The Ford Escape is one of the most entertaining-to-drive small SUVs on the market. Add to that a long list of desirable and high-tech options, and the Escape feels like a competitor to luxury-branded small SUVs.
The Escape's composed ride delivers handling agility that's reminiscent of a well-honed European car. The 1.5-liter turbo engine and six-speed automatic make for pleasant and smooth power delivery.
But the Escape begins to fall behind the competition in terms of outright acceleration, at about 10 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and fuel economy, at 23 mpg overall.
Though soft-touch points and chrome give the Escape a classy appearance, the cloth seats are short on support and the driving position is narrow. Rear seats in the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester are better.
A long list of features and options, including a hands-free tailgate and self-steering parking assist, can make the top-level Titanium trim a serious consideration over upscale small SUVs such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. But the costs can quickly add up, with the sticker price nearing $37,000. A typically equipped, midlevel SE with all-wheel drive costs about $30,000, but it lacks a sunroof and a power rear gate, which are commonly found on competitors.
Advanced safety equipment such as forward-collision warning is available only on the top Titanium trim.
Read our complete Ford Escape road test.
HIGHS: Agile handling, quietness, easy infotainment system
LOWS: Unsupportive cloth seats, flat and low rear seat, relatively expensive
POWERTRAIN: 179-hp, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine; 6-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
FUEL: 23 mpg
PRICE AS TESTED: $29,630
