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First Drive Review: Ford Escape

Monday, 9 November 2020

Ford has launched the all-new Escape SUV in New Zealand, here's what you need to know about it.
The new Escape is lower and wider than the car it replaces, almost looking more like a larger Focus hatch than an SUV.
The new Escape is lower and wider than the car it replaces, almost looking more like a larger Focus hatch than an SUV.
The Escape gets a typically Ford interior, including the love-it-or-loath-it rotary dial gear selector.
The Escape gets a typically Ford interior, including the love-it-or-loath-it rotary dial gear selector.

At the same time it launched its baby Puma SUV, Ford New Zealand also unleashed the replacement for its mid-size Escape. This time it’s bigger, gruntier and more high tech than ever.

Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?

Like the smaller Puma, the Escape lands in New Zealand in base (just called ‘Escape’) and ST-Line forms, but the larger SUV also adds an ST-Line X model to its line up.

The entire Escape line up is well-equipped and spacious, with all models being powered by the same engine.
The entire Escape line up is well-equipped and spacious, with all models being powered by the same engine.

The base Escape kicks off the line up for $42,990 and is only available in FWD form, while the mid-spec ST-Line can be had in either FWD or AWD form for $47,990 and $50,990 respectively. The top spec ST-Line X is AWD only and rounds things out at $55,990.

The Escape is impressively equipped across its entire range, with even the base car getting things like 17-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, embedded satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a reversing camera, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition and Ford’s embedded FordPass modem.

The ST-Line adds a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient LED lighting, rain sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, keyless entry, tyre pressure monitoring, a rear spoiler, roof rails, an ST-Line body kit and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The ST-Line X then nabs stuff like clever “dynamic bending” LED headlights, a power tailgate, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with heating/memory for the front chairs, partial leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker B&O audio system and full self-parking ability.

With 184kW on tap the Escape’s 2.0litre turbo engine punches it along at a remarkable rate for a medium SUV.
With 184kW on tap the Escape’s 2.0litre turbo engine punches it along at a remarkable rate for a medium SUV.

All versions of the Escape are powered by the same engine – a 2.0-litre petrol turbo four that produces an impressive 184kW of power and 387Nm of torque, hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Where did you drive it?

Things look more like a conventional SUV from the rear.
Things look more like a conventional SUV from the rear.

Exactly the same place as the Puma – the winding back roads of the Bombay region south of Auckland.

After driving the small and eager Puma the Escape is noticeably different in a number of areas, the first being power. While the Escape has always been a powerhouse in the medium SUV segment, the 2.0-litre turbo EcoBoost engine still manages to take you by surprise the first time you drive the new one.

The power pours on enthusiastically, with the FWD cars scrabbling for grip, while the AWD ones simple belt towards the horizon.

The straight line grunt isn’t matched to a particularly sporty suspension set up however, with the Escape taking a very American approach to being an SUV. Which works particularly well, it has to be said – the big grunt punches you out of corners impressively, while the cosseting ride nicely compliments the sense of effortless progress.

What’s the pick of the range?

We would lean towards the ST-Line AWD simply for the increased level of kit and the assurance that AWD brings, particularly in a powerful SUV in the wet. That said, however, the base FWD car is impressively well-equipped for the money asked.

Although to be completely honest, the model we would most likely pick isn’t actually here yet, however, and that is the PHEV version of the Escape. With its 50km or so of pure electric propulsion, the PHEV promises to be a threat to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, but was never going to be here until early next year at the earliest, thanks to huge demand in overseas markets.

However, that has been pushed back even further due to battery overheating issues that forced recalls and a pause in production until the battery supplied sorts the issue out.

Why would I buy it?

Because you want a handsome, quality medium SUV with more grunt that you would expect from the segment, or just a handsome, quality medium SUV with lots of equipment, practicality and comfort.

Why wouldn't I buy it?

You are waiting for the PHEV version or just can’t get past the fact that the lower, wider look of the new Escape makes it look like a larger Focus…