alt Hacker Newsedit: Oh, crap, I mixed up the Explorer/Escape because the Escape is the Rav4/CRV competitor. I think the Escape is underrated. Not particularly familiar with the Explorer.
eCVT and CVT aren't mechanically similar. Personally, I'd only consider cars with manual/eCVT/EV transmissions.
> RAV4 and other Toyotas have insanely good residuals that make up for any upfront price difference
Yeah, that's a consideration if you frequently flip your cars, I kinda forget about that because me and most of the people I know keep their cars long-term. e.g. I just got rid of a 2011 Fiesta - there isn't enough residual value maintenance savings in a 2011 Yaris for me to have ever come out ahead with one of those.
Unfortunately by correcting your misremembering, I’m even less convinced. The Escape is even further down the ladder in its crowded and competitive class of vehicle.
The Escape isn’t underrated it’s just rated properly.
There’s like 6 or so cars that rank above it for various reasons: CRV, RAV4, Sportage, CX-5/CX-50, Forester.
Even Mitsubishi put out a better vehicle than Ford with the Outlander if we go by Car and Driver’s scores.
I’m sure you can get one with some sick discounts but Ford also has company there with Nissan, Mitsubishi, Chevrolet, and I’ve even heard Mazda runs strong discounts depending on the dealer.