The rear bench seat is equally roomy, but to maximize the cargo capacity of the vehicle, its fold-down operation isn't as easy as in other compact SUVs. To obtain a flat load floor, we have to flip the seat cushions forward before folding down the seatbacks.

Maximum cargo capacity is of 1877 liters when backseat is folded.

In addition, the headrests have to be removed, and there isn't really a dedicated area to store them. Also, big exposed bolts at each end of the bench seat's hinge are visible; some extra finishing is required here.

The cargo hold is vast, especially when the rear seat is folded away. I fit two bicycles in with little elbow grease, and when I brought the family to the drive-in, the kids had a lot of room to play and lay down to watch the movie.

The sound system with navigation also deserves a thumbs-up. With its touch-screen, the buttons to adjust the audio options are big and easy to operate while driving. The heating and ventilation controls are also well-placed.

Nothing new under the hood
If there's something that needed a revision in the new Escape, it's the 200-hp V6. Unfortunately, it's not the case. As such, the engine is relatively powerful and the SUV generates respectable acceleration numbers, going from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds.

The 1,588-kg (3,500-lb) towing capacity is good, but when looking at rivals' specifications, we realize that all the other small SUVs that have all-wheel drive and a V6 can tow as much. The big advantage is that we can get a V6 in the Escape for less dough.

But the big problem with the 3.0-liter V6 is its appetite for regular unleaded. My week behind the wheel of the Escape resulted in an average of 13.8 L/100 km, which is rather high for a compact SUV. So what can Ford do about it? Their 3.5-liter V6 is more powerful, of course, but it won't be more frugal.

If there was a way to improve the engine's low-end torque, I think it would help a lot; beside the 2.7-liter V6s in the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage twins as well as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Escape's V6 is the least generous in torque. An extra gear in the transmission wouldn't hurt, either, which would prevent the engine from spinning at higher revs.

On the road, the XLT handles well, but there's a noticeable amount of body roll in curves. Highway trips are enjoyable, as the suspension absorbs road imperfections well.

A 5-speed autobox would greatly improve mileage.