Introduction

Ford Escape offers agile handling on both paved and unpaved roads. It rides smoothly and gets strong acceleration performance from an optional V6 engine. The Escape seats four people comfortably, and folding down the rear seats reveals a flat, moderately sized cargo area. Best of all, its price is relatively low. A completely new vehicle a year ago, the Ford Escape is among the best small sport-utilities vehicle on sale today, especially if you spend little time off road.

Walkaround

Ford designers worked to achieve a balance between the SUV's image of confidence, ruggedness and versatility with an image of agility and fun. The Escape's forward-poised stance, large wheel lips, wide body cladding and an integrated bumper guard give a functional look. The Escape is wider than other compact SUVs and this gives it a look that is both aggressive and well planted. Short front and rear overhangs add more to the sports appeal. The Escape looks bold and aggressive than the Honda CR-V, looking like it came from the same family as the Ford Explorer and Expedition. Being able to see the leading edge of the hood from the driver's seat makes the Escape easier to maneuver in tight places, whether you're deep in the woods or (more likely) in a tight big-city garage. If you are deep in the woods, its 8.5 inches of ground clearance may help clear obstacles. Outside door handles are easy to grab and feel like they're going to last. Accessories from Ford Outfitters include a snap-in pet barrier and a system to haul two mountain bikes in the cargo area. Bike racks can also be mounted on the roof; the standard roof rack with crossbars holds up to 100 pounds. We don't like the idea of getting vehicles with tall ground clearances then bolting running boards on them. Ford says it designed the running boards on the Escape so that they do not lower the ground clearance. They are expected to be popular on the Escape and are designed to make it easier to install kayaks, snowboards and other toys on the roof rack. Likewise, the rear bumper was designed to aid roof access.

Interior Features

Ford claims the Escape is among the most spacious of the small SUVs (rated at 133.9 cubic feet of total interior volume). The rear cargo area offers 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, making it just the thing for a day of antiquing. With the split 60/40 rear seats folded up to accommodate up to five passengers it provides 33.0 cubic feet. Entering and exiting the vehicle is aided by a low doorsill height and wide door openings. Front-seat roominess is similar to that of the Explorer. Rear seats offer good knee room. White-faced instruments, in vogue these days, are in a straightforward instrument panel. Side airbags are optional. The audio system and heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls in the center stack are angled slightly toward the driver to ease reach while driving. Ford engineers say they tested the placement of the controls by using blindfolded occupants.