Ford Escape Is Much Improved and Much Quicker.Ford's New Escape Leaves a Bitter Aftertaste.To tackle new competition in the form of the Honda CR-V hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Ford also offers two Escape hybrids-one of which is a plug-in-and those powertrains consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors which combine to make 221-hp. Both gasoline engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Upgrading to the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the compelling choice and was powerful enough to score a 5.7-second result in the same zero-to-60-mph test. The turbo three, while somewhat grumbly and unrefined, provides 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. The Escape offers a wide range of powertrains, starting with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. The SEL adds plenty of niceties that compact SUV shoppers will appreciate, including rear parking sensors, memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors, fake leather upholstery, a remote-start feature, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with heat, a hands-free power liftgate, fog lamps, and roof-rack side rails. The best value of the lineup is the mid-range SEL trim with front-wheel drive. A new 19-inch wheel design is optional on the Titanium model, and a Class II Trailer Tow package is now available on Escapes with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Elsewhere, adaptive cruise control and a traffic-sign recognition feature join the optional Co-Pilot360 Plus package a hands-free power liftgate and memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors are now part of the Technology package and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a keyless-entry keypad, and LED exterior lighting are now on the list of features in the Convenience package. What's New for 2021?įord has expanded the availability of the hybrid powertrain to the SE and SEL trims for 2021 it's now standard on the top-spec Titanium model. Despite its flaws, the Escape continues to be a decent option for compact SUV buyers, but competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan offer greater refinement, nicer furnishings, and more driving pleasure for similar money. The Escape's stylish cabin matches its smooth-edged exterior styling, but the most affordable models project an air of cheapness that may put some buyers off. Four different powertrains are offered including optional hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups, which aim to sip fuel and provide extra electric-powered boost when needed. All-wheel drive is available, but the Escape lacks the sophisticated all-terrain gear of its new, larger go-anywhere stablemate. Ford's new off-road capable Bronco signals the brand's fresh focus on off-the-grid adventure, but its bread-and-butter Escape crossover still caters to the on-road, family-car crowd.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |