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Overview

The original Ford Escape launched in 2001 with rugged styling, available V-6 power, and an all-wheel drive system. These days, the Bronco Sport covers the small off-road SUV market for Ford, leaving the similarly sized Escape to pursue a softer lifestyle.

The Ford Escape comes standard with front-drive and is available in all-wheel drive, but its cabin isn't particularly luxurious. It's spacious enough for people and cargo though. The powertrain options are two hybrids—one plug-in—or a turbocharged three or four cylinder engine. Its average performance for the class falls short against rivals such as the Mazda CX5 and VW Tiguan who value driving part of the transport equation more highly

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Ford offers the Escape with several powertrain options to fit a variety of needs, including a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive. If you're looking for more hybrid offerings similar to those from Honda and Toyota, Ford also has two hybrid Escapes available—one of which is a plug-in—that generate 210 hp using a 2.5.-liter four=cylinder paired with two electric motors.

The base turbo-three gas engine, which is somewhat grumbly and unrefined, provided adequate acceleration and managed to motivate an all-wheel-drive Escape SE to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds at our test track; the plug-in hybrid model matched this result. Upgrading to the 250hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder is a more compelling choice, as it was powerful enough to score a 5.7 second result in the same 60mph test with better fuel economy than its gasoline counterpart . Both gasoline engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission while hybrids employ a continuously variable transmission that allows for great efficiency thanks to its wide gear ratio range

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid Escape model is the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder model with front-wheel drive, according to the EPA. It gets 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined; adding all-wheel drive lowers those numbers to 26 city/31 highway/28 combined. However, we managed an impressive 35mpg while testing an all–wheel –drive model with the turbo three–cylinder on our 75mph highway fuel economy route..

Although the larger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with all-wheel drive is rated for 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, we ended up with a 32-mpg highway result in our testing. For those seeking the most efficient Escape, look no further than the plug-in hybrid model, which earns EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 44 mpg city; in our testing, the Escape PHEV returned 36 MPGe on our highway fuel economy route. For more information about the Escape's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Escape's cabin is handsomely styled and spacious for both front- and rear-seat occupants. Although there are some low-rent plastic panels in lower-end trims, the Escape’s ST-Line and Platinum models look and feel more premium. Textured cloth seat upholstery is standard, while the Platinum model receives convincing faux-leather seating surfaces as standard. Behind the Escape's rear seat is a capacious cargo hold that provides space for up to eight carry-on suitcases, which ties its crosstown rival, the Chevrolet Equinox. We fit 21 cases with the Escape's rear seats folded, but the Equinox held two more.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Ford is offering a suite of driver-assistance features, which it calls Co-Pilot360, as standard on every Escape model. For more information about the Escape's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

 

Will the 2023 Ford Escape be redesigned?

Ford has given the Escape SUV a handsome makeover for 2023 which includes a new hood, grille, headlamps, and wheel designs.

When can I buy a 2023 Ford Escape?

The 2023 Ford Escape order bank is now open, and you can order yours at Hoffman Ford! What Trim Levels Will Be Available for the 2023 Ford Escape? Customers can't expect to see the same trims as the 2022 model, though hybrid and plug-in hybrid options will still be available.

Does the 2022 Ford Escape have transmission problems?

Such problems aren't hard to spot. 2022 Ford Escape transmission problems could include shifting delays, grinding when accelerating, a feeling of shakiness, or whistling noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood.