Car Help -- Altima vs. Escape

[boiler717]

I need to pick out my next company car and I'm having a hard time deciding. I probably won't be able to see either in person because of my travel schedule. The options are:
- 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL FWD
- 2013 Ford Escape SEL 4WD

Right now my company car is a 2010 Altima that I inherited when I joined the company. At that time, we also sold DH's car and he drives my old 2008 CR-V. The company car is the main car we drive, even for long trips, as I get unlimited personal use and gas included. I mostly fly for work but do drive 1-2x/month to Chicago and occasionally to Milwaukee and Michigan.

If I get the Altima, we will keep the CR-V and possibly get a new SUV (likely a new CR-V or a Pilot), although DH would rather drive a car than an SUV. I am the one who would rather have an SUV, but I'm not sure about the Escape because I LOVED my CR-V.

If I get the Escape, we will trade in the CR-V for an Accord for DH. DH is pretty excited about this idea but says it's my call.

I'm not worried about the MM aspect of it, just the car choices. Which would you pick?

[Deleted]

If you get unlimited gas with the company car then i would get the SUV.

[Deleted]

I have a Ford. I hate it with a passion and will never have one again.

[arch01]

Since your DH would be the one driving the second vehicle, I'd respect his preference and you get the Escape. Me personally, I like the 2013 redesign for both the Escape and the Accord. The Accords of recent years though haven't been what they used to be, several transmission issues especially. I'm not in love with either Nissan or Ford, but I'd choose the SUV if someone else is paying maintenance and gas.

Also, it's sounding like you live somewhere where the 4WD might be useful.

[Deleted]

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either one. They're both redesigned and I think that both Ford and Nissan did a great job with them. I love the new Escape's body style because it's very european, it was based on the European SUV (which over there is huge, btw) called the Kuga. I'd personally chose the Escape since work is paying for maintenance and gas and the car, and it's a bit more space without being huge.

[gogreengowhite]

I have a 2008 escape and love it! I also love the new 2013 design and really want to trade mine in but I'm trying to be responsible and wait to pay cash.

[lillioness]

I'm currently crushing on the new escape. We had one years ago and I really liked that car. I think the foot operated lift gate is about the coolest thing ever.

[ellipses84]

I would get the Escape. I'm not a fan of Ford but I have driven older Escapes and was surprised that I really like it. Look at all of the features on the website and see if there are any extras you can get (I.e. bluetooth if it's not included). I think the CRV is nicer, but the Escape is a good alternative (for free)!

[makingithappen]

I love Fords now. I have a Fusion and have been eyeing the Escape.

[caramia17]

We have a 2013 Escape. It looks really nice and my husband really likes to drive it. We also looked at the Subaru Outback, CR-V, Acura RX and Hyundai Sante Fe, I believe. He thought that the Ford was the best to drive and it is getting very good reviews Consumer Reports wise, etc. Are you going to get the Ecoboost? That really improves gas mileage and while you are not paying for it, it is still better for the environment.

I think that they are both nice cars, but the redesign on the Ford would tip the scales for me.