The Ford Escape is supposed to be Ford’s mid-sized crossover but is being overshadowed by both the Ecosport in the compact crossover market and Ford Everest in the mid-sized SUV market. This is a bad marketing strategy for Ford as the new generation Escape is a brilliant mid-sized crossover that is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor, not to mention being a very practical, not to mention stylish everyday driver.
Say Hello to the More Modern 2016 Ford Escape
The previous Ford Escape was design with a rugged and macho look that resembled its large pickup truck brother the Ford explorer but downsized by a lot. For this generation, the Escape is now sleeker, with a look that much closely resembles a proper crossover based on a sedan or hatchback platform. The new Escape features a long and low stance and couple it with its sedan-like front end and you’d be surprised that the Escape is actually bigger than what it resembles. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter gas turbo four cylinder with direct injection for better power and thanks to some high tech features, also very fuel efficient. The engine is mated to a Ford six-speed SelectShift automatic which provides better power, economy, and is smoother at low speeds than the Ford PowerShift. The whole powertrain is in a FWD layout.
On the inside of the 2016 Ford Escape, it’s a cross between the Fiesta and the Focus with some accents of character that make the inside distinguishable for the Escape. The design is clean and classy, on the center console is the mobile phone-like multi-function console from the Fiesta flanked by the AC vents. The steering wheel is bolstered at the 10 and 2 positions to force you to keep your hands on the 9 and 3 positions. The Escape being a larger crossover offers one of the best headroom and decent legroom at the back not to mention a very versatile folding seat. The rear seats fold flat and if that’s not enough, the base can accordion to the floor forming a flush rear loading space maximizing the cargo space.
The Ford Escape is based on a sedan/hatch platform particularly, the Focus. Like the Focus the taller and heavier Escape is an agile performer and has the right moves as the much smaller and sportier Focus. The steering is precise, and the chassis is communicative and snappy. The Escape can corner sharply without any problems with an added bonus of the stock tires providing decent grip while performing some enthusiastic driving while still keeping road noise down. The suspension is a bit on the stiff side but not jarring