Crossovers are by far one of the most desired automobile segments there are. They are great for urban driving and hold themselves surprisingly well when on the open roads for long trips and getaway weekends. If this gets your motor running, you should be running with a Ford Escape. A great city car with a small turning radius and a great outdoorsy car for the great outdoors and has a towing capacity of 1200kgs. Let’s escape, shall we?

Pros

• Good fun to drive for an SUV
• Keen price and generous equipment
• Plug-in hybrid has a decent electric range
  

Cons

• Alot of features come only with an additional package
• Alternatives have plusher interiors
• Smaller boot than alternatives
  

What’s new?

• Platform has been upgraded to C2 Platfrom
  

Competitors of this young gunslinger are some of the established sheriffs of the town. While this is going to be a tough fight to have, it is a great testament to the prowess of the Ford Escape. Major competitors are the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson. Yes the heat is tuned up to maximum with this one, let’s see if Ford Escapes comes out shining or charred.

Exteriors

Styling Elements

The good thing about the Ford Escape's design language is that they’ve stuck with keeping the car as minimal and sophisticated as possible. The contour lines are not too flashy, neither are the chrome elements on the front grille. They give the appearance of translucence as if nothing’s there but something is.

The headlight cluster is uniform in most and split into two in some variants. I think it has got to do with the package you choose. Either way, you get dedicated fog lights, which I don’t see the appeal of yet people prefer it that way. If not then you get air inlets which keep the car engine and radiator cooler. Apart from that the headlights are fully LED with DRLs running around the dewey-eyed shape of the car.

Colour Options

The Ford Escape is offered to consumers in 8 beautiful colour options. Every variant might not have the colour as optional and maybe added at an optional cost of $650. These colours come in a prestige finish as well. So the following are the colours you can get your Ford Escape at an affordable price.

Frozen White | Blazer Blue | Agate Black | Blue Metallic | Rapid Red | Magnetic | Solar Silver | White Platinum

Wheel Design

The wheel design and the placement of the Ford Escape is a bit confusing. There are three wheel sizes which can be chosen from. 1 wheel size is standard in 3 variants and 1 is standard on an exclusive variant and the 3rd wheel size is entirely optional but only for one variant. Following is a breakdown if this confused you further.

• 18-inch alloy wheels - Ford Escape | Ford Escape ST-Line | Ford Escape Hybrid
• 19-inch alloy wheels - Ford Escape Vignale
• 20-inch alloy wheels - Optional only for Ford Escape Vignale

Interiors

Interior Layout & Space

One of the nicest elements about the interiors of the Ford Escape is how elegantly they’ve used plastic. They haven’t used that glossy black plastic Toyota can’t seem to stop using. Instead, they’ve used contoured plastic panelling and some brushed aluminium elements to wrap the look. Overall, I believe that this interior if one of the finest interiors in the segment.

The spacing is pretty good in the Ford Escape. There is ample of headroom, legroom and knee-room. Seating 5 people at once won’t be an issue. There is a bump in the middle of the floor in the second row so the middle occupant might have to crouch their knees but it isn’t the end of the world or a deterrent in any manner. Additionally, there is a bit of scratchy plastic in the second row and an absent centre armrest.

Comfort & Ergonomics

There is flexibility in the seats of the Ford Escape. They’re not only comfortable with an automatic adjustable seating setting with memory for the first row but there are alot of other features which make being seated in the Ford Escape a joyous experience.

Ford Escape - Cloth fabric

Ford Escape ST-Line  - Cloth with unique ST-Line stitching

Ford Escape Hybrid - Partial Sensico® Premium Artificial Leather

Ford Escape Vignale - Sensico® Premium Artificial Leather

The good thing about the Ford Escape is that if you want to upgrade the seating upholstery you can do so at an additional price.

