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118 Posts
I've been the happy owner of a SOP 4WD Element for about 2 1/2 months now. I've never loved a roller like this. It's my pride and joy.
Last month it came my wife's turn to buy a new car. She refused to buy a Honda (we had a terrible experience with an Accord a coupled of years back). So, she decided on a Ford Escape.
She and I have always been competitive (in a fun way). She loves her Escape and is always talking crap (mostly joking) about my Element.
So, as a service to the group, I thought I'd offer my comparison of the two since I own both. This is FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE. I understand I can't speak for all Elements or Escapes.
Initial Quatlity - Escape
Hate to give this one to the Escape but we've had zero problems with it in the first 30 days. In contrast, I had a cracked windshield, trouble shutting the rear hatch and ill-fitting sunroof that had to be repaired in that same time-frame. I take consolation in the fact that the Element is new to the market and Escapes have had more time to work out bugs.
Ride - Tie
The Element handles better in turns, but the Escape, with its available V6 (I wish my Element had one), is very quick. I went from a four banger Saturn to my Element, so I thought the Element was pretty peppy (and it is for a 4cyl) but it feels like a snail after driving the Escape.
I think the Element rides a little smoother (more like a car) than the Escape. The Escape, however, is much quieter inside. I think it's less wind noise because of the shape.
Cool Factor - Element
The Escape gets zero looks and my parents love it. The Element turns all kinds of heads and my parents think its hideous. Enough said.
Practicality - Element
Even my wife admits this. We've hauled all kinds of stuff in both and taken some decent road trips in both. The Element is just more versatile. When those seats fold up it become a cargo van. When they're down, the back seat room is huge.
The Escape isn't impractical. It's got some pretty good cargo space and the interior is spacious enough. The Element is just better in this category.
Fun to drive - Tie?
Yeah, I'm a bit surprised by this too. The Element is a blast to roll around in. Especially because of all the attention you get, the great interior, the big windows, the tight handling, etc. But, the Escape is surprisingly fun too. This is probably mostly due to the bigger engine. Zipping in and out of traffic is just great.
Conculsion
Personally, I wouldn't trade my Element for a 100 Escapes (maybe I would, but only so I could sell 'em). But, I know there are alot of shoppers on this site who are on the fence about what to buy and it's tough to get honest answers from this group of Element owners (blinded by love).
Bottom line: The Element is great, but the Escape isn't a shabby choice either (my wife would say: The Escape is great, but the Element isn't a shabby choice either). We're happy with both.
Last month it came my wife's turn to buy a new car. She refused to buy a Honda (we had a terrible experience with an Accord a coupled of years back). So, she decided on a Ford Escape.
She and I have always been competitive (in a fun way). She loves her Escape and is always talking crap (mostly joking) about my Element.
So, as a service to the group, I thought I'd offer my comparison of the two since I own both. This is FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE. I understand I can't speak for all Elements or Escapes.
Initial Quatlity - Escape
Hate to give this one to the Escape but we've had zero problems with it in the first 30 days. In contrast, I had a cracked windshield, trouble shutting the rear hatch and ill-fitting sunroof that had to be repaired in that same time-frame. I take consolation in the fact that the Element is new to the market and Escapes have had more time to work out bugs.
Ride - Tie
The Element handles better in turns, but the Escape, with its available V6 (I wish my Element had one), is very quick. I went from a four banger Saturn to my Element, so I thought the Element was pretty peppy (and it is for a 4cyl) but it feels like a snail after driving the Escape.
I think the Element rides a little smoother (more like a car) than the Escape. The Escape, however, is much quieter inside. I think it's less wind noise because of the shape.
Cool Factor - Element
The Escape gets zero looks and my parents love it. The Element turns all kinds of heads and my parents think its hideous. Enough said.
Practicality - Element
Even my wife admits this. We've hauled all kinds of stuff in both and taken some decent road trips in both. The Element is just more versatile. When those seats fold up it become a cargo van. When they're down, the back seat room is huge.
The Escape isn't impractical. It's got some pretty good cargo space and the interior is spacious enough. The Element is just better in this category.
Fun to drive - Tie?
Yeah, I'm a bit surprised by this too. The Element is a blast to roll around in. Especially because of all the attention you get, the great interior, the big windows, the tight handling, etc. But, the Escape is surprisingly fun too. This is probably mostly due to the bigger engine. Zipping in and out of traffic is just great.
Conculsion
Personally, I wouldn't trade my Element for a 100 Escapes (maybe I would, but only so I could sell 'em). But, I know there are alot of shoppers on this site who are on the fence about what to buy and it's tough to get honest answers from this group of Element owners (blinded by love).
Bottom line: The Element is great, but the Escape isn't a shabby choice either (my wife would say: The Escape is great, but the Element isn't a shabby choice either). We're happy with both.