2018 Ford Escape Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

New SEL trim levelRevised feature availabilityTurbocharged 2.0-liter engine now only on Titanium trimPart of the third Escape generation introduced for 2013

　　Shopping for a small crossover presents a dizzying array of options, but the Ford Escape is a smart choice among a crop of great contenders. It offers a choice of three engines, an impressive voice-command interface, and cargo space that ranks near the top of the class. After a thorough update last year, the 2018 Escape offers a new trim level that bridges the gap between standard and luxury models.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford Escape S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$154/mo  for Escape S

　　Escape S

　　S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $23,940 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $25,700 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $27,050 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $28,100 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $29,450 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $32,140 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $33,490 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The Escape offers optional all-wheel drive, respectable fuel economy, cargo space that ranks near the top of the class (only Toyota and Honda offer more) and an available hands-free power liftgate. You can outfit the Escape from comfortable casual (SE trim with no options) to rugged luxury (a loaded Titanium model that can breach $40,000). On the road, its agility instills a level of driver confidence that's rare in this class.

　　After a more comprehensive update last year that introduced a new four-cylinder engine and improved things such as smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were introduced) and small-item storage (the lever-mounted parking brake was replaced with a button), the 2018 Escape now offers a SEL trim level that bridges the gap between the more mainstream SE model and the luxury fixings of the Titanium.

　　Overall, the Escape excels in some areas and falls short in others. With its turbo four-cylinder, quick (if twitchy) steering, and tight suspension, the Escape is one of the more engaging compact SUVs to drive, only outmatched by the Mazda CX-5. Large cargo space and an excellent tech interface are other advantages. On the other hand, the Escape isn't quite as refined as the Honda or Mazda, its "fun" engine is only available on its top trim level, and that "fun" engine doesn't return particularly impressive fuel economy. But generally we think the 2018 Escape's qualities outweigh its flaws and deserves a close look from anyone interested in a compact SUV.

　　

What's it like to live with?

To learn more about the Ford Escape of this generation, read our updates from a full year and more than 20,000 miles of living with a Ford Escape SE. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world reliability. We were impressed with the performance from the Escape's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine but think it falls short in many other areas. Get the full scoop from our long-term test. Note that while we tested a 2017 Escape, the 2018 Escape is of the same generation and all of our reporting still applies.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.1 / 10

　　Shopping for a small crossover presents a dizzying array of options, but the Ford Escape remains a smart choice in a group of great contenders. It offers a choice of three engines, an impressive voice-command interface, and cargo space that ranks near the top of the class. After a thorough update last year, the 2018 Escape offers a new trim level that bridges the gap between standard and luxury models.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our test of the 2013 Ford Escape Titanium AWD (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current generation Escape has been updated with new infotainment features and driver aids. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Escape, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.1 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

7.0

　　The turbo four-cylinder gives the Escape rapid acceleration. Unlike many competitors, the Escape also feels lively going around turns. The transmission is a smooth operator as well.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is powerful, and it makes accelerating up to highway speeds and passing slow-moving traffic a breeze. In our testing, an Escape Titanium accelerated from zero to 60 mph in an impressively quick 7.1 seconds.

　　

Braking

7.5

　　Brake performance is solid and consistent. The Escape is very stable, even during our panic-simulation stop tests. In everyday driving, the brakes offer linear response and feel.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　It has an artificial steering feel, which is the norm these days for compact SUVs. Still, there's enough feedback to make you feel in control.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　All-wheel-drive Escapes benefit from an advanced power distribution system that makes the Escape a capable handler as well as a solid all-weather choice. Front-wheel-drive Escapes also feel sure-footed thanks to the well-tuned suspension.

　　

Drivability

6.0

　　In most situations, the transmission responds quickly. It does get caught flat-footed on occasion, but not any more often than most SUVs in this class.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　Overall comfort is good in the Escape. Its ride is amply compliant, even though it's one of the better-handling SUVs in the segment.

　　

Seat comfort

7.0

　　We like the Escape's seats because they provide all-day comfort. Heating, an option on some trim levels, is a nice touch.

　　

Ride comfort

6.0

　　The Escape has a surprisingly comfy ride — surprising because it trades off very little in the way of ride quality in return for its excellent handling.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.5

　　The Escape's turbo four-cylinder is much quieter than some competitors, especially at wide-open throttle. It also remains very smooth even at high engine speeds.

　　

Climate control

7.0

　　The climate control cluster (and LCD readout) feels as if it came from a mid-'90s Taurus, but hey, it works. You'll find large vents up front and center console vents for rear passengers but no temperature or fan speed control.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　For the most part, the interior design makes sense and is easy to use. It's loaded with features, too, especially on the Titanium trim level. The quality of materials and assembly is good.

　　

Ease of use

7.5

　　Ford has made it a point to place commonly used controls within reach and in sight, and it shows in the Escape. It may not look very elegant, but everything is where you would expect to find it.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　The seat height in the Escape is just right. Similar to entering a minivan, there's no bending down to get in.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　The eight-way power driver seat in the SE trim is a nice touch (changed to 10-way adjustable for 2018). The combination of the seat and a manual tilt-and-telescope steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable perch.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　We had no problems fitting comfortably into either the front or back seats, but the Escape doesn't have a sense of spaciousness like the roomier Honda CR-V.

