The smallest SUV made by the Blue Oval is the 2010 Ford Escape. This vehicle enters its second generation. Its first appearance entered the market in 2008. A year later, the vehicle got some changes like new motors and drivetrains that enhanced road and fuel performance.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is by far the best variant; this SUV with front-drive supplies the best fuel economy at 30 miles-per-gallon while city driving and highway driving. The Escape sports a V-6 engine too. Its towing capabilities are exceptional and all Escapes come with loads of gadgetry, including the awesome Sync system Ford is known for offering.
The Escape SUV sports a unibody construction, making it more an SUV than a crossover offering. The Escape has superb off road functions and takes the lead when compared to competing vehicles. The styling is brawny and athletic. The SUV buyer seeking outdoor adventure will love the Escape's features, and the eco-conscious consumer will find the Escape an appropriate vehicle too. This vehicle is amazingly versatile and offers the consumer a reliable vehicle for every purpose.
The Range
Bodystyles: Crossover SUV
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)
Models: XLS, XLT, Limited, Hybrid
What's New
The Ford Escape recently received a cosmetic redesign and engine upgrades, so changes for 2010 are limited to the addition of new features. These include integrated spotter mirrors, optional rear-view camera system, Active Park Assist self-parallel-parking system, and MyKey. Also new is the Sync with Traffic, Directions and Information system that adds GPS functionality and Bluetooth connectivity.
Exterior
The Escape looks somewhat like an Explorer that's shrunk in the wash. Hybrid models come with body-color grilles, others with chrome. Limited models get chrome lower fascias.16-inch wheels standard, 17-inch wheels are optional.
Interior
At 35.6 inches, the Escape is slightly short on rear-seat legroom but offers up a maximum of 67.2 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Limited models come with leather-trimmed seats.
Performance & Handling
The Escape's 2.5-liter I-4 makes 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque and can be had with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Those planning on hauling lots of gear or pulling a trailer should opt for the 240-horsepower V-6, which can tow up to 3500 pounds. Meanwhile, the Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV available.
Safety
The Ford Escape comes standard with six airbags including side curtain airbags for both rows of seats plus stability and traction control. Integrated spotter mirrors help the driver see traffic in blind spots.
EPA Fuel Economy
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
You'll Like
You Won't Like
- Lacking rear-seat legroom
Sum Up
Big SUV looks, small size
If You Like This Vehicle
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
- Suzuki Grand Vitara