Bamm1

I have been comparing instrumented test results between the two publications for more time than I will admit. I think the weight is a wash. My reference to it was more of a "wow, it was SO much quicker and look, it was even heavier." All of the variables you listed do play some part in generating different results when testing "like vs like." But the vast majority of the time the results are very close. Maybe a few tenths/mph difference (half a second max). This is by far and away the largest difference I can recall. Its as if MT tested a 2019 and C&D tested a 2020.

Motortrend 2020 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0T AWD 3714 lbs. 0-60: 6.9 sec ¼ Mile: 15.3 sec @ 89.3 mph Skidpad: 0.76g Car and Driver 2020 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0T AWD 3731 lbs. 0-60: 5.7 sec ¼ Mile: 14.3 sec @ 96 mph Skidpad: 0.85g So C&D got a 17 lb. heavier ’20 Titanium AWD to 60 1.2 sec faster, through the ¼ mile 1 sec faster (with a 6.7mph higher trap speed) that pulls almost 0.1 g more on the skidpad? I am dumbfounded! MT usually posts less quick results when testing "like vs like" vs. C&D. But this is like they tested COMPLETELY different vehicles. It also doesn’t help that C&D’s numbers border on wow and the MT numbers are just disappointing. References https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/escape/2020/2020-ford-escape-first-test-review-cr-v-fighter https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a29077713/2020-ford-escape-drive/