark plugs, and trigger the oil-pressure warning. Untreated, this can damage the catalytic converter and cause engine seizure. Dealer oil-consumption testing costs about $150-$300, while severe cases may require engine replacement at $5,000-$8,000.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in 2019-2021 Sportage 1.6T Turbo models can shudder, jerk, hesitate, and chatter during low-speed driving. The DCT clutch wears and may eventually require clutch or transmission replacement, commonly costing $3,500-$7,000 at independent shops. Earlier software reflashes can be cheaper if the clutch has not already been damaged.
Some early-production 2023-2024 Kia Sportage models experience 12V battery drain, 'battery discharge' warnings, and no-start conditions after sitting overnight or for several days. The typical repair starts with a replacement 12V battery costing roughly $180-$350, plus $100-$200 for diagnosis if a parasitic draw is suspected. Intermittent resets of infotainment and electrical accessories can accompany the issue.
Ford Escape and Kia Sportage suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Escape starts at $30,350; Sportage starts at $28,790. The difference is $1,560, making Sportage about 5% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: Escape — $353; Sportage — $335. The difference is $18 per month, with Sportage lower.
Both models use Plug-in hybrid. Fuel economy is Escape — 40.0 mpg; Sportage — 36.0 mpg. Escape uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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