The
2010 Ford Escape is a compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) that comes with front-wheel or all-wheel drive in five trim levels: XLS Sport Utility, XLT Sport Utility, Limited Sport Utility, Hybrid Sport Utility, and Hybrid Limited Sport Utility. While a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, a 3.0-liter V6 engine is optional on all but the XLS trim. The Ford Escape 2.5 can be fitted with either a five-speed manual transmission (XLS only) or a six-speed automatic, but the V6 comes only with the automatic transmission.
Known for its brawny and athletic styling, the Ford Escape is a versatile and reliable vehicle with great crash test scores. The hybrid SUV with front-wheel drive supplies the best fuel economy at 30 mpg while the non-hybrid averages 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway. The Escape SUV has a unibody construction, making it more an SUV than a crossover, and exhibits superb off-road functions, while its towing capabilities are exceptional. Among the plethora of high-tech on the Escape is the awesome Sync system.
New for 2010
The 2010 Ford Escape gains the Sync with Traffic Directions and Information system, which adds GPS functionality and Bluetooth connectivity. Other new features include integrated spotter mirrors, optional rear-view camera system, Active Park Assist self-parallel-parking system, and MyKey.
Essentials
Engines: 2.5L I-4, 3.0L V-6, 2.5L I-4 w/electric motor
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Style: Crossover SUV
Trims: XLS Sport Utility, XLT Sport Utility, Limited Sport Utility, Hybrid Sport Utility, Hybrid Limited Sport Utility
On the Outside
The Ford Escape's exterior is smallish-looking, compared to its peers. 16-inch wheels are standard, while 17-inch wheels are optional. Non-hybrid trims come with chrome accents, while hybrid trims have body-color grilles; Limited trims have chrome lower fascias
From the Inside
Slightly short on rear-seat legroom at 35.6 inches, the Ford Escape has a maximum of 67.2 cubic-feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. Limited trims boast leather-trimmed seats.trimmed seats.
Driving Performance
With a 2.5-liter I-4 engine that churns out 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, the Ford Escape provides a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. One the other hand, the 240-horsepower V-6 engine, which can tow up to 3500 pounds, is more suited to handling lots of gear or pulling a trailer.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Ford Escape include six airbags, stability and traction control, while integrated spotter mirrors help the driver see blind spots.
Gas Mileage
I-4 FWD: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway (manual)
I-4 FWD: 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway
I-4 AWD: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway
V-6 FWD: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway
V-6 AWD: 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Hybrid FWD: 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway
Hybrid AWD: 30 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Plusses
- Good gas mileage
- Impressive crash test scores
- Energetic performance
- High-tech features
Minuses
- Lacking rear-seat legroom
- Aging design
Rating
A versatile, brawny compact SUV with lots of gadgets
People Who Like the 2010 Ford Escape Also Like
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
- Suzuki Grand Vitara