Ford Escape 2021

Ford ‘s new off-road-capable Ford Escape Bronco signals the brand’s new focus on off-the-grid adventure, but the Escape’s bread-and-butter crossover still caters to the family-car crowd on the road . All-wheel drive is available, but the Escape lacks the high-end all-terrain equipment of its new, larger stablemate. Four different powertrains are offered including optional hybrid setups and plug-in hybrids, which are meant to sip fuel and provide extra electric-powered boost when needed. The elegant Escape cabin is matched by its soft-edged exterior,

But more expensive models display an air of cheapness that may turn some buyers off. Despite its flaws, the Escape is still a decent choice for compact SUV buyers, but competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan offer more improvements, nicer upholstery, and more driving pleasure for similar money.

Ford Escape

Ford has expanded hybrid powertrain availability to 2021 SE and SEL models; It’s now standard on the high-spec titanium model. Elsewhere, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition join the optional Co-Pilot360 Plus package; Hands-free power tailgate, memory settings for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors are now part of the technology package;

A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry keypad, and LED exterior lighting are now included in the list of features in the comfort package. A new, optional 19-inch wheel design is available on the Titanium, and a Class II tow package is now available on Escapes with the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The best value of the group is the mid-range SEL class with front wheel drive . The SEL adds plenty of details that compact SUV shoppers will appreciate, including rear parking sensors, memory settings for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors, faux leather upholstery, remote start function, leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating, and hand-powered tailgate. Complimentary, fog lights, roof rack side rails.

Ford Escape Engine, Transmission and Performance

The 2021 Escape offers a wide range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 181-horsepower three-cylinder that can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive . The three turbine engines, while somewhat grumpy and unrefined, provide

Decent acceleration and I managed to catapult the Escape SE four-wheel drive to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds on our test track. Upgrading to the 250-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo is the compelling option and was powerful enough to score a 5.7-second result in the same zero-to-60 mph test. Both petrol engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. To handle new competition in the form of the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime, Ford is also offering two Escape hybrids — one a plug-in — these two 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors combine to produce 221 horsepower.

RANGE, CHARGING AND BATTERY LIFE

The plug-in hybrid model will carry a 14.4 kWh battery pack,

Which is good enough to drive the electric-only 37 miles estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency. When we get a chance to test the plug-in model and learn more about the capabilities of hybrid plugins, we’ll update this story with more details.

Ford Escape fuel economy

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with front-wheel drive will provide the highest fuel economy ratings among non-hybrid Escape models. It’s rated at 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined; Adding all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.

We tested a four-wheel drive model with a three-cylinder turbo engine and managed 35 mpg during the 200-mile highway fuel economy path even though the larger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with all-wheel drive was rated for 23 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway,

And 26 mpg combined, we ended up with a 32 mpg result in our test. For those seeking a more efficient Escape, look no further than the plug-in hybrid model, which earns fuel economy ratings of up to 44 mpg city.

Interior, comfort and cargo Ford Escape

The Escape’s cabin, while elegantly designed and spacious for both front and rear seat occupants, features several low-rent plastic panels, including those on the doors and lower center console. High-quality soft-fabric seat upholstery is standard,

While higher trim levels receive either hooded seating surfaces in faux leather or genuine leather in high-spec titanium. Behind the Escape’s back seat is a roomy cargo box that makes room for up to eight hand luggage, which ties Crosstown rival, the Chevrolet Equinox, together. We fit 21 cases with the Escape’s rear seats folded, but the Equinox kept two more.

Information, entertainment and contact Ford Escape

While base S models come with a 4.2-inch screen radio and AM/FM radio as the only entertainment, SE levels and higher get a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment interface and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. The smartphone app provides remote access to vehicle telematics and remote operation on all Escape models, but the most connected and high-tech Escape model is the Titanium,

It comes standard with a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, indoor navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital screen. Pop-up display is optional.

Safety and driver assistance features

Ford Escape has received a five-star safety rating from the National Traffic Safety Administration

On the Highway (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford offers a suite of driver assistance features, which it calls Co-Pilot360, as standard on every Escape. Key safety features include:

Standard Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking

Standard Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist

Standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Warranty and maintenance coverage

Ford’s standard warranty package is fairly basic, especially compared to competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, both of which offer much longer powertrain coverage. Both the Escape and Component Hybrids will come with an electrified powertrain policy for those models and provide up to 100,000 miles of protection.

Limited Warranty 3 years or 36000 miles

Powertrain warranty 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles

No free scheduled maintenance

Vehicle Type

Front engine, 4WD, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback