not sure why they are priced so differently,but they are basically the exact same vehicle...with only minor variences....if you are looking to buy one then look at both and see which one you like the most...
i've read several magazine shootouts between the smaller suv's,and the escape/tribute came out on top in all of them...my sister in law has an escape...its pretty nice...its a hell of a lot better than a friend at works honda crv(that thing feels cheap as hell inside,and the seats really,really suck)