Teresa’s View
The Ford Escape has been a segment leader for good reason: It’s small enough to be agile, big enough to be practical and affordable enough to be at the top of many consumers’ wish lists.
For 2005, Ford redesigned the Escape to provide more of everything — more power and more technology — and just in time for the gas crisis, better fuel efficiency with the new, hybrid version of the Escape.
The big news is power. The new Duratec 23 I-4 engine and newly available automatic transmission replaces the previous underpowered base engine. A spunky 3.0-liter V-6 engine also has been added to the lineup. The car-based Escape now can claim adequate muscle, a relief when in need of that extra spurt while passing on the freeway or launching into traffic.
With fuel economy ratings of 18-mpg city and 22-mpg highway, the Escape is also a welcome bright spot in SUV-land, but that’s only with the smaller engine matched with the manual transmission.
An all-new four-wheel drive system is fully automatic, meaning no driver input is necessary. Most of the time, the Escape motors along in fuel-efficient two-wheel drive, but when onboard computers feel slippage, the four-wheel drive is automatically engaged.
The interior redesign includes a new center console with more storage capacity, bigger cupholders and a power outlet. The revised seats are more supportive and are covered in, at least to this momma’s eye, more durable cloth.
What Is It?: The compact, four-door Escape is sold in three trims: XLS, XLT and Limited. All are offered in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Prices range from $19K to $26K, excluding destination and delivery charges of $590.
Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. Privacy glass, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo and power windows, mirrors and door locks are standard on the XLS. The XLT adds cruise control, power driver’s seat and a six-disc in-dash CD player. Leather seats come with the Limited.
Favorite Feature: I’m partial to the 24-hour roadside assistance.
Turnoffs: The fake chrome trim is, like, really fake; Seek button on the audio system is poorly placed.
Safety: Anti-lock brakes are standard this year. So are second-generation airbags and a handy battery-saver feature. Side curtain airbags, part of the Escape’s Safety Canopy, run an extra $425.
The Back Seat: Those with short legs and extraordinarily fine posture will love this back seat. Everyone else will find it a bit confining and uncomfortable — particularly the seatbacks, which are peculiarly perpendicular.
Grocery Sack Test: A liftgate with flip-up glass makes stowing gear and packages a breeze.