Some familiar hardware
Returning for duty underhood is Ford's familiar 3.0 litre Duratec V6 with 200 horsepower. It's a proven and reliable powertrain, but its age is starting to show.
Granted, Escape will quietly putter along slowly when requested without making a peep. But it's when you push the engine or gearbox that a little roughness comes through. Not in huge amounts by any means, mind you- but just not as smooth as you might expect.
Simply, it isn't discreet. The transmission has only 4 gears, meaning big steps which can knock several thousand RPM's off the tachometer and leave the engine right out of its power. That's why five and six speed transmissions are becoming the norm in this sort of machine- they're just smoother and less obvious when doing their job. Four-speeds are so 2001.
It's just slightly disappointing given that Ford has so much going for the Escape. Economy is reasonable though, with average city / highway / trail driving averaging 12L / 100km.
On the road
You can see where this machine has made its fans happy from day one. The ride and handling are nicely sorted out- with a well-behaved chassis, light, quick steering and a well-damped feel. Escape can become a little noisy over bumpy sections but is easygoing overall.
The electric power steering system was also appreciated. It felt "just right" in any situation and even offered some feedback on the highway. As fast as I drove the Escape over several highway trips, it felt secure and communicative yet relaxed at the same time.
Off the Road
These car-like attributes benefit the Escape off of the road as well. The light steering, nimble handling and visibility all lend themselves to a sense of confident adventure should you wish to take to the dirt.
And why not? It's easy to place the tires where they need to be while climbing obstacles. It's also easy to manipulate the steering even when pitched heavily to either side. The electric power steering was welcomed here too- as it doesn't sound like an overloaded shop-class wood planer when under load. Escape is also light on its feet, so it doesn't go slipping down into ruts as easily as a weightier wagon. All in all, it's an SUV of formidable agility.
Returning for duty underhood is Ford's familiar 3.0 litre Duratec V6 with 200 horsepower. It's a proven and reliable powertrain, but its age is starting to show.
Granted, Escape will quietly putter along slowly when requested without making a peep. But it's when you push the engine or gearbox that a little roughness comes through. Not in huge amounts by any means, mind you- but just not as smooth as you might expect.
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| The 4-speed automatic transmission is the Escape's weakest point. |
Simply, it isn't discreet. The transmission has only 4 gears, meaning big steps which can knock several thousand RPM's off the tachometer and leave the engine right out of its power. That's why five and six speed transmissions are becoming the norm in this sort of machine- they're just smoother and less obvious when doing their job. Four-speeds are so 2001.
It's just slightly disappointing given that Ford has so much going for the Escape. Economy is reasonable though, with average city / highway / trail driving averaging 12L / 100km.
On the road
You can see where this machine has made its fans happy from day one. The ride and handling are nicely sorted out- with a well-behaved chassis, light, quick steering and a well-damped feel. Escape can become a little noisy over bumpy sections but is easygoing overall.
The electric power steering system was also appreciated. It felt "just right" in any situation and even offered some feedback on the highway. As fast as I drove the Escape over several highway trips, it felt secure and communicative yet relaxed at the same time.
Off the Road
These car-like attributes benefit the Escape off of the road as well. The light steering, nimble handling and visibility all lend themselves to a sense of confident adventure should you wish to take to the dirt.
And why not? It's easy to place the tires where they need to be while climbing obstacles. It's also easy to manipulate the steering even when pitched heavily to either side. The electric power steering was welcomed here too- as it doesn't sound like an overloaded shop-class wood planer when under load. Escape is also light on its feet, so it doesn't go slipping down into ruts as easily as a weightier wagon. All in all, it's an SUV of formidable agility.
 |
| The Escape is competent both on and off road. |