We drive the 2014 Ford Escape

2014 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001 as a smaller SUV. There have been many improvements since then but for 2014 the Escape receives a major refreshing that makes it look much more contemporary. The other big change is under the hood with the addition of several new engines including the new EcoBoost family of turbocharged engines. We got our hands on one and were very impressed with the Escape. It is a much improved car from the Escape that you may remember.

The biggest change has been under the hood of the Escape where now you have a choice of several different engines ranging from a 2.5 liter four cylinder that provides 168 hp to a 1.6 liter turbo four cylinder that makes 178 hp but gets better economy to the top engine that came in our car which was a 2.0 liter turbo that cranked out a solid 240 hp while providing almost the same fuel economy as the base engine. The two EcoBoost turbocharged engines are mated to a six speed automatic transmissions that are well tuned to the engines.

The power is routed through an intelligent four wheel drive system that uses advanced software and sensors to analyze data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, assessing road conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye. The system uses all the sensor inputs to turn the vehicle in the direction the driver wants it to go. Intelligent 4WD builds on the preemptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch. There is even a display on the dash that will show you how the power is being distributed.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Escape will be for enthusiast drivers wishing to have some fun. Unlike many other SUVs, the Escape with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is actually fun to drive. While there are a lot of SUVs out there such as the Mercedes Benz AMG units and BMW M units, the Escape does not really advertise its sportiness.

But go around a fast turn and you will be happy to realize that it is easy to balance the Escape using the throttle while on the edge and the car actually will rotate for you gently if you lift off the throttle in mid-turn. And all of that is with the stability control still engaged. The engineers at Ford must have had a lot of fun on their mind when they were designing the system and we really appreciate their hard work.

The EcoBoost itself is a gem of an engine with tons of power coming on very strong at virtually any rpm. The engine pulls hard and is well matched to the transmission. The nice thing is that with 240 hp in a 3800 pound SUV, the Escape is still fun to drive and gets good fuel economy. The EPA rates it at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The front wheel drive version gets a bit better economy with 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine also allows you to tow up to 3500 pounds with the Escape which is pretty respectable. For many families that can be a small boat or camper.

Ping-Pong anyone?

The other feature of the Escape that has always been favorable is price. The 2014 Escape starts out at $21,595. Our Escape had a wealth of options including the top of the line Titanium package which starts out at $27,995. Add in options such as HID headlights (which worked great), blind spot detection, active park assist and navigation system and our Escape was just over $35,000. Just like most cars you need to only select the options that you really want because it can add up quickly.

The 2014 Escape is a huge upgrade from the previous version. It is better looking and has more features but above all it is more refined under the hood with state of the art engines and fun handling. Ford has really made some great improvements that are worth exploring.

Power and Performance
6-spd SelectShift transmission w/OD Battery with run down protection Transmission oil cooler Fuel Tank 15.1 gal. fuel tank

Handling and Control
Torque Vectoring Control brake actuated ABS & driveline traction control AdvanceTrac w/Roll Stability Control electronic stability stability control with anti-roll Front strut suspension Front anti-roll bar Coil front springs Gas-pressurized front shocks Short and long arm rear suspension Rear anti-roll bar Coil rear springs Gas-pressurized rear shocks Rack & pinion steering 4-wheel disc brakes Front vented disc brakes Compact steel spare wheel/tire

Design and Dimensions
Rear lip spoiler Body-colored front and rear bumpers With metal-look insert rear bumpers Gray body side cladding Gray wheel well trim Clearcoat monotone paint Maximum Cargo Volume 67.8 cu.ft. maximum cargo volume Exterior Length 178.1 " exterior length Exterior Width 72.4 " exterior body width Exterior Height 66.3 " exterior height Wheelbase 106 " wheelbase Front Tread 62 " front tread Rear Tread 62 " rear tread Turning Radius 19.4 ' turning radius Front Legroom 43.1 " front legroom Rear Legroom 36.8 " rear legroom Front Headroom 39.9 " front headroom Rear Headroom 39.0 " rear headroom Front Hiproom 54.8 " front hiproom Rear Hiproom 52.4 " rear hiproom Front Shoulder Room 56.0 " front shoulder room Rear Shoulder Room 55.3 " rear shoulder room Passenger Volume 98 cu.ft. passenger volume Interior Cargo Volume 34.3 cu.ft. interior cargo volume Interior Cargo Volume w/Seats Folded 67.8 cu.ft. interior cargo volume w/seats folded

Standard Warranties and Ownership Benefits
Basic (mths/miles) 36/36,000 Powertrain (mths/miles) 60/60,000 Corrosion Perforation (mths/miles) 60/unlimited Roadside Assistance (mths/miles) 60/60,000

Active and Passive Safety
Side impact beams Illuminated entry Oil pressure warning Engine temperature Battery warning Lights on warning Key warning Low fuel warning Low washer fluid warning Door ajar warning Lighting malfunction warning Trunk/liftgate ajar warning Service interval warning Brake fluid warning Low tire pressure warning 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) Center high mounted stop light Driver and passenger airbags Driver side impact airbags Passenger side impact airbags Safety Canopy System curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags Occupancy sensor Driver knee Front seatbelt pretensioners SecuriLock immobilizer Panic alarm

Comfort and Convenience
4 doors Seating capacity of 5 Adjustable w/tilt front head restraints Center front armrest 4-way front passenger seat Rear 60-40 split-bench seats Adjustable rear head restraints Full cloth headliner Carpet floor trim Carpeted front & rear floor mats Lighted glove box Dome light w/fade Full floor console Mini overhead console with storage Front and rear cupholders Interior concealed storage Dual door bins Rear door bins Rear underseat tray Cargo concealed storage Carpeted cargo floor trim Plastic trunk lid/rear cargo door trim Cargo tie downs Cargo light Air filter Underseat ducts Radio steering wheel controls Single in-dash mounted CD MP3 decoder Integrated roof antenna Cruise control with steering wheel controls Power with 2 stage unlock door locks Keyfob (all doors) remote keyless entry Rear child safety door locks Driver foot rest Retained accessory power Internet access Wireless phone connectivity Tachometer Engine temperature gauge Systems monitor Trip computer Trip odometer Telescopic tilt steering wheel Power front windows Power rear windows Power rearmost windows Variable intermittent front windshield wipers Fixed interval rear windshield wiper Heated rear windshield wiper park Rear defroster