2017 Ford Escape – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

A Conventional Cross-Over with a Performance Twist

looks on the 2017 Ford Focus remain relatively intact for modern standards, but what separates it from the competing crowd is its athletic appeal. That’s if you opt in on the more exclusive higher-end Titanium trim. Its lower tiers will get you the conventional 160 plus horsepower for the base model equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, and the 1.5L EcoBoost ups the power output to 179 horsepower. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine is where things get spicy with a hefty 275 horsepower governing its all-wheel-drive powertrain. The result is unexpected; yet,an exciting driving experience that makes you wonder how this is even made possible.

All the Essentials and “a bit more”

There’s really nothing that’s missing from what you’d expect from a cross-over. It’s got decent looks, plenty of room to spare, folding rear seats, and the whole safety tech package with blind spot monitoring, rear view camera, and even an auto-braking system. While the majority is fully functional, minor cosmetic and ergonomic improvements have been made that include improved cup holder, two new storage bins, a larger center arm rest, and an all-new designed steering wheel with easy button access to its infotainment system.

Generally speaking, Ford has done a good enough job with the Escape that there really isn’t much to be changed. To keep Ford engineers from twiddling their thumbs, a few technological features unique to the Ford Escape and other models is available including a customized FordPass smartphone app that lets you lock and unlock and locate your vehicle, foot-activated hands-free power lift gate, and the usual safety tech features such as the lane-keeping assist features that detects driver fatigue and warns the user on the instrument panel. Auto start stop engine technology is also made available to its line of EcoBoost engines for added fuel efficiency and lower vehicle emissions.

Interior is well represented with decent but robust leather quality material, and the front seats provide adequate space and visibility for day to day city driving and the long haul. The rear seats are bit too upright for my liking, and there is a bit of a tight squeeze with the leg room compared to other crossover competitors in the market. This will be an improvement if we’re to see a re-designed chassis for the next Ford Escape generation. Overall, the basics and essentials are all there to be classified as an expected cross-over in today’s competing sector.

Spicing Things Up with Performance

Our Titanium model attempts to push well beyond the consensual numb driving experience found in most 5-seater crossover SUV. The 2.0L Ecoboost engine turns fantasy into reality with its advanced twin scroll turbo engine capable of producing a hefty 245 horsepower, and 275 lb.ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is not considered die hard green solution, but is still considered reasonable for its power capability. EPA ratings on the Titanium model is 20/27/23 city highway and combined respectively.

Translating its performance figures into road practice reveals mixed feelings. Acceleration can certainly be felt. The problem lies in the unconservative pedal mapping that distributes the power too abruptly. Rather, the accelerator pedal needs to be relaxed to offer a better sense of control of its power throughout its range.

Steering and handling is smooth and consistent, but steering accuracy falls within the boundaries of a cross-over typically with a high center of gravity. The Ford Escape makes no exception to this particular law of physics, and the upgraded 19″ wheels lifting up the ride height is felt. Don’t worry too much though, it’s not in the far extremes of unstable, but the idea of semi-hard cornering in the Ford Escape will make you second guess. Still, Ford’s torque vectoring control on both the FWD and AWD powertrain configurations help keep wheels orchestrated to bring out the best possible performance of road grip out of the Ford Escape in and out of the bend.

The basic Ford Escape S model can be had for as little as $22,765 equipped with a basic 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, and AM/FM radio. The SE model introduces you into the 1.5L EcoBoost engine club along with keyless entry and heated seats for an additional $1,700 dollars. Jumping into the Titanium bandwagon is where the fun starts with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine, leather seats, and the full fledge of safety tech features. It will cost you though. The basic Escape Titanium trim will set you back a minimum of $30,006. The good news is the standard options include are plentiful for the most part. With that said, the price is not bad. It’s exterior shell is a bit dated by now with its current third generation initially debuted in 2013. Despite the visual pet peeve, the Ford Escape Titanium offers a thrill of excitement with its capable power output, and that makes a difference for those that wat something more than a boring drive. If price is too big of a concern, the Ford Escape SE model can be upgraded to the 2.0L EcoBoost engine for an additional $1000 dollars with the total price coming in at $27,258.

Specifications

Vehicle : 2017 Mazda CX5
Model : Mazda CX5 GT AWD
Vehicle Type : Crossover
Seating Capacity : 2+3
Powertrain Configuration : AWD
Engine : SKYACTIV 2.5L V4
Transmission : 6 Speed automatic dual clutch transmission

Pros

Decent exterior styling
Great power performance for its 5-seater crossover SUV class
Available options for lower priced trims

Cons

Power and acceleration needs to be better refined