Ford's new off-road capable Bronco signals the brand's fresh focus on off-the-grid adventure, but its bread-and-butter Escape crossover still caters to the on-road, family-car crowd. All-wheel drive is available, but the Escape lacks the sophisticated all-terrain gear of its new, larger go-anywhere stablemate.
Four different powertrains are offered including optional hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups, which aim to sip fuel and provide extra electric-powered boost when needed. The Escape's stylish cabin matches its smooth-edged exterior styling, but the most affordable models project an air of cheapness that may put some buyers off. Despite its flaws, the Escape continues to be a decent option for compact SUV buyers, but competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan offer greater refinement, nicer furnishings, and more driving pleasure for similar money.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2021 Escape offers a wide range of powertrains, starting with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. The turbo three, while somewhat grumbly and unrefined, provides adequate acceleration and managed to motivate an all-wheel-drive Escape SE to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds at our test track.
Upgrading to the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the compelling choice and was powerful enough to score a 5.7-second result in the same zero-to-60-mph test. Both gasoline engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. To tackle new competition in the form of the Honda CR-V hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Ford also offers two Escape hybrids one of which is a plug-in and those powertrains consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors which combine to make 221-hp.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Ford Escape has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford is offering a suite of driver-assistance features, which it calls Co-Pilot360, as standard on every Escape model.
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