FORD ESCAPE: Built for the practical commuter that needs spaciousness without pretentiousness
PROS: Exceedingly practical; very spacious for a compact SUV; several levels of powertrains, including a hybrid version
CONS: Lacks flair; adding comfort, safety, and infotainment features gets expensive; opting for the hybrid or plug-in versions will cost you; nearly identical to the 2021 version
VERDICT:
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Honda CR-V
What’s interesting about the Escape?
- The Escape is also available as a hybrid and plug-in, which gets reviewed separately
- All four trims come with an EcoBoost engine to increase fuel efficiency
- Adding FordPass Connect and the mobile app lets you lock/unlock, start/stop, and schedule a start from your smartphone
- A rotary gear shift allows for seamless driving and an ergonomic interior
- Many safety features come standard on all trims, including lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring
How about the trims?
There's plenty to get excited about with the base trim of the Escape. However, if you're looking for a little more creature comforts, it's worth considering the other trims. SE, for example, comes with Sync 3, Ford's upgraded version of their infotainment system, an extra USB charging port, and intelligent access with a push-button start. SEL provides additional high-end features such as heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and heated side mirrors. Titanium takes the cake for tech with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a voice-activated infotainment center.
Which one do we recommend?
The SEL trim is our favorite among all four trims. Powered by a 1.5-liter engine, front-wheel drive, and a long list of features busy drivers will appreciate, we think it's the best option for the Escape.
What about its availability?
The 2022 Ford Escape is available at dealerships across the nation in all four trim levels. Shoppers shouldn't have any trouble finding this model at a local dealer location.
What about its performance and handling?
- The transmission can feel a little clunky when shifting, but some drivers might not mind that.
- Overall, the performance of the Escape is not as smooth as we'd like, but it doesn't feel like driving a truck, either.
- All trims come with several driving modes that make a noticeable difference in performance
- If you're looking for a small SUV that can tow, the Escape can haul up to 3,500 pounds.
The S, SE, and SEL come equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine and front-wheel drive. Titanium gets paired with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive. Thanks to the engines' turbocharged power, they reach 60 mph in 8.5 and just under 7 seconds, respectively. Furthermore, drivers can expect a high mpg at 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on highways. The mpg drops slightly if you opt for AWD (26/31) and significantly for the upgraded engine (22/31). Most drivers will find that the 1.5-liter is plenty for their daily driving needs.
How’s the interior?
Cabin Space
Small SUVs often offer more space than you'd expect, and the Escape is no exception. The backseat slides in and folds down to provide ample space for suitcases and oversized gear. A manual liftgate comes standard on the bottom trims, while SEL upgrades to a power liftgate. Titanium goes the extra mile and gets equipped with a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate.
Most adults will find they can sit comfortably anywhere and the seats offer back support. Upholstery will vary depending on the trim drivers pick, but our preference is for synthetic or genuine leather. Despite the spaciousness, practicality rules the cabin to the point of lacking style and flair. Both the S and SE suffer from cheap-looking plastic, but SEL and Titanium incorporate high-end materials.
Infotainment and connectivity
One of the reasons we're not excited about the base trim is the basic infotainment it offers. A 4.2-inch screen and regular Sync doesn't cut it when you can get more by going up a trim or two. Features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto come standard with the Sync 3. The upgraded version of Sync is also more intuitive to navigate. Options worth considering are a 10-speaker sound system, a heads-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display.
LIKES: The sliding backseat isn't a standard feature in most SUVs this size.
DISLIKES: If you want all the extras, pay up for the Titanium.
How about the technology and features?
Part of the appeal of driving a small SUV is that it combines the best features of sedans and trucks, which the Escape does for the most part. While some shoppers might not want to spend more money for the Sync 3 or an additional charging port, we'd highly recommend it. Even if you don't listen to music or podcasts through your smartphone, someone in your family does and will appreciate the additional program.
LIKES: Ford integrates smartphone technology into all corners of the cabin. The SEL offers the best of all worlds without being over the top
DISLIKES: If you want to control your Escape through the FordPass app, you need to buy the Titanium
Quick Quirks: Drivers and passengers will find ample storage compartments throughout the cabin, a refreshing touch for a small SUV |
Some additional features:
- All steering wheels include cruise and audio controls for easy control
- A driver's footrest adds an extra layer of comfort for long drives (available on SEL and Titanium)
- Dual-zone climate control is available for the top two trims
How’s the exterior?
The Escape has an exciting, sporty edge that not all smaller SUVs embody. A curvy body, wide grille, and shapely lights make it eye-catching, no matter which color you pick. As practical as the interior is, the exterior manages to elicit excitement. Fog lamps, halogen lights, privacy glass for the second row, and rain-sensing wipers are only available on the top two trims.
What warranty and safety does it offer?
The Escape comes with many safety features and a standard warranty program:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates this model five out of five stars
- All trims include the SOS Post-Crash Alert system, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping system, cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Limited warranty for 36,000 miles or three years
- Powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Are there any incentives and rebates for the Escape?
Ford offers incentives to U.S. military personnel, veterans, college students, recent graduates, and first responders. Some dealerships may offer additional incentives and rebates. To learn more about these options, visit your local Ford dealership.
