2019 Ford Escape SUV

Driving Impression

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Even if cost is a deciding factor, the S model should be skipped because of its engine. We’re not saying it’s bad, this 2.5-liter inline-4 making 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, in fact it’s quite smooth; it’s just slower than the turbo, gets 2 miles per gallon less, and isn’t that much cheaper.

The 1.5-liter turbo-4 offered in the other Escape models is more responsive. With 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, it pulls more strongly at low revs. It uses the same 6-speed automatic as the base engine, but it has paddle shifters, and the transmission doesn’t have to shift so much to stay in the powerband. It’s a bit louder, but that adds to the spirit and character.

The most powerful engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-4. With 245 horsepower and great low-end thrust, it can accelerate from zero to sixty in 7.1 seconds. Beyond 60 mph, there’s a lot of power to pass. It too has paddle shifters with its 6-speed automatic.

The available all-wheel drive is a simple system that shifts power from front to back, but not side to side.

A tow package adds trailer-sway control, which uses the stability control to compensate for the rocking motion induced by a trailer, and better headlights.

The ride is good, as firm as a sports sedan, although the Escape can feel jittery on bumpy roads, especially with the Titanium’s 19-inch wheels and tires that crash over speed bumps and potholes.

But it’s the handling that is notable. It corners better than any crossover at that price can be expected to–in fact, others feel sluggish compared to the Escape. The Escape feels secure, and even tossable. It responds quickly to the solid steering, while the stability control system applies the brakes to the inside front wheel in tight corners, to simulate torque-vectoring. That’s where the security comes from.

Walk Around

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The pert shape of the Escape has endured over seven years (a couple years ago it got a new front end), but it can’t be said any more that it doesn’t look like a crossover. It remains taut and somewhat sleek, with a fast roofline and low ride height. It rides down the middle of the road between a darty liftback and rugged SUV.

Interior Overview

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The dashboard has an undulating and rakish shape that cuts somewhat into passenger space. With the optional panoramic sunroof, the cockpit feels snug for taller drivers.

The front seats are slim but supportive and firm. We like that support on long drives, but not everyone will like the stiff cushions.

The rear seats fold to expand the Escape’s cargo space from 34 to 68 cubic feet, although not as easily as a Honda crossover with its trick one-flip lever. However the Escape has an adjustable two-position cargo floor and a hands-free tailgate that opens with a swipe of a free foot.

Summary

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Even as the last Ford Escape of this generation, after seven years, this crossover offers good value. It handles like a sporty hatchback, while proving more cargo space and ground clearance. Go for that SE model, with the turbo-4 engine, paddle shifters for the 6-speed automatic, and a good package of necessary features.

Model Lineup

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The Escape comes in S, SE, SEL, and Titanium models.

At $24,105, the Escape S comes with the base engine, cloth seats, power features, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, cruise control, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, and Sync infotainment with a tiny 4.2-inch center screen that isn’t a touchscreen. All-wheel drive isn’t available on the S.

The SE at $26,500 is the best value and best seller, despite the fact that the 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine raises the price. For that $2,400 difference you also get a power driver seat, satellite radio, keypad entry, keyless ignition, Sync 3 infotainment with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. All-wheel drive is available for another $1,500, same as the next two models.

The SEL at $28,445 gets a power tailgate that raises with a swish of your foot, leather seats, and rear parking sensors. Forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking are a $1,295 option on these and on the Titanium trim level; some rivals offer this safety tech standard.

Titanium at $32,620 adds a 12-speaker 390-watt Sony audio system, navigation, power passenger seat, HD radio, blind-spot monitors, ambient lighting, and 18-inch wheels. Options include all-wheel drive, automatic emergency braking, panoramic roof, a tow package, and even automatic park assist. A fully-loaded Titanium hits $40,000.