Boot

Don’t we love when we buy a car and apart from many things that we love the car, the boot is so spacious that we develop a bit of a crush on our car. Well that’s the case with Ford Escape. The bootspace of 556 litres offers you more than an ideal storage space. It isn’t just adequate or daily use but also primed for quick weekend trips. If you want to make more space, all you need to do is drop down the second row and you have infront of you a vast space of around 1500 litres of storage.

Technology & Infotainment

So here’s a bit of a disappointment about the Ford Escape, while there are ample of famous features for all crossover enthusiasts, it doesn’t feel like you’d want to spend so much for the features that you get with the Ford Escape. With that being said, the features aren’t half bad and quite frankly appealing.

Technology Features

• Ambient Lighting – LED
• Auto-dimming Rear View Mirror
• Auxillary 12V Power Outlet x2
• Cargo Cover
• Climate Control - Automatic Dual Zone
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Electronic Shifter
• Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
• Privacy Glass
• Rain Sensing Windscreen Wipers
• Smart Keyless Entry with Push
• Button Start
• Panoramic Roof
• Power Liftgate
• Child Seat ISOFIX Anchorage Points (x 2)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• LED Glare Free Headlamps
• Enhanced Active Park Assist,6. Front Camera,
• Door Edge Guards
  

Connectivity Options

• 8 Colour Touch Screen (Base model only)
• 12.3" Digital Cluster (ST-Line variant and above)
• Satellite Navigation
• Traffic Message Channel
• Apple CarPlayTM, Android Auto
• Applink
• Bluetooth Enabled Audio Streaming
• USB Interface
• DAB+/FM Radio
• FordPass Connect - Embedded Modem
• SYNC®3
• Voice - Activated Controls
• USB Ports x 4
• Voice Pass Through (Siri/Google Assistant)
• Wireless Charging
  

Performance & Engine

Another issue with the Ford Escape is that it comes with a s ingle engine option which is quite odd given that the price difference between the base model and top model is over $10,000. Due to this, owning a car with limited features and engine not adding anything new most people just default to purchasing the ST-Line AWD variant. It covers most of the Ford Escape goodness without causing any buyer’s remorse.

Engine Specifications

Transmission & Drive System

The Turbo-charged engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which is a pretty good combination. Given the SUV has less kerb weight than some of the other SUVs in the segment, a powerful engine and a great transmission system is all you need to make the most of your driving experience. This is further reinforced by the punchiness of the Ford Escape. It picks up quickly and you will actually feel that you’re being pushed into your seat.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

Given that Ford Escape offers a single engine option in different types of drivetrains, the fuel efficiency of the Ford Escape is pretty standard. While real world driving figures will vary from driving conditions, driver’s habits and other factors, overall the figure doesn’t switch too drastically. This is due to the fact that Ford Escape comes with an exceptionally stable engine. It is solid and serves you well. 8.6 litres of fuel is required for 100 kilometres of travel. Now while this is not the most alluring figure given it is a 5-seater, we must remember that Ford Escape is a crossover, so it is carrying a bit more weight than it should. This problem is balanced out by a 57 litre fuel tank which minimises your stops. However if you’ve eyes set for the PHEV Ford Escape, you get an outstanding 1.5 litres of gas for every 100 kilometres of travel. That is the power of a PHEV, virtually, there’s no stopping your escapes if you opt for the PHEV variant. What I didn’t appreciate about the Ford Escape is that it requires a 95-RON fuel contrary to the more common and cheaper 91-RON fuel.

Handling & Driving Dynamics

Driving a crossover is always as fun as it can get. There are four driving modes which makes driving thre Ford Escape increasingly fun anf engaging. As you ettle into the Ford Escape and learn better about the nuances of each mode, there’s no telling how much fun and fulfilling the driving experience of the car will be. You get to drive the Ford Escape in Normal | Eco | Sport | Slippery | Deep Snow/Sand | Trail.

Apart from that steering feels a bit heavy and the breaks are overtuned. You’ll actually shift out of your seat when you brake the Ford Escape when on the go. These are just some minor nuances that I noticed, these things are rather subjective and can differ.

