Ford Escape - Review, Specs, Pricing, Features, Videos and More
The Ford Escape is one of the older options in the compact SUV segment, but it does offer a lot of choice. There are two turbocharged engine options, as well as a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The latter only comes with front-wheel drive, while the rest can be paired with all-wheel drive.
With the Bronco Sport handling the more rugged aspects of this segment, the Escape is positioned as more of a smooth driving, road-going SUV for small families.
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Pros | Good road manners, big touchscreen, available hybrid options |
Cons | PHEV lacks AWD, noisy 1.5L, expensive top trims |
Bottom Line | The Escape is part of Ford's two-pronged attack on the compact SUV segment. While the Bronco Sport handles the rough-and-tumble crowd, the Escape excels at smooth, car-like progress, especially in hybrid form. |
Table of contents
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Ford Escape PHEV Comparison
Do you need a plug?
There are a lot of differences between these two fuel-sipping family crossovers, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Ford Escape PHEV. One has a turbocharged engine, one does not. One is front-drive, one is AWD. A traditional automatic contrasts with an electric CVT. They’re even opposite hues.
But it’s the Ford’s little outlet, just aft of the driver-side front wheel arch, that defines this head-to-head. Gas isn’t getting any cheaper, and the idea of emissions-free motoring, even just on short drives, is an appealing one. Managing editor Mike Schlee and I spent a week with both to figure out if plug-in power is worth the extra cash outlay.
Competitors
Detailed Specs
Price | $29,150 - $37,400 |
Engine | 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder / 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder + hybrid / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder + plug-in hybrid |
Power | 180 hp / 250 hp / 192 / 210 hp |
Torque | 199 lb-ft / 280 lb-ft / N/A / N/A |
Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
Transmission | 8AT / eCVT |
Fuel Economy (city/hwy) | 23-36 mpg, 31-42 mpg / 101 MPGe (Plug-In) |
Cargo Capacity | 34.4–37.5 cu ft |
Our Final Verdict
Ford Escape
Overall | 7.6 |
Performance | 7.0 |
Features | 8.0 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Quality and Styling | 8.0 |
Value | 7.0 |
More by AutoGuide.com Staff
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The 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine is especially disappointing. The entire Escape line is expected to be discontinued at the end of the year and not replaced.
My guess is this crap is so profitable that only a few buyers are required to perpetuate producing the same thing over and over, offering ever larger screens with each new model year. Otherwise, why is it still around? Oh yeah, It's the $7500 free government money. My ancient 2008 5 speed Focus sports sedan still gets 41 mpg doing 80 mph on interstates and 30 mpg in town without any stinking charger cords. The modern auto industry colluding with government excels at using the P.T. Barnum business model and PHEV hocus-pocus.