2018 Ford Escape SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Ford Escape is offered in three engine configurations. The S trim is equipped with a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine. It produces 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The power goes to the front wheels and it is distributed via a six-speed automatic transmission gearbox. The SE and SEL trims improve the game with their 1.5-liter turbo engines. The unit gives off 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Starting from the SE, buyers have the option to go for the all-wheel drive system. The Titanium trim has the most powerful engine with its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder unit. Its output is 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. We took the 2018 Ford Escape Titanium AWD for a spin and found that it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 7.1 seconds. Then its top speed was at 116 mph. The acceleration of the SUV felt smooth and the transition from one gear to another was quick. There were no major hiccups observed in its transmission. Moreover, its handling went well thanks to its advanced power distribution and all-wheel drive system. Lastly, we ran the crossover over the highway at around 75 mph and it yielded 26 mpg, which was one unit below its EPA rating.

Technology

The S trim of the 2018 Ford Escape has automatic headlights, MyKey parental controls, cruise control, air conditioning, 4.2-inch display, rearview camera, CD player, USB port, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio and Sync tech interface with AppLink smartphone integration. The SE adds sound-reducing glass, keyless entry keypad, foglights, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifters, rear air vents, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and satellite radio. The trim has optional extras like the LED DRLs, Sync 3 with 8-inch touchscreen, advanced voice controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, onboard WiFi, nine-speaker sound system, dual USB ports, panoramic sunroof and navigation system. The SEL trim brings up its game with its power liftgate, power adjustable side mirrors with heating and rear parking sensors. The Sync 3 interface already comes as a standard fit in the SEL. The Titanium trim takes all the best features of the Ford Escape by bundling all the things found in the SEL with hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, heated front seats with 10-way power adjustments, driver seat memory settings, 110-volt power outlet, 12 volts power outlets, navigation system, 10-speaker Sony sound system, HD radio, parking sensors in front and the rear, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking feature. Buyers who want more can choose the Safe and Smart package of the Ford Escape that is available for the SE, SEL and Titanium trims. It includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic wipers plus lane departure warning and intervention.

Safety

Even in the basic trim of the Ford Escape, which is the S, it possesses a lot of safety elements like automatic headlights that help reduce glare for incoming vehicles and aid in detecting obstacles in the road. There are also the parental controls, cruise controls and rearview camera. Going for the SEL equips the car with rear parking sensors while the Titanium trim takes its level up. Adding the Safe and Smart package in the mix significantly upgrades its driving assistance systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the Escape five stars in terms of safety.

Appearance

The 2018 Ford Escape follows the styling of its 2017 model. Overall, the vehicle looks like a sporty hatchback than a blocky SUV. It looks firm but spacious. The athletic appeal of the crossover is further emphasized by its strategically-placed body lines on its side panels and hood as well as its wheel arches. The S trim comes with the standard 17-inch wheels while the upper trims get 18-inch wheels and optional 19-inch wheels. The Escape measures 178.1 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width without the side mirrors, 66.3 inches in height and 7.8 inches in ground clearance.

Comfort

The S trim is pretty average when it comes to comfort elements with its standard adjustable driver's seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel plus 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seats. The SE is also alright, but a better way to experience the Ford Escape is via its SEL trim. Of course, nothing beats the premium features of the Titanium trim in the Ford Escape lineup, but it should be noted that the price significantly goes up from there. The riding comfort of the Ford Escape's occupants are further enhanced by its high quality leather surfaces. If you want to make the most of it, get the premium Titanium trim.

Cargo

The Ford Escape has 34 cu-ft of cargo space with the rear seats up and 68 cu-ft of cargo space with both rear seats folded down. More cargo can be carried by putting the optional crossbars on the roof. Put the optional tow package available starting in the SE trim and you can haul up to 2,000 pounds of equipment. The Titanium trim's tow package can handle up to 3,500 pounds.