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2011 Ford Escape Review

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The 2011 Ford Escape adds HD Radio capability for receiving higher-sound-quality broadcast programming where it's available. Escape otherwise carries over intact from 2010, with 2011 representing the possible final model year. The 2011 Ford Escape comes in base XLS, midline XLT, and top-level Limited trim. Hybrid versions are offered in a base form that?s roughly equivalent to XLS equipment, and in Limited trim. The Ford Escape is one of the best vehicles in Ford's lineup, and competitive in a crowded field of small sport-utilities, regardless of price. Yet model for model and feature for feature, the Escape prices are very good. The Escape offers front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, competitive four- or six-cylinder engines and the Hybrid package, which works essentially as the conventional models do. Fuel mileage for all models, and towing capacity, rank with the best. For all-purpose, reasonably efficient daily transport on the road, the Escape rates among the best smaller SUVs. The Escape features upholstery cloth made from 100-percent recycled material. You'd never know by its look or feel, and Ford claims that compared to upholstery made from virgin fiber, production will conserve about 600,000 gallons of water and 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.8 million pounds.

New Ford Escape Power and Drive

The 2011 Ford Escape repeats with a choice of two gas engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. All versions are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system normally operates in front-drive but automatically reapportions power front-to-rear to quell tire slip. Though it has 8.4-inches of ground clearance, more than the average crossover, the 2011 Escape is not intended for severe off-roading. The standard 3.5-liter V6, with double overhead-cams and 262 horsepower, has more than adequate power for normal driving conditions, along with sufficient torque to either tow a 2000 pound load in standard form or a 4500-pound load with the optional trailer towing package. The Escape's self-parking system handles all the steering required for parallel parking. The driver must still shift the transmission into gear, as well as operate the gas and brake pedals. All Escape models come with four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock system to enhance control in emergency stops and with an antiskid system to mitigate sideways slides. With the four-cylinder engines, Escapes can tow trailers weighing up to 1,500 pounds. With the V-6 and towing accessories, Escapes can pull up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, about par for a compact-crossover SUV. Hybrid Escapes are rated to tow 1,000 pounds.  Regardless of powertrain, the Escape makes an excellent all-season vehicle in all climates. It does not make an excellent off-road vehicle, despite a bit more ground clearance than some competitors. Ford's optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system is tuned for driving more on slippery pavement than dirt or gravel. It delivers engine power to the appropriate wheels before any particular wheel can loose traction. It can switch power front to rear or side to side, and theoretically can send 100 percent of the engine?s power to either the front or rear wheels

2011 Ford Escape Design

The Escape has a plunging chrome grille in some trim levels that would be equally at home on a Volkswagen Jetta or Golf. A raised hood and high belt line may make the SUV look tougher, but they probably don't do much for visibility. The 2011 Escape has a handsome face and classic proportions. For many buyers, this is what an SUV ought to look like and what virtually all of them did before an era of rounded out crossovers, those ballooned-up family wagons a little insecure about their station in the automotive pecking order. Interestingly, the 2001 Escape was one of the very first crossover SUVs. It combined a four-door body shell with a front-wheel-drive, car-type chassis to form a single, unibody structure. It was space-efficient and lightweight and was among the first SUVs with an all independent suspension.

Inside the '11 Escape

The Escape seats five in two rows of seats. The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be folded down to increase cargo space. Ford's optional voice-activated Sync multimedia system now includes traffic and weather information. Cargo capacity is 66.3 cubic feet, with 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and the cargo space is easy to access. The rear seat folds quickly, 60/40, and the bottom can be removed to make a perfectly flat load floor. The back seats are comfortable, though the seatback is too straight for some tastes. There's plenty of knee room, and noticeably more headroom than before. Storage space is aplenty in the Escape, at least in terms of cubbies within reach of the front passengers. Start with that rubber-lined, slide-proof bin in front of the shifter, which is great for iPods, phones, glasses, a wallet or change. The little rubber mats in this bin and in the cup holder bins can be pulled out for cleaning, a nice feature. Swing-down overhead bins are provided for sunglasses and garage door openers.

Ford Escape Lineup 2011

The Escape XLS is powered by a 171-hp 2.5-liter inline four that generates 171 pound-feet of torque.A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic ($1,210) is optional.The XLS comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, an AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary jack, rear window defroster and 16-inch steel wheels.

The Escape XLT adds more standard features, including upgraded cloth upholstery, a power driver's seat, cruise control, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels. A 240-hp, dual overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 is optional on the XLT, and includes the six-speed automatic.

The Escape Limited comes standard with the V6 and automatic, plus leather seating, a six-CD changer and automatic headlights.

The Escape Hybrid is available in two trim levels, the base version and the base with 4WD; and the Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Limited 4WD.The Hybrid Limited versions are equipped similarly to the Limited models, but add the hybrid powertrain. This so-called full hybrid features a more fuel efficient, 153-hp Atkinson Cycle version of the four-cylinder engine and a 70 kilowatt electric motor. Unlike some mild hybrid SUVs, the Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph.

Conclusions

The Escape is Ford's smallest crossover SUV. The Escape's competition includes the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Saturn Vue. The Escape features MyKey, which allows owners to create settings for teen drivers such as a top speed limit, maximum stereo volume and alerts if the driver goes faster than 45 mph. The smallest SUV in Ford's range, the Escape has withstood the test of time, with little updates since its debut in 2001. While the face is new for 2008, it is familiar, and the revamped exterior and interior are draped over the same platform as the outgoing model's.