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All the pieces of Ford's global strategy come together in the * * * * 2013 Ford Escape crossover SUV.
Engineered and designed to appeal to customers in Europe, China and every part of America, the Escape's advanced features and futuristic styling set it apart from other small SUVs.
Prices for the 2013 Escape start at $22,470 for a front-wheel drive S model with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive. All Escapes have a six-speed automatic transmission.
A 178-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and turbocharging -- the features Ford calls EcoBoost -- powers the SE model, which goes for $22,470 in front-wheel drive and $25,070 with all-wheel drive.
Despite having more horsepower and torque than the 2.5-liter engine, the 1.6-liter is the Escape's most fuel-efficient powerplant. That combination of power and fuel efficiency is the reason Ford makes a big deal out of EcoBoost.
A brawny 240-horsepower 2.0-liter is a $1,095 option on the SE. Escapes with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder compete with other automakers' V6 small SUVs.
Escape SEL models add features, offer the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines and start at $27,870 for front-drive and $29,620 with AWD.
The top Titanium model only comes with the 2.0-liter. Front-drive models start at $30,370. AWD raises the base price to $32,120. All prices exclude destination charges.
I tested a very well-equipped Escape Titanium with all-wheel drive, a navigation system, parking sensors, automatic parallel parking and more. It cost $34,805. That's a hefty price for a small SUV from a mainstream brand, although the Escape offers some features luxury models can't match.
The Escape competes with crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue and Murano, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Escape's prices are comparable to similarly equipped versions of those models.
The Escape Titanium I drove accelerated powerfully at all engine speeds thanks to 270 pound-feet of torque that are available from just 3,000 r.p.m.
The Escape also handles well. With a chassis based on Ford's sporty Focus compact car, the SUV tackles curves eagerly.
A couple of electronic aids modulate the brakes inconspicuously to keep the Escape stable and secure and to provide maximum grip and acceleration when driving fast on twisty roads.
The AWD 2.0-liter Escape I tested scored 21 m.p.g. in the city, 28 on the highway and 24 combined in government tests. That's better than V6 versions of the Equinox, Terrain, Santa Fe, Murano and RAV4.
The 2.0-liter engine also produces more torque at lower engine speeds than those vehicles' V6s.
While Escapes with the 2.0-liter engine will compete with V6s, the 1.6-liter goes after other models' fuel-economy leaders.
A brief drive in an AWD 1.6-liter Escape convinced me the engine has more than enough muscle for most drivers. Its 22 city/30 highway/25 m.p.g. combined fuel economy rating compares well with all four-cylinder small crossovers except the extremely efficient new Mazda CX-5.
The two EcoBoost engines need premium gasoline to generate maximum horsepower, but they hit the window-sticker fuel economy figures with less-expensive regular. Using regular will probably reduce the 2.0- and 1.6-liter engines' horsepower about 3%, to around 232 and 173, respectively. Most drivers will never notice the difference.
The Escape's interior provides plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It's wrapped in soft and appealing materials, including optional leather seats in the car I tested.
The gauges and controls are easy to read and use. The Escape has the best execution yet of the MyFord Touch control layout, thanks to conventional buttons and dials for basic audio and climate controls. The touch screen and steering-wheel controls also work well. Ford's Sync voice-recognition system remains one of the best.
The center console could use a bit more storage. The deep bin under the armrest would benefit from a shelf or drawer so you don't have to dig around for items you bring in and out of the car frequently, like phones and glasses.
A unique power tailgate opens and closes if you stick your foot under the rear bumper, so you can load and unload the vehicle even when your hands are full and you can't use the key fob.
The Escape's styling is a radical break from the previous model's boxy, old-style SUV looks.
The sleek profile looks at home on European roads, where Ford will sell the vehicle as the Kuga. The deep front bumper gives the vehicle a slightly jowly look. It's unusually low to reduce aerodynamic drag under the body and boost fuel economy.
That fuel economy along with its features, performance and looks move the 2013 Ford Escape into the lead in the intensely competitive market for small SUVs.
Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com.
More Details: 2013 Ford Escape Titanium AWD
All-wheel drive five-passenger crossover
Price as tested: $34,805 (excluding destination charge)
Rating: * * * * (out of four stars)
Reasons to buy: Fuel economy, power, handling, features
Shortcomings: Price, interior storage, premium fuel required for maximum power
More Details: 2013 Ford Escape at a glance
Vehicle type: Front- or all-wheel drive five-passenger crossover SUV
Engine: 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder; 178-horsepower direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder; 240-horsepower direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Price range: $22,470-$32,120 (excluding destination
charges)
More Details: Key features on vehicle tested
Antilock brakes; stability control; electronic brake-force distribution; driver's knee air bag; front-seat side air bags; curtain air bags; heated front seats; 10-way power driver seat; ambient lighting; Sync voice-recognition; roof rack; power tailgate; power locks, windows and mirrors; heated mirrors; keypad entry; pushbutton start; cruise control; manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel; cruise, audio, phone and Sync controls on steering wheel; remote start; premium sound system; USB input; HID projector headlights; fog lights; 60/40 split folding rear seat; reclining rear seat; memory for driver's settings.
Options: Navigation system; leather seats; HD radio; Sirius satellite radio; automatic parking system; front and rear parking assist; rear camera; blind-spot and cross-traffic alert; rain-sensing windshield wipers.
More Details: Competitive EPA fuel economy ratings
(All-wheel drive, automatic transmission models. Regular fuel.)
Ford Escape 2.0L Titanium AWD: 21 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined.
Chevrolet Equinox LTZ AWD V6: 16 m.p.g. city/23 m.p.g. highway/19 m.p.g. combined.
GMC Terrain SLT-2 AWD V6: 16 m.p.g. city/23 m.p.g. highway/19 m.p.g. combined.
Hyundai Santa Fe Limited V6 4WD: 20 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway/22 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
Nissan Murano SL AWD: 18 m.p.g. city/23 m.p.g. highway/20 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5L 4WD: 19 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway/22 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.
More Details: 2013 Ford Escape Titanium AWD
All-wheel drive five-passenger crossover
Base price: $32,120
Price as tested: $34,805 (excluding destination charge)
Safety equipment: Antilock brakes; stability control; electronic brake force distribution; driver's knee air bag; front seat side air bags; curtain air bags.
Specifications as tested
Engine: 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged DOHC variable timing 16-valve four-cylinder.
Power: 240 horsepower at 5,500 r.p.m.; 270 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 r.p.m.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy rating: 21 m.p.g. city/28 highway/24 combined. Regular fuel.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 105.7 inches
Length: 178.1 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 66.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,645 pounds
Where assembled: Louisville, Ky.
Comparative base prices
(not including destination charges)
(Automatic transmission models)
Chevrolet Equinox LTZ AWD V6: $32,470
GMC Terrain SLT-2 AWD V6: $35,830
Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4WD V6: $30,925
Nissan Murano SL AWD: $37,230
Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5L 4WD: $28,650
