2017 Ford Escape vs Hyundai Tucson

What's the difference?

Minor ergonomic issues aside, the Escape is a real contender, even in row-your-own low power spec.  Those who aren't bothered about being first across the intersection will need to look elsewhere.

The Escape is well-equipped, has a good safety rating and is extra spacious, particularly for rear seat passengers. The price is also sharp, although nobody buys manuals anymore, so expect to pay an easy 10 per cent more for automatic. But for the price of a mid-spec compact SUV, you're getting the space of a big one, with some of the features, too. 

The Tucson is an very capable all-rounder with few weak spots, particularly after a little tidy-up of the Active and Elite trims in the middle of 2016. It's a strong proposition in a very crowded part of the market dominated by a resurgent Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda CX-5 (with a facelift due for release this month).

The Active X is the best value for money Tucson as long as you don't need AWD (there are the occasional special editions based on its spec, though, like the Tucson 30th Anniversary) or extra grunt.

The Tucson's roomy, good-looking, well-built and rides and handles as well as anything else in the class. It's a difficult car to fault, even when it's been in our hands for lengthy periods. The fact it has squared up to the Japanese and Germans and held its own means it has to be very good, indeed.