2022 Ford Escape

　　

2022 Ford Escape Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2022 Ford Escape is a small SUV that sits in a sweet spot between the automaker's smaller Ford EcoSport and larger Ford Edge and three-row Explorer. It competes in one of the most hotly contested segments around, with rivals including the Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Escape was fully redesigned just a couple of years ago, which explains the lack of changes or upgrades for the 2022 model.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Ford Escape S 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$125/mo  for Escape S

　　Escape S

　　S 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $27,025 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $28,525 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $28,360 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $29,860 MSRPSE Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $30,185 MSRPSE Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $31,685 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $30,735 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $32,235 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,605 MSRPSEL Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $32,550 MSRPSEL Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $34,055 MSRPTitanium Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $35,095 MSRPTitanium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $36,595 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,145 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The Escape does a lot of other things right. Its cabin is comfortable and spacious, and it's available with lots of technology and advanced driver aids. And although its cargo area isn't class-leading, what is here is right on the mark for what we expect from small SUVs. Less appealing is how the Escape drives. Essentially, we expect a little more refinement and handling precision. Learn more about our test team's findings by reading our Expert Rating on the 2022 Escape.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Escape drive? We tested the Escape SEL with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This engine makes plenty of power, allowing it to easily squirt through traffic and accelerate up to highway speeds. In zzdcar' testing, our Escape covered 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is better than most rival small SUVs with an upgraded engine.

　　Unfortunately, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly and can be jerky with its upshifts. Downshifts are similar, and you'll feel multiple small shocks as you decelerate. Even the engine stop-start system bucks the Escape when it restarts the engine as you take your foot off the brake. It all feels terribly unrefined and like something that Ford should have fixed before putting the Escape on sale.

　　The Escape's handling is disappointing too. It rolls a lot and has a ponderous feel as you go around turns. There's not much grip from the tires either. As for the steering, it's very light and low-effort in the default drive mode. Selecting Sport mode gives it more heft and makes it easier to figure out where the front wheels are pointed.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Escape? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort the Escape offers. The front seats are well shaped and have a pleasing amount of cushioning. The rear seats are also comfortable and provide a suitable amount of thigh support for adults. While our SEL test vehicle was equipped with basic controls for the front passenger, the next-level Titanium adds a power-adjustable seat, which is a rarity in this class.

　　Around town and on the highway, the Escape rides in a smooth and composed manner. It's also fairly quiet at speed, with road noise the prevailing source of sound intrusion. The automatic climate system delivers less airflow than you'd expect on a hot day. Unlike rivals, ventilated front seats or heated rears are not available on any trim.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below