The Escape is Ford's smallest crossover SUV. The Escape's competition includes the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Saturn Vue. There is an Escape Hybrid available that's listed separately.
New for 2011
There are no significant changes for 2011.
Exterior:
The Escape has a plunging chrome grille in some trim levels that would be equally at home on a Volkswagen Jetta or Golf. A raised hood and high belt line may make the SUV look tougher, but they probably don't do much for visibility. Exterior features include:
- Capless refueling nozzle instead of fuel cap
- 16- or 17-inch wheels
- Blind-spot display in side mirrors
The Escape seats five in two rows of seats. The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be folded down to increase cargo space. Ford's optional voice-activated Sync multimedia system now includes traffic and weather information. Interior features include:
- Standard cruise control
- Available ambient lighting
- Available Sync multimedia interface
- Standard MP3 jack
- Available rearview camera, displayed in navigation system or rearview mirror
Under the Hood:
The Escapes self-parking system handles all the steering required for parallel parking. The driver must still shift the transmission into gear, as well as operate the gas and brake pedals. The driver can override the system and steer the car if needed.
- 171-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder (171 pounds-feet of torque)
- 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 (223 pounds-feet of torque)
- Available six-speed automatic transmission
- Available five-speed manual
- Drive-by-wire throttle control
The Escape features MyKey, which allows owners to create settings for teen drivers such as a top speed limit, maximum stereo volume and alerts if the driver goes faster than 45 mph. Other safety equipment includes:
- Standard electronic stability system
- Antilock brakes
- Roll stability control
- Dual-stage front airbags
- Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags
Styling:
Bless its boxy heart, the 2011 Ford Escape still looks more like an SUV than it does like a crossover--a good thing, save for the hard surfaces inside.
Performance:
The 2011 Ford Escape's full of mixed performance messages: Hybrid versus V-6, ground clearance versus low ride height, electric power steering versus rear drum brakes.
Quality:
Cargo and passenger space are some of the 2011 Ford Escape's strengths; plasticky trim is a weakness.
