Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Escape - The Better Value for Montana Drivers
For drivers in Kalispell, Missoula, and across the Flathead Valley, compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and Ford Escape are top contenders. Both offer available all-wheel drive, flexible cargo space, and modern technology. But when you look closer at interior room, warranty coverage, and standard features, the Hyundai Tucson delivers a more substantial long-term value for Montana life, from snowy commutes to weekend trips to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Hyundai Tucson | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,750 | Around $30,000 (Escape Active) |
| Engine | 2.5L I4, 187 hp | 1.5L EcoBoost® I3, 180 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or available HTRAC AWD | FWD or available AWD |
| EPA MPG (city/highway, gas) | Up to 25 / 33 (est.) | Up to 27 / 34 (1.5L FWD, est.) |
| Passenger Volume | 108.2 cu. ft. | 104 cu. ft. |
| Max Cargo Volume | 80.3 cu. ft. | 65.4 cu. ft. |
| Infotainment | Available 12.3" touchscreen + digital cluster | Available 13.2" SYNC® 4 touchscreen |
| Warranty | 10yr/100k mi powertrain (America’s Best Warranty™) | 5yr/60k mi powertrain |
† MSRP excludes destination charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer fees. Always verify current pricing with Clark Hyundai.
Performance and Efficiency
The Hyundai Tucson comes standard with a confident 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth acceleration and refined performance on Highway 93 or I-90.
The Ford Escape’s standard 1.5L EcoBoost® 3-cylinder engine makes 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. While torque is strong, many drivers prefer the Tucson’s traditional 4-cylinder feel and quiet, composed character on longer drives in Montana.
Fuel economy is competitive, with both SUVs offering excellent efficiency for daily commuting between Kalispell and Missoula. Tucson also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, giving eco-minded Montana drivers more options if fuel savings and lower emissions are a priority.
Interior Space and Cargo
Inside, the Hyundai Tucson feels impressively spacious for a compact SUV, with 108.2 cu ft. of passenger volume and up to 80.3 cu. With the rear seats folded, it offers a maximum cargo space of ft., providing the room you need for skis, camping gear, or Costco runs. The cabin layout is clean and modern, with generous rear legroom that keeps adults comfortable on longer trips to Glacier National Park.
The Ford Escape offers 104 cu. ft. of passenger volume and up to 65.4 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded. That’s solid, but still noticeably less than Tucson. If you frequently haul gear for weekend adventures or family road trips, Tucson’s extra cubic feet make a real difference.
Technology and Connectivity
The Hyundai Tucson is built around a modern digital cockpit. Available features include a 12.3" touchscreen display paired with a fully digital instrument cluster, creating a clean, high-tech look. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluelink® Connected Car Services, and multiple USB-C ports help keep your devices charged and connected on every Montana drive.
Ford Escape offers an available 13.2" SYNC® 4 touchscreen with connected services, which is a strong system in its own right. However, Tucson’s integrated digital cluster and intuitive layout give it an edge for drivers who want a cockpit that feels more cohesive and upscale.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Every Tucson is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driver-assistance features that can include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Ford Escape offers comparable technology with Ford Co-Pilot360®, including lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring, but some of the most advanced features may require higher trims or packages. Tucson keeps its value story strong by making a robust safety feature set widely available.
Which Tucson Trim is Best for You?
Value and Ownership
Where Tucson really separates itself from Escape is long-term value. Hyundai backs Tucson with America’s Best Warranty™ — a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Ford Escape offers a more traditional 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.
For Montana families who tend to keep vehicles for many years, Tucson’s longer coverage, strong reliability reputation, and competitive pricing create a compelling total ownership picture.
The Clear Choice: Hyundai Tucson
The Ford Escape remains a capable compact SUV. Still, the Hyundai Tucson delivers more interior room, more cargo space, and a significantly stronger warranty — all wrapped in a modern, tech-forward cabin. From snowy Kalispell mornings to summer weekends at Flathead Lake, Tucson is built to handle Montana roads with confidence.
Ready to compare in person?
At Clark Hyundai in Kalispell, we’re proud to serve drivers from Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Missoula, and the entire Flathead Valley. Our Best Price Promise, transparent financing, and friendly, non-commissioned advisors make it easy to shop with confidence.
