2008 Ford Escape Review Summary & Specs
XLS Sport Utility
One of Ford's best gets better.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The 2008 Ford Escape remains one of the best vehicles in Ford's lineup, and competitive in a crowded field of small sport-utilities, regardless of price. Yet model for model and feature for feature, Escape prices are very good. Considerable improvements for 2008 add safety features, refinement, comfort and more style. The Escape offers front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, competitive four- or six-cylinder engines and the Hybrid package, which works essentially as the conventional models do. Fuel mileage for all models, and towing capacity, rank with the best. For all-purpose, reasonably efficient daily transport on the road, the Escape rates among the best smaller SUVs.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent J.P. Vettraino test drove the 2008 Ford Escape in Detroit.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
J.P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup |
Ford Escape XLS ($18,580); XLS 4WD ($21,320); XLT ($20,880); XLT 4WD ($22,360); Limited ($23, 580); Limited 4WD ($25,330); Hybrid ($25,075); Hybrid 4WD ($26,825) |
| Engines (standard) |
3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) |
153-hp 2.3-liter inline-4; 200-hp 3.0-liter V6; 133-hp 2.3-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 with 70-kW, 330-volt electric motor |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; continuously variable (CVT) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
front-impact airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, curtain style head-protection airbags for all outboard seats, rollover protection system with roll stability control, dynamic stability control, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) , tire-pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
none |
| 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 |
$18,580 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Ford Escape Limited 4WD ($25,330) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning, leather seating, six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar control, AM/FM/cassette with in-dash six-CD changer and auxiliary jack, cruise control, power locks, illuminated remote keyless entry pad, automatic headlights, power mirrors, power windows with express down for driver's window, auto-dim rearview mirror, center console with armrest, overhead storage console, message center with compass, dual illuminated visor mirrors, three accessory power outlets, privacy glass, electric rear window defroster, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, floor mats |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Navigation system with seven-speaker Audiophile stereo and subwoofer ($2,395); Sirius Satellite Radio receiver ($195); Limited Luxury Package ($795) includes dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated side mirrors, heated front seats and reverse sensing system; Cargo Convenience Group ($295) includes cargo cover and compartmentalized storage bin; Chrome Appearance Package ($195) includes chrome roof rack; 17-inch chromed allow wheels ($695); Trailer Tow Package ($345) includes Class II receiver hitch, wiring harness with four-pin connector, oil cooler |
| Destination Charge |
665 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$30,910 |
| Layout |
all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
200 @ 6000 |
| Torque |
193 @ 4850 |
| Fuel Economy |
17/22 |
| Wheelbase |
103.1 |
| Length/Width/Height |
174.7/71.1/67.7 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
36.7 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
40.4/53.3/41.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.3/49..1/35.6 |
| Trunk Volume |
66.3 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
3500 |
| Front Suspension |
independent MacPherson strut, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
independent multi-link, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance |
8.1 |
| Curb Weight |
3522 |
| Stock Tires |
P225/65R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/drum with four-channel ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
16.5 |