What's not new
Speaking of engines, the powetrain choices remain the same: a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that produces 153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque; a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 200 horsepower and 193 pound-feet; finally, a hybrid powertrain that includes the 4-cylinder and an electric motor, good for a net horsepower rating of 155. The Hybrid still gets a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), while all other models make do with a 4-speed automatic.

Ford no longer offers a manual gearbox with the Escape.

There weren't any models equipped with the 4-cylinder engine at our disposal, which is unfortunate. As for the V6, its acceleration is honest without being blindingly fast, and it gets a little noisy at full throttle. In addition, it consumes a good amount of fuel, just like in the old Escape. However, the 3.0-liter engine can tow up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs), which is good.

Ford claims the Hybrid model's performance is right up there with the V6 versions. Let's just say that in terms of acceleration and passing power, it's actually half-way between 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder Escapes, which isn't bad at all.

A nice drive
The road manners of the Escape impressed me. It handles pretty well, and every version (except the Hybrid) gets a roll stability control system called AdvanceTrac as standard equipment. On Quebec country roads typically abused by the winter season, the Escape behaves admirably, soaking up bumps, cracks and patchwork with ease.

We had the opportunity to try out the Escape on a closed course in order to try out the stability-control systems. I suppose that everything works well, since no one succeeded in getting the truck to lose its balance. It's not the same as in a real emergency situation, or course, but it did allow us to realize that Ford isn't taking any chances safety-wise.

Conclusion
The Escape may not have received a full redesign, but in this case, it wasn't really necessary. Despite a few shortcomings, Ford has a good little SUV in its lineup, and even with all the improvements they have made, the Escape's base price actually went down ($23,999 versus $25,799 for the old automatic XLS). Ford should have no trouble matching, or even beating, the sales of the previous Escape.

A stable and securing ride.

Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux