The S incorporates the must-have equipment that any shoppers in the compact crossover market are looking for today. Its position in the lineup is the entry-level buy that has everything you need. Standard features include the 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed automatic, 17-inch steel wheels, six-speaker audio system with AUX input, air conditioning, trip computer, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and power windows, locks and mirrors. Options include Ford's SYNC voice recognition system with full iPod and phone integration and a compass.

The SE adds more comfort features and opens up available technology amenities. All SEs get the more fuel-efficient 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with either front wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Also included are 17-inch alloy wheels, SYNC, more chrome accents outside, automatic headlamps, foglights, privacy glass and Sirius satellite radio. The Cargo Management II Package adds an alarm, 110-volt outlet, cargo cover and roof rack. A panoramic Vista roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, 9-speaker audio system, MyFord Touch and navigation and a power liftgate are also options. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 237 horsepower is optional on SEs equipped with all-wheel drive.

The SEL builds on the SE's features and starts to transform the Escape into a more luxurious and powerful compact crossover. Standard on SEL are 18-inch alloy wheels, MyFord Touch, leather seats with heating elements in front, 10-way power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, memory functions for the driver's seat and outside mirrors, turn signals in the outside mirrors and alarm. Options include all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in place of the 1.6. The Technology Package includes keyless start and entry, a foot-activated liftgate (one swipe of the foot under the bumper opens the tailgate), rear parking sensors, a 10-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio and a remote starter. The Cargo Management III Package adds a cargo cover, 110-volt socket and roof rails. The Parking Technology Package also adds blind spot monitoring with a cross-path detection system, backup camera, front parking sensors and Ford's active parking system that can parallel park the car with minimal driver input.