![]() As for the vehicle's brake pedal, it responds sharply to a bit of pressure from the driver’s foot. Making use of the paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel cranks the fun level up a notch, and also helps to maintain proper speeds both up- and downhill.įord has branded the new Escape with the phrase “Be unstoppable,” presumably referring to the owner’s lifestyle. It was perfectly happy to zoom through the hills above Malibu, particularly with the gear selector in Sport mode. While it’s not quite as capable as the 2.0 in making mincemeat of other cars on the highway, it’s got more than enough eagerness to make your daily commute quite entertaining. ![]() Combined with the good view in all directions, the punchy motor makes the Escape great at dicing through highway traffic.Įven the 1.5-liter EcoBoost is plenty plucky in the new Ford. It makes getting up to highway speed a breeze, and overtaking other cars is similarly simple. With 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque on offer, putting the pedal to the floor is enough to push you back in your seat. The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is a potent powerplant. Powertrain: 179 hp 1.Two EcoBoost engines grace the Escape lineup, in addition to the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I4 (which I didn’t have the opportunity to sample). Watch Casey’s review of the Ford Escape follow him on YouTube and Twitter: Ford Escape A base price of $23,600 - $28,375 as-tested - makes the Escape formidable competition for the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Renegade, Kia Sportage, Fiat 500X, and Mazda CX-5. New engines and enhancements to styling and infotainment strike the right notes. Ford’s mission was to update its favorite crossover without upsetting buyers. There’s no escaping the fact the Escape is a tall and narrow crossover that will lean when pushed hard, but it is a competent long-distance driving machine.ĭuring 2015, the last full year of sales, Ford sold 306,492 Escapes. A fully-independent set-up would be better, but wheels rumble over rough city pavement without unduly bothering passengers with noise and shake. Underway, the steering feels a little light, but the chassis with independent front and control blade rear suspension is willing to play. I’d say it is both simple and sophisticated.Īs is the rest of the driving experience. of torque and the smooth turbo make accelerating away from stoplights and onto freeways stress-free experiences. The engine does not provide a tsunami of power, but 177 lb.-ft. Our Escape came with the Goldilocks 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that benefits from active grille shutters and front-wheel-drive (to save weight) for 23/30-MPG city/hwy. All mate to six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shift mode while the last two come standard with Auto Start-Stop technology that pauses the engine at rest to conserve fuel. More changes emerge from under the hood where a base 168 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is joined by 179 horsepower 1.5-liter EcoBoost (turbocharged) four-cylinder and 245 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost twin-scroll four-cylinder engines. A rear view camera, blind spot warning, and reverse sensing system enhance safety. Direct tuning for satellite radio is nice, but I wish Ford would give up the ghost and install proper volume and tuning knobs. Ford’s updated SYNC3 comes with a new touchscreen and revised controls that allow passengers to voice-operate devices connected via USB or Bluetooth. A power liftgate opens to split-fold rear seats that free up considerable cargo space. On second glance, one notices heated and powered front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ice blue ambient lighting. There’s no passive entry or push-button starting either, though a keypad can be used for unlocking the doors. It’s not fancy with a rubber steering wheel, charcoal black canvas seats, and ignition with key. Sliding inside, passengers enjoy a deft paradox of simple and sophisticated. Around back, dual chrome exhaust tips, LED taillamps, and subtle roof spoiler leave their marks. Walking to the doors, you notice the arching windshield, 17” wheels, body sculpting, beefy fender forms, and gray lower body cladding that hint at off-road capability. Large foglamps, hood ridges, and wrap-around headlamps complete the face. It gives Escape a bolder, tougher appearance. A couple of new engines and upgraded infotainment for 2017 keep Escape at the top if its class.ĭesigners recently grafted on Ford’s chrome bar grille that graces the front of its crossovers. Yet, driving and using it proves the vehicle is also sophisticated. Its basic underpinnings are derived from the Focus and the interior of our test vehicle is not particularly luxurious. The Ford Escape is not a complicated crossover. ![]()
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