SPORTY CROSSOVER DELIVERS
Ford Escape revamps look, boosts fuel economy
The 2013 Ford Escape broke out of the boxy stereotype it had been in for year and became a sporty, car-like crossover that delivered crisp handling, additional passenger space and good fuel economy.
The 2014 Escape undergoes very little change — and that is a good thing. The midrange SEL trim level goes away, but other than that there is little to note in terms of change for 2014.
An exterior treatment that differentiates it from just about everything on the market takes the streaming profile and aggressive stance evident on the exterior, and pulls it inside the cabin. For 2014, my top-end tester Titanium model showed off some impressive18-inch machined aluminum wheels and bold silver roof rails.
Pushing the Escape are three fourcylinders replacing the former four- and six-cylinder engines and the popular and discontinued Ford Escape Hybrid. The base engine’s a carryover 2.5-liter four meant for fleets, while the mainstream choice is a 178-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four.
A 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder can push the Escape to 60 miles per hour in less than eight seconds. All versions come with a competent six-speed automatic.
Seating in this small CUV is more than adequate. Front seats are slim and rather firm, and there’s just enough space for adults — just two of them, due to width — to sit in back. The back seat folds and flips down its own headrests for better storage space. And a hands-free tailgate option makes convenient work of grocery loading.
Inside the cabin you will find an overall f eel comparable to most crossovers in this price range, although the plastic interior expanses can be a bit of a turn- off f or many potential buyers.
The Escape has earned Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as four-star overall ratings (with five stars for side impact) from the federal government. A rear backup camera system is standard across the Ford Escape lineup and that is essential these days.
The 2014 Titanium Technology Package is now optional and adds HID Headlamps, a blind-spot system, park assist, and rain-sensing wipers. Other noteworthy features offered in the Escape include an improved but still complex MyFord Touch; a navigation system; HD and satellite radio; Bluetooth with audio streaming; pushbutton start; leather seating; all-wheel drive, with or without a 3,500-pound-rated towing package; and a panoramic sunroof.
The cabin delivers a modern look that is memorable and full of attitude, which makes it stand out in this class. The instrument panel is similarly bold with an upright stack that wraps around the front occupants, yet the overall interior feels open.
The base carryover 2.5-liter fourcylinder, coupled to the same six-speed automatic found in all other 2014 Escapes, comes fitted only with frontwheel drive; it makes 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, and an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated
22/31 mpg.