A compact crossover, the Ford Escape has consistently sold well, as it embodies the all-around-ness of what makes the crossover segment so appealing.  While there are no numbers on those who stumbled upon the Escape looking for a Bronco replacement, the newest edition is still worth checking out, even with stiff competition lurking.

Here’s what Ford has to offer with their 2012 Escape. Run away with a new one on CarWoo!

Ford Escape Trims and Features

Ford offers the 2012 Escape in XLS, XLT, and Limited trims, as well as Hybrid and Hybrid Limited editions.

Starting with base XLS Escape, standards include 16” alloy wheels, manual A/C, MyKey safety technology, 4-speaker CD/MP3 sound, and ‘Ice Blue’ instrument lighting.

XLT Escape adds foglamps, rear privacy glass, leather wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power driver’s seat, and Eco Friendly fabric seating.  XLT trims can also be equipped (as options) with a number of Limited standard features.

Limited Escape comes with heated side mirrors, roof rack, interior ambient lighting, voice activated SYNC, and leather trim with heated front seats.  Dual zone climate control is optional; remote start, a power moonroof, and an upgraded sound system are optional on XLT and Limited trims.

Escape Hybrid comes standard with most Escape Limited features, while Escape Hybrid Limited adds dual-zone climate control, moonroof, and a rear-view camera as standards.

Ford Escape Performance

Each Escape trim (minus hybrids) comes standard with a 2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder engine capable of 171 horsepower matched by 171 lb.-ft. of torque.  A 6-speed automatic is standard on XLT and Limited Escape and optional for XLS- the base Escape gets a 5-speed manual standard.  Optional on XLT and Limited trims is a 3.0 liter V6 flex-fuel engine pushing out 240 horsepower and 223 lb.-ft. of torque.  A 6-speed auto comes standard with the V6.

Escape Hybrids pair a 2.5 liter inline-4 with an electric motor for a combined 177 horsepower paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Front wheel drive (FWD) is standard on all trims, while 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional on all but base XLS Escape.

Tow capacity for Escape is 1,500 lbs. with 4-cylinder engines, and 3,500 for V6’s when equipped with the Class II Trailer Towing Package.
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Ford Escape Fuel Economy

EPA estimates tag 4-cylinder Escape at 23/28/25 (city/highway/combined) MPG manually driven, and 21/28/23 with automatic FWD.  4-cylinder 4WD Escape drops to 20/27/23; it’s 19/25/21 for FWD V6 Escape, and 18/23/20 for 4WD.  Escape Hybrid achieves 34/31/32 with FWD, and 30/27/29 with 4WD.

Ford Escape Interior

Escape seats 5.  Critics are fine with the overall interior layout until actual seating is addressed.  Most say that up front the lack of a telescoping steering wheel can be a problem, while the 60/40 split fold rear seats don’t slide to allow for more legroom.  As is, back seaters make do with 35.6” of legroom and 55.9” for shoulders, compared to 41.6” and 56.6” up front.

Escape’s cargo space is respectable.  Drivers get 31.4 cubic feet with the back row in use and 67.2 with the rear seats folded.  Escape Hybrid shaves a few inches off each number.

Ford Escape Safety

Anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control, front seat-mounted side impact and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard.  A rearview camera is optional on Escape Limited and standard on Escape Hybrid Limited; Active Park Assist is optional on both Limited models-a feature that finds an open spot for parallel parking, then steers you into it.  Governmental crash tests give Escape 3/5 stars overall, the result of 3/5 scores each for frontal, side, and rollover crashes.

Bottom Line

The Escape is kind of an enigma. Ford has overcompensated with tech niceties but neglects simple things like interior functionality/versatility/comfort- and most competitors are now able to take advantage of this.  That said, with a starting price of just under $22,000 and impressive hybrid models, Escape is at least worth checking out before you make your getaway. You can buy a new Escape on CarWoo! today.