Driving Impressions

The Ford Escape offers responsive handling and brisk acceleration performance. The suspension is relatively taut, without the mushiness that characterizes larger SUVs with big off-road tires and long-travel suspensions. It handles better than a Jeep Liberty or Toyota RAV4, and is quicker than a Honda CR-V. Steering is responsive. It feels direct and accurate with no dead spot in the center. There's enough feeling in the steering to impart a sense of control. Though this is not a sports car, the tires grip respectably in paved corners. There's surprisingly good transient response in a series of left-right-left corners. This permits quick, yet smooth, driving that will not upset passengers. The V6 engine delivers good acceleration. While there's no such thing as too much power, it never feels lacking in the Escape. The engine and four-speed automatic transmission communicate and work well together. The transmission shifts smoothly up and down, and chooses gears appropriately for the situation. The engine's broad power band never lugs or strains. This isn't the smoothest V6 on the market, nor is it the roughest. But it is smoother and more satisfying than the four-cylinder engines found in most small sport-utilities. Escape's brakes are smooth and responsive. ABS comes into play just when expected and is detectable by the familiar pulsating sensation. The Escape felt comfortable on a muddy fire road pocked with puddles and potholes, but it is lacking in true off-road situations. Its front-drive platform leaves it spinning its wheels on rough, loose, steep trails. It lacks traction and suspension travel. The suspension does not have the articulation needed for rugged terrain and there is no low-range set of gears. For everyday road travel, however, the Ford Escape is an excellent choice. When properly equipped, Escape has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Final Word

Ford Escape is a well-balanced on-road SUV. It has a roomy interior and good cargo capacity. The available V6 engine provides the Escape with strong power. A four-wheel independent suspension and unit-body construction make it handle almost as well as a car. A car-like ride makes it easy to live with. It isn't designed for serious off-road driving, nor are its direct competitors.