FORD ESCAPE

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Ford

Also called: Ford Kuga (2013–present)

Production: 2000–present

Model years: 2001–present

• Body and Chassis

Class: Compact crossover SUV

Body style: 5-door SUV

Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

HISTORY

The Ford Escape is a compact crossover vehicle sold by Ford since 2000 over four generations.

Ford released the original model in 2000 for the 2001 model year. It was jointly developed and released with Mazda of Japan, who took a lead in the engineering of the two models and sold their version as the Mazda Tribute.

Mainstream production of the first generation Escape/Tribute ended in late 2006. For Asia-Pacific markets, both received respective facelifts in 2006 and had production fully transferred to Ford Lio Ho in Taiwan. Extended production of the Mazda lasted until 2010, with the Ford lingering on until 2012.

Second generations of the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and Mazda Tribute were released in 2007 for the 2008 model year, but mostly restricted to North America. Ford ended manufacture of the second series Escape in 2012.

Ford released a third generation in 2012 for the 2013 model year, again, limited to North America. This time, rather than issuing an indigenous, albeit Mazda-derived model, Ford rebadged the Europe-designed Ford Kuga. Although still manufactured in the US, and fitted with slightly different powertrains, the third generation Escape is fully aligned with the Kuga as per the “One Ford” plan of having only one vehicle per segment internationally.

DESIGN

The Escape’s cabin, while handsomely styled and spacious for both front- and rear-seat occupants, suffers from several low-rent plastic panels, including those on the doors and lower center console. Highly textured cloth seat upholstery is standard, while higher trim levels receive either convincing faux-leather seating surfaces or genuine leather in the top-spec Titanium. Behind the Escape’s rear seat is a capacious cargo hold that provides space for up to eight carry-on suitcases, which ties its crosstown rival, the Chevrolet Equinox.

Here are the key changes for the Ford Escape over the last few years:

2017: refreshed styling, turbocharged engine introduced, and more driver aids and tech features became newly available.

2018: SEL trim debuted.

2019: features reshuffled.

2020: fully redesigned with more standard driver assistance features and a revamped engine lineup, including a hybrid powertrain.

2021: Technology package and Co-Pilot360 suite gain more features.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE ESCAPE

• Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Ford Escape has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford is offering a suite of driver-assistance features, which it calls Co-Pilot360, as standard on every Escape model. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford’s standard warranty package is fairly basic, especially compared to rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage, both of which offer far longer powertrain coverage. The Escape hybrid and plug-in hybrid will both come with a policy that’s specific to those models’ electrified powertrains and provides up to 100,000 miles worth of protection.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR?

• Maintain your engine

Maintaining your vehicle properly helps it lasts longer and run more efficiently. An oil and filter change is important, and should be done frequently.

Learn more about the benefits of scheduling maintenance at your dealership.

• Repair your exterior

If you are in an accident, promptly file an insurance claim and use the claim money to repair the damage as soon as possible. Waiting can allow rust to set in, leading to other more serious problems.

• Drive smart

Avoid aggressive driving, which can damage your vehicle and may decrease its resale value. Refrain from jackrabbit starts, fast stops, speeding and weaving through traffic, as well. Following these recommendations can help keep your brakes, engine, tires and suspension from wearing prematurely – and even help improve your fuel economy.ư

• Keep complete service records

Keep complete service and maintenance records, along with any other receipts for parts and accessories, so you can show prospective buyers that your vehicle is well cared for.

Source: wikipedia, cars.usnews, caranddriver.