PROS:
Decent to drive, lots of kit, spacious for passengers
CONS:
Cheap and dated interior, smaller boot than rivals, some SUVs more agile
Ford’s second-generation Escape has been facelifted for 2017, but other than the refreshed looks not much has changed under the skin. It’s decent enough to drive, but not the most engaging in its class, while there’s plenty of kit and the diesel engine is capable.
Going against the current trend, the Ford Escape is more SUV than crossover. This is demonstrated by a range that offers a lot of four-wheel drive choices, meaning it’s more useful in the rough stuff than some.
Smart styling, that spacious interior and plenty of standard equipment count in its favour, although the Escape’s infotainment system isn’t the easiest to operate, and the dash looks and feels quite low-rent. The new looks mean it’s more distinctive and handsome, but overall the Escape is starting to feel old when compared to newer arrivals.
The Ford Escape has been around since 2008, but the Escape for sale today is the second generation that was launched in 2012, although the model received a minor facelift at the start of 2017.
The Escape is a global car sold all around the world, and in spite of getting on a bit the model remains popular amongst buyers looking for the practicality and looks of a Ford Focus in a high-riding crossover/SUV. Although it is a crossover, the Escape is geared more towards the traditional 4×4 end of the sector than some of its more contemporary rivals.
You get to pick from a pair of diesels and one petrol engine if you’re after an Escape , but there are a variety of power outputs from the petrol 1.5 EcoBoost engine – from 120PS to 182PS. The smaller 1.5-litre TDCI engine is 120PS, while the larger 2.0 diesel comes with 150PS or 180PS. The most powerful variants come with four-wheel drive and auto gearboxes only, but lesser models are two-wheel drive with six-speed manual gears.
The Escape line-up starts with the Zetec entry model, which comes pretty well equipped with DAB radio, cruise control, manual air-con and 17-inch alloys. Next up is the Escape Titanium and Escape ST-Line which come with an 8-inch touchscreen and sat-nav, and both of which can be upgraded to Titanium X or ST-Line X as a cost effective way of bagging more goodies. The luxurious Escape Vignale model has everything you could wish for, including special styling, 18-inch alloys, 10-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, leather upholstery and leather wrapped instrument panel.
Technology highlights include hands-free tailgate opening, Active City Stop emergency braking and Ford SYNC, which offers voice control functionality.
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