2016 Ford Escape

The 2016 Ford Escape is available in three trim levels. All are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission; front wheel-drive is standard.

• The base Escape S is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. Standard features include a rearview camera, power windows with driver’s one-touch up/down, voice-activated SYNC infotainment, and remote keyless entry. Pricing starts at $23,100.
• The Escape SE is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. Key standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, SYNC 3 voice activated technology, and more. All-wheel drive is optional. Pricing begins at $25,300.
• The nicely equipped top-trim Escape Titanium receives a turbocharged 2-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine and is available in front- or all-wheel drive. Standard feature highlights include a power panoramic Vista Roof, a hands-free foot-activated lift-gate, leather-trimmed seats, and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Titanium models start at $29,505.

• The 2016 Ford Escape is fun to drive, offering precise steering and excellent handling capabilities. The 168-horsepower 2.5-liter engine offers a decent balance between power and economy at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The smaller, but more powerful, 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 178 horsepower and an impressive 184 pound-feet of torque. The tiny, spirited engine does a nice job pulling the Escape around town and along the highway with up to 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
• Enthusiasts will want to opt for the larger 2-liter Ecoboost engine that creates 240 horsepower and a hearty 270 pound-feet of torque. The feisty powerplant is enough to let the Escape zip around with authority while still achieving up to 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
• All Ford Escapes, regardless of engine, only require regular unleaded gasoline.
• All models also include Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control that simultaneously adjusts the speed between the front wheels to enhance cornering agility and reduce understeer.
• Another standard feature is Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, a brake-based electronic stability control system that uses a roll-rate sensor to monitor the Escape’s roll motion, applying brakes and modifying engine power to provide optimal safety even under adverse road conditions.
• The Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Those looking for a comfy ride may find the sporty nature of Ford’s Escape a little too harsh.

The Ford Escape’s compact look belies its roomy interior. With excellent room for four adults or two adults and three children, the 2016 Escape makes for a great vehicle for smaller families looking for the versatility of an SUV, but desiring the enhanced driving dynamics and fuel economy of a hatchback.

• The nicely-appointed interior, especially for the segment, includes a standard rearview camera, Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
• Rear cargo space is excellent and configurable thanks to the 60/40 split rear seat.

• The driver-centric cockpit and aggressive interior styling take away from visibility.
• The interior design feels disjointed and ready for a refresh, which is coming for the 2017 model year.

The MyFord Touch and SYNC systems are far better than previous years, but still come with a bit of a learning curve for newbies.

The 2016 Ford Escape is a youthful, sporty compact crossover that does a lot to stand out in a crowded and ever-growing segment. While the base engine provides adequate power for the small SUV, the Limited’s turbocharged 2-liter gives the little utility vehicle the punch that it deserves to live up to the enthusiast-flavored styling. Families will like the roomy interior and cargo space, and wallets will appreciate the fuel-efficiency and ability to use regular unleaded.