Safety Features

Safety features I’d say aren’t upto the mark, there are some advanced driver aids which are missing. I just feel like they could’ve treated the Ford Escape as a younger brother of Ford Everest instead the deranged cousin of Ford Puma. Following are the features.

• 6 Airbags
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Stop & Go technology
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Auto Headlamps & High Beam
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
• MyKeyTM
• Parking Sensors Front & Rear
• Rear View Camera
• Rear Seat Occupant Alert
• Seatbelt minder/monitors for 1st & 2nd row
• Selectable Drive Modes: Normal,
• Eco, Sport, Slippery Snow/Sand & Trail
• Traction Control System
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring
  

Advanced Safety Features

• Blind Spot Information System
• Reverse Cross Traffic Alert
• Driver Impairment Monitor
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Electronic Stability Control
• Emergency Assistance
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Hill Launch Assist
• Intelligent Speed Assist
• Lane Keeping Aid with
• Lane Departure Warning
  

Crash Test Ratings

The Ford Escape has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by ANCAP. The test was conducted in September 2019 and the rating has a validity till December of 2019. Following is a brief breakdown of the report. Read the full report here.

• Adult Occupant Protection - 92%
• Child Occupant Protection - 89%
• Vulnerable Road User Protection - 82%
• Safety Assist - 77%
  

Ownership Experience

Owning a Ford Escape is a gratifying experience, combining practicality, comfort, and advanced technology in a compact SUV. The Escape's sleek, modern design is both attractive and aerodynamic, enhancing fuel efficiency. Inside, the well-crafted cabin provides ample space for passengers and cargo, ensuring comfort and versatility for daily commutes and road trips. High-quality materials and ergonomic seating contribute to a pleasant driving environment. The intuitive infotainment system, featuring SYNC 3 with a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keeps drivers connected and entertained. Safety is paramount with features like Ford Co-Pilot360, offering lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Escape delivers a smooth and responsive ride, with efficient engine options balancing power and fuel economy. Ford's commitment to reliability and a strong warranty program further enhance the ownership experience, making the Escape a dependable and enjoyable choice in the compact SUV market.

Major Drawbacks

• The rear camera is grainy. You can zoom in to get by but it doesn’t make it any better.
• Basic Cloth Fabric upholstery has been criticised as being extremely uncomfortable even for small journeys. You may want to upgrade to a different upholstery.
  

Major Strengths

• There are buttons which can help you navigate the infotainment screen which is far more helpful than remembering a tap journey.
• Ford Pass Connect app is a great asset and is way more helpful than one would imagine.

Maintenance & Warranty Information

What is it about servicing and warranty that makes a car a truly operable and ownable car? Well the fact that you understand the details and nuances of them is a great starting point. Second, comes how accessible servicing is and how well is maintenance of your car is done. Ford has identified these problems and is simply moving to solve them. There aren’t alot of caveats with their service and maintenance options. They make their cars perform well and ensure customers have peace of mind once the purchase is done. Following are the benefits of owning a Ford.

• Warranty of upto 5 Years and unlimited kilometres
• Australia-wide fitment centre
• Intelligent Oil Life Monitoring System (IOLM) - This monitors your oil activity and usage and informs you when to change through the FordPass app.
• Service Loan Car Program - Only in participating dealerships. Check with your dealer.
• 3-Year New for Old Replacement

Verdict

While the car is great, it has a sporty side which people would definitely enjoy, while also having a particularly responsible side which makes it good car for families to look into. However there are some small caveats which might pile on and be too much to accommodate for any potential customer. The heavy steering, the premium fuel and features that come with an additional package may deter customers from getting into the Ford Escape. Mind you, Ford Escape goes against Toyota RAV4, now while the interiors of that car is something we’ve been complaining about for months now, Toyota has made the RAV4 unbeatable in other aspects. Maybe the Ford Escape can redeem itself by the infotainment setup, the Ford Pass Connect app is definitely helpful and does add points to the Ford Escape roster.

Reference

Brochure

Owners Manual