2005 Ford Escape Review Summary & Specs
XLS Sport Utility
Fresh looks, more power, better ride, and the first gas-electric SUV.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
Ford Escape is a fun, well-balanced on-road SUV. It has a roomy interior and good cargo capacity. A new four-cylinder engine brings needed power and the availability of an automatic. The available V6 engine provides the Escape with strong power. The new interior and suspension tuning make it more comfortable and more convenient. A four-wheel independent suspension and unit-body construction make it ride and handle almost as well as a car, but it isn't designed for serious off-road driving. Styling revisions give the 2005 Escape a fresh face.
The Escape Hybrid is the world's first gas-electric SUV, and can deliver huge mileage gains and greatly reduced emissions, though it adds about $4,000 to the cost.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Jim McCraw |
| Model Lineup |
Ford Escape XLS ($19,265); XLS 4WD ($21,015); XLT ($22,780); XLT 4WD ($24,530); Limited ($24,615); Limited 4WD ($26,365); Hybrid |
| Engines (standard) |
3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) |
2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Inline-4; 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6; 2.3-liter Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve inline-4 with 330-volt electric motor |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; continuously variable transmission |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual front airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
ABS, side-impact airbags |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Kansas City, Missouri; Avon Lake, Ohio |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-FORD |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.fordvehicles.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$19,265 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Ford Escape XLT 4WD ($24,530) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning, anti-theft system with perimeter alarm, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, cargo cover and convenience net, center console with armrest, cruise control, front fog lamps, privacy glass, chrome grille, dual visor mirrors, AM/FM/cassette with in-dash six-CD changer, six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar control, five-spoke alloy wheels, full carpeting, floor mats, electric rear window defroster, power locks, illuminated remote keyless entry, headlights with automatic off/delay, power mirrors, accessory power outlet in rear cargo area, tachometer, power windows with express down for driver's window |
| Destination Charge |
590 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
XLT No Boundaries package ($1055) includes P235/70R-16 all-terrain white-letter tires, 16-in aluminum wheels, Class II trailer towing package, black step bars, special roof rack system; Mach stereo with 6-CD changer ($565); cargo cover ($75); side air curtain ($425) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$27,240 |
| Layout |
four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
200 @ 5900 |
| Torque |
196 @ 4700 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/23 |
| Wheelbase |
103.1 |
| Length/Width/Height |
173.0/70.1/69.1 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
35.4 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.3/53.4/42.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
36.9/49.0/36.4 |
| Trunk Volume |
69.2 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
3500 |
| Front Suspension |
independent MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
independent, multi-link, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance |
7.8 |
| Curb Weight |
3346 |
| Stock Tires |
P235/70R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity |
16.0 |