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2011 Ford Escape Manchester

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The 2011 Ford Escape is one of the best vehicles in Ford's lineup, and competitive in a crowded field of small sport-utilities, regardless of price. Yet model for model and feature for feature, the Escape prices are very good. The Escape offers front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, competitive four- or six-cylinder engines and the Hybrid package, which works essentially as the conventional models do. Fuel mileage for all models, and towing capacity, rank with the best. For all-purpose, reasonably efficient daily transport on the road, the Escape rates among the best smaller SUVs. Escape was redesigned for 2008, the 2011 model year is a carryover from the previous year. The 2011 Escape's ride height and seating position are a bit higher than competitors such as the Honda CR-V, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially more than most other vehicles in the class. The Escapes self-parking system handles all the steering required for parallel parking. The driver must still shift the transmission into gear, as well as operate the gas and brake pedals. The driver can override the system and steer the car if needed.

Powering the 2011 Escape

The standard four-cylinder engine is adequate for all-purpose driving while the V6 offers quicker acceleration performance. All variants, including the V6 and Escape Hybrid, deliver some of the best EPA mileage ratings in the class. All models are offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Escape XLS is powered by a 171-hp 2.5-liter inline four that generates 171 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is optional. A 240-hp, dual overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 is optional on the XLT, and includes the six-speed automatic. The Escape Limited come standard with the V6 and automatic. The Escape is quite pleasant to drive. It handles well and has a firm, comfortable ride, without the roly-poly mush quality or the jarring suspension clanks that can characterize conventional truck-based SUVs with tall, off-road tires. An electric power steering system and careful suspension tuning give a level of refinement in ride and handling.

'11 Ford Escape Design

The 2011 Escape has the feeling of a conventional, truck-based SUV, with a more rugged look than many other small, sedan-platform sport-utilities such as the Honda CR-V. The grille looks like it was designed for a truck. The headlights are essentially connected to the grille, and shaped to create a family resemblance with Ford's Edge crossover SUV. Yet the grille itself is tall and flat and stacked right on top of a skid plate-type fascia that flows under the bumper. The Escape's beltline, or the crease that runs just under the windows, is high, too, and its roof pillars are blacked out. A step pad on the bumper provides secure footing for anyone who steps up to put something on the roof rack, and the two-piece tailgate is handy. The rear glass can be popped open with the key fob.

Inside the New Ford Escape

The 2011 Escape provides comfortable seating for four, or five in a pinch. Folding the rear seats opens a good sized cargo area with a flat floor, and space behind the seat surpasses that in the trunk of a typical sedan. There are lots of interior storage spaces, the finish is upscale and pleasing, and feature function and switches are among the best. The Escape features upholstery cloth made from 100-percent recycled material. You'd never know by its look or feel, and Ford claims that compared to upholstery made from virgin fiber, production will conserve about 600,000 gallons of water and 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.8 million pounds. The gauges are clustered in a shaded binnacle that can be absorbed in a glance: Tachometer left, speedometer right, with fuel and coolant temperature in the middle, along with an easy-to-read trip- and systems-info display. Storage space is aplenty in the 2011 Escape, at least in terms of cubbies within reach of the front passengers. Start with that rubber-lined, slide-proof bin in front of the shifter, which is great for iPods, phones, glasses, a wallet or change. The little rubber mats in this bin and in the cup holder bins can be pulled out for cleaning, a nice feature. Swing-down overhead bins are provided for sunglasses and garage door openers.

Ford Escape Lineup for 2011

 The XLS comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, an AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary jack, rear window defroster and 16-inch steel wheels. Options for the XLS include remote start, SYNC, side step bars, and a security system.

The Escape XLT adds more standard features, including upgraded cloth upholstery, a power driver's seat, cruise control, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels. Options for the XLT include a variety of packages, with the most comprehensive, Package 204A, including a cargo cover, roof rack, wet towel bin, SYNC, a moonroof, leather, and ambient lighting.

The Escape Limited come standard with leather seating, a six-CD changer and automatic headlights. Options for the Limited include Package 302A, consisting of the moonroof, Premium audio system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, reverse-sensing system, rear-view camera, and universal garage-door opener; and navigation with the Premium sound.

Conclusions

The 2011 Ford Escape remains one of the more appealing vehicles in its class, regardless of price, and certainly one of the better values. Those shopping for a small SUV should put it on their short list, especially those who appreciate its big-truck styling. Safety features include front- and side-impact airbags for front occupants and curtain-type head protection airbags for all outboard seats. The side curtains can remain inflated for several seconds in the event of a rollover, and are designed to slide between the side glass and occupants if the people are oddly seated or resting heads against a window. Active safety systems include four-channel antilock brakes (ABS), and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control (RSC), which adds a second gyroscopic roll-rate sensor to the typical stability control package, measuring the Escape's roll angle and roll rate and applying countermeasures to increase rollover resistance. For more on this model, visit the official Ford Escape website.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com