The Escape is beginning to show its age and is overdue for an update.
6.6 / 10
Dynamics
6.0 / 10
Engine Performance
Perhaps to mask its lack of power, the throttle tip-in is initially jumpy from a stop. With a 10-second run to 60 mph (about 2-3 seconds slower than comparable small SUVs now), the Escape's 3.0L 200-hp V6 is showing its age. Rated at just 19 mpg city/23 mpg hwy (2007 model-year data), it's also not terribly fuel-efficient either. Luckily the Duratec 30 V6 only requires 87 octane fuel.
6.0 / 10
Transmission Performance
As with the engine, the four-speed automatic (with overdrive) is quickly becoming an automotive relic with 5-, 6-, and even 7-speed automatics now commonplace. Having just four ratios from which to choose puts large dips in acceleration and means fewer gears for each driving event/occasion.
6.0 / 10
Brake Performance
Judged solely on its test results, the Escape supplies subpar brakes, with repeated stops from 60 mph all in excess of 150 feet (when its peers are in 130-foot range). The vehicle is not particularly heavy (3,500-3,600 lbs), it has four-channel ABS, and decent-size front vented-disc brakes, so why it produces such uncompetitive results is a question for the engineers. Also, why Ford chose to go back to rear drums for 2008 (from rear discs in model-year 2007) is a mystery. In most "normal" driving situations, the average driver would not detect any brake deficiencies. The pedal offers ample resistance and feedback without feeling soft or vague.
8.0 / 10
Steering Perfomance
The Escape's electric-assist power steering (EPS) rack is exceptional. Applying lessons learned from the Hybrid Escape's steering, Ford has successfully integrated this tricky technology which, when poorly executed, can feel artificial and unnatural. Steering weight is good, its response is intuitive, and parking is a snap. Two benefits of EPS are decreased engine load (no hydraulic pump to turn) and better road isolation.
6.0 / 10
Handling
With Ford's Roll Stability Control on high alert for questionable vehicle gyrations, the limit handling of the Escape is noticeably limited. Both skidpad and slalom tests were artificially hampered by this potentially life-saving electronic monitor/controller. That said, most drivers would feel that the Escape is an small SUV which handles better than a large one.
7.0 / 10
Off-road Performance
Moderate ground clearance and AWD are all the Escape has to offer here.
7.0 / 10
Towing Performance
Rated at a nominal 1,500 pounds (3,500 when properly Class II equipped), the Escape's maximum tow capacity is quite low.
7.0 / 10
Fun-to-Drive
Despite all of its dynamic deficiencies, the Escape is not incapable of lending a bit of fun to a favorite road. The steering feels good and the driver/front passenger seats are well bolstered. The Escape is no sport wagon, but who really expects it to be?
6.7 / 10
Comfort
6.0 / 10
Ride Comfort
The Escape exhibits what once was considered (in 2001) in the small SUV segment to be an acceptable amount of chop and coarseness, but now it's barely tolerable. It remains reasonably flat and damps out big imperfections but is otherwise busy-feeling. Sophisticated buyers will notice these characteristics if they've driven other vehicles in this highly competitive category.
7.0 / 10
Wind Noise
Our instrumented tests showed average performance in quelling wind noise.
7.0 / 10
Road Noise
Our instrumented tests showed average performance in quelling road noise.
7.0 / 10
Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access
Even in Limited model, the front passenger seat is fully manual as is driver seatback. There are good side bolsters on the standard leather front seats that also sit low enough to offer generous headroom and slide a great distance for legroom adjustment. The H-point is comfortable, but the optional running boards will soil pant legs on entry/exit.
6.0 / 10
Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access
The rear doors are small, only open about 75-80 degrees, and passengers must negotiate the rear wheel arch. The seats are relatively uncontoured, do not adjust, and are covered with a rubbery vinyl.
7.0 / 10
Driving Position
The leather-wrapped steering wheel is tilt only (no telescope) and the pedals do not adjust. The seat bottom is power adjusted for height and tilt, but the seat back is manually adjusted. Combined, the Escape offers a reasonable driving position without going as far as some of the newer offerings.
6.8 / 10
Function
7.0 / 10
Headlight Illumination
Adequate headlamp illumination from standard halogen bulb and foglamps. High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps are not offered.
7.0 / 10
Visibility
Rear visibility through the mirror is slightly compromised by large rear headrests and expected blind spots. Optional reverse sensing system improves park-ability.
7.0 / 10
Instrument Panel Layout
Tach/speed/fuel/temp are prominently positioned and are represented in white-on-black in the day and blue-on-black at night. Legible and easy to locate. Other information may be viewed on I.P. display, as well.
8.0 / 10
Climate Control System Layout
Consisting of three large knobs, the optional automatic dual-zone HVAC system is easy to operate. The system's display is now on top of the dashboard.
7.0 / 10
Audio System Layout
Touchscreens with virtual and actual buttons are quickly becoming the industry norm (replacing knobs and bezels), so we can't fault Ford for making them part of the optional Audiophile system. Redundant steering wheel controls are a plus.
7.0 / 10
Secondary Control Layout
Stalks, headlamp switch, mirror adjuster, and window switches are all intuitively placed. There's no rear glass/hatch release to be found.
7.0 / 10
Interior Storage
Door pockets are shallow/thin and will not accommodate bottles. There are appropriately placed/sized locations for mobile phones, personal audio players, and deep central bin that will hold a laptop. The glovebox is small and the release handle is a long reach for the driver.
6.0 / 10
Standard Cargo/Trunk Space
Rear glass and door may be opened separately. There are no tie-downs or power outlets apparent. With the second-row seats up, the cargo volume (29 cu-ft) is average, but not oddly shaped due to near-vertical rear glass.
6.0 / 10
Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)
The procedure to stow second-row seats is outdated and cannot be performed solely from rear of the vehicle.
6.0 / 10
Cupholders
There are two beverage buckets up front with removable liners and two for the rear passengers molded into the back of the front armrest.
7.3 / 10
Design/Build Quality
7.0 / 10
Exterior Design
Son of Explorer style is a step toward family resemblance, but is certainly no benchmark. If blending in is what you seek, the Escape will still suit you fine.
7.0 / 10
Interior Design
The interior design is fundamentally sound and certainly not controversial. Most things are where they should be and are presented in a tasteful array of colors and trim packages.
7.0 / 10
Interior Materials
While we question the durability of the "piano black" painted surfaces, they do look pretty. Most other surfaces are well textured but some are hollow-sounding.
7.0 / 10
Interior Control Tactile Feel
All of the controls feel solid and lack wobble or sandiness when operated.
8.0 / 10
Squeaks & Rattles
Because the suspension tuning is tighter/rougher than it could be, it ends up showing off the Escape's rattle-free build qualities.
8.0 / 10
Panel Fitment & Gaps
Every panel appeared straight and every gap was tight on our test vehicle.
6.8
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6.6 / 10
6.0 / 10
8.0 / 10
7.3 / 10