　　

Visibility

6.5

　　Visibility out the front and the rear is only average. The Escape is definitely not as airy or as easy to see out of as some of its competitors.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　Build quality is as good as you can expect in a vehicle in this price range. Materials appear durable and well put together.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　You'll be able to haul a decent amount of stuff by using the Escape's available 68 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. That's not as much room as in the Honda CR-V but on par with rest of the class.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　The center console space is much improved as the Escape now has an electronic parking brake button instead of a handle. There are several nooks for devices, keys, cups and bottles, and a deep, narrow center console for larger items. Both front seats have seatback pockets for rear passengers.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　The 60/40-split folding rear seats fold flat and flush to enhance cargo area and utility. There's no seatback release in the cargo area, so you'll need to walk around to the rear doors, but the seat-side levers make it quick work.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　LATCH anchors are at the seatback surface, so there's no need to fumble and search under the cushion. Reinforcement anchors in the rear seatbacks are similarly easy to access.

　　

Towing

7.0

　　Rated to tow as few as 1,500 pounds (base model S) up to 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine and the optional Class II trailer tow package. The 1.5-liter engine is rated at 2,000 pounds.

　　

Technology

7.0

　　The new Sync 3 is one of the easiest touchscreen tech interfaces to use. We like the clear touchscreen graphics, quick response times and the easily navigable menus.

　　

Audio & navigation

5.5

　　The SE's optional nine-speaker audio system won't impress audiophiles but should sound fine to most. (We haven't evaluated the 10-speaker Sony audio system.) The navigation system offers clear map views and easy menu functions.

　　

Smartphone integration

7.5

　　Easy Bluetooth pairing. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now included with optional Sync 3 system. FordPass with Sync Connect app enables various remote functions and vehicle health monitoring, even helps to find parking. AppLink (base model S) enables voice control of various smartphone apps.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　A rearview camera and blind-spot mirrors come standard, but blind-spot monitoring costs extra. Forward collision alert and lane departure warning and intervention are also optional.

　　

Voice control

7.0

　　Ford's Sync system has excellent voice recognition. It understands just about anything you say and is quick to respond.

　　

Which Escape does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Escape SEL is a good way to get near the Titanium's near-luxury offerings while keeping the price affordable. With the SEL, you get some nice features, including a power liftgate, leather upholstery and the Sync 3 tech interface. If safety is important to you, consider getting an SEL with the optional Safe and Smart package, which adds a comprehensive set of advanced driver aids, such as lane departure intervention and forward collision mitigation.

　　

2018 Ford Escape models

　　The 2018 Escape is a compact crossover SUV that comes in S, SE, SEL and Titanium trim levels. The S is fairly bare-bones, so we expect most buyers will want to start their search with an SE, which offers an upgraded engine, nicer wheels, a power-adjustable driver seat and more available options. The new-for-2018 SEL trim level adds more convenience features while the top-trim Titanium adds luxury touches and an even more powerful engine.

　　The S starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (168 horsepower, 170 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Standard features include 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, MyKey parental controls, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, a 4.2-inch central display, a rearview camera, the Sync tech interface with AppLink smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port. Note that this model is generally aimed at business fleet buyers and may not be easy to find on your local dealer's lot.

　　Upgrading to the SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels (optional on the S), added chrome exterior trim, sound-reducing window glass, a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine (179 hp, 177 lb-ft), roof rails, foglights, a keyless entry keypad, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, rear air vents, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment), heated front seats, upgraded cloth upholstery, a rear center armrest and satellite radio.

　　Optional on the SE is all-wheel drive and a Sport Appearance package that adds black 19-inch wheels, black-painted exterior trim, LED daytime running lights, paddle shifters, partial leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The optional Sync 3 tech package includes an 8-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sync Connect (includes remote app services and onboard Wi-Fi) and a nine-speaker sound system with dual USB ports. A panoramic sunroof, roof rail crossbars, a navigation system, and a tow package rated up to 2,000 pounds are also optional.

　　The SEL bundles all SE equipment and adds a power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather upholstery, power-adjustable side mirrors with heating, rear parking sensors and the Sync 3 tech interface. Eighteen-inch wheels are optional on the SEL, along with all of the options available for the SE trim.

　　At the top of the lineup is the Titanium. It bundles all SEL features but adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (245 hp, 275 lb-ft), a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, ambient interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, xenon headlights, heated and 10-way power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a 110-volt, household-style power outlet, and additional 12-volt power outlets. Also standard are a navigation system, a 10-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio, front and rear parking sensors, and an automated parallel and perpendicular parking feature (which includes front and side parking sensors).

　　Titanium options are similar to SEL options, with the exception of optional 19-inch wheels and an uprated tow package capable of pulling up to 3,500 pounds.

　　A Safe and Smart package is available for the SE, SEL and Titanium trims, and it includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic wipers.

　　

2018 Escape Highlights

Trim: SSESELTitaniumS

　　

Base MSRP	$23,940
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$154/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	34.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles