2022 Ford Escape

The 2022 Ford Escape carries over all four trims without any major change for 2022. Thus the four trims offered will be S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The base trim starts under $26,000 and goes up to $36,000 for the range-topping Titanium trim. Apart from the regular Escape, there are two more Escape models namely Escape Hybrid and Escape PHEV. Both of which have been reviewed separately. As standard, the non-hybrid Escape is powered by a 181 hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine while the 250 hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine is standard on Titanium and optional on SEL trim.

Apart from the standard features listed in the table below, there are a few packages also available. There is a Tow Package for SEL and Titanium trims, Cold Weather Package and Convenience Package for SE trim both of which are standard on SEL trim. SE trim also gets Co-Pilot360 Assist+ Package and SE Sport Appearance Package. The SEL trim gets Technology Package and SEL Stealth AWD Package, and the Titanium trim offers Titanium Elite Package. That said, a panoramic sunroof is optional on all except S trim. 

The Ford Escape was fully updated in the 2020 model year with a hybrid and PHEV variant added to the lineup, so there are no changes under the hood for the 2022 model. Thus the 2022 Escape will be powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. The former churns out 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque while the latter puts out 250 horses and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be had in either FWD as standard or optional AWD. That said, the 2.0-liter turbo-four motor and AWD are standard on the Titanium trim.

Since the powertrain is the same as last year the 2022 Escape will go from 0-60 MPH in under eight seconds and cover a quarter-mile in under sixteen seconds. While the turbo inline-4 would do 0-60 MPH run in 6.3 seconds. As for the rivals, the Honda CR-V with 0-60 MPH time of 7.7 seconds shares the title of fastest SUV with the Escape. While the  Hyundai Tucson with a 0-60 MPH time of under nine seconds is the slowest of the lot.

The Ford Escape not only looks European but also rides like one. The 2022 Ford Escape carries over the same supple ride quality with pliant handling. The braking performance of the Escape was already good and under panic braking, it manages to stop from 60-0 MPH in just 128 feet which is better than most of the rival SUVs in the segment.

The rivals here have two different powertrains under their hood. The Escape and CR-V have a 1.5-liter engine with the former having turbo inline-3 and the latter being turbo inline-4. The RAV4 and Tucson on the other hand have 2.5-liter inline-4 engines. That said, the RAV4 has the highest 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of power figures. Followed by Honda CR-V putting out 190 hp and 179 lb-ft and Tucson. Thus for a price-to-power ratio, the Honda CR-V hits a sweet spot at under $26,000 it is not only fast but also powerful.

With the same powertrain being carried over the fuel-economy figures are more or less in the same ballpark as the 2021 Escape’s figures. As per the EPA estimates, the 2022 Escape returns 28 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined fuel economy. Base engine with AWD sees a drop of 2 MPG in the city and 3 MPG on the highway. While the more powerful Escape with a  2.0-liter turbo-four engine under its hood returns 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. That said, the 2022 Escape gets a 14.8-gallon fuel tank. 

The Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V have almost similar 28/34/30 MPG figures in city/highway/combined respectively. Toyota RAV4 comes next with 27/35/30 MPG in city/highway/combined respectively. While the Hyundai Tucson is the least efficient returning 26/33/29 MPG figures respectively. All the SUVs in this table offer approximately 14-gallon fuel tank capacity. This is sufficient to have 450 plus miles of range on the highway and 400 plus miles range under mixed driving conditions from all the SUVs here. 

The 2022 Ford Escape has a budget quality interior but it is spacious and comfortable. The interior gets a dark-themed interior with a cluttered free dashboard layout. Fabric upholstered seats will be standard in the base trim level while the top trim will come with either faux leather or full-leather upholstery. The overall dash design and control layout will be ergonomically done with a good view up front thanks to the good amount of adjustability possible for the seats. Although the floating touchscreen does come in the line of sight.

The available leather-wrapped steering wheel features some simple controls for the infotainment system. Also, an optional panoramic moonroof is available to let in more greenhouse. Opting for the Cold Weather Package will add heated front row seats, side-view mirrors, and a steering wheel. Other than that a power liftgate, multi-zone climate control, keyless entry, rear center armrest, the remote engine start will be available in the Convenience Package.

The base trim of the Ford Escape will continue to get a 4.2-inch radio screen with a six-speaker audio setup but the higher trims will feature a floating 8.0-inch touchscreen with the latest SYNC3 interface. While the Titanium trim will get a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker B&O sound system, and dashboard navigation. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB charging ports, etc.

Whether you talk about the headroom, shoulder room, or the legroom in the front seats or the rear seats the Ford Escape will be the most spacious among all. Hyundai Tucson is almost similar in terms of interior space but loses first place due to lesser legroom in the front seats compared to the Escape. Next comes Honda CR-V followed by Toyota RAV4. As for the cargo space the Honda CR-V gets 39.2 cubic feet of highest cargo capacity. Followed by Tucson with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity space. While the Escape has the smallest boot space of 33.5 cubic feet.

Interior Features:

• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• Automatic climate control
• Rear armrest
• Simulate leather upholstery
• Rear USB ports

The 2022 Ford Escape sees no changes to its exterior looks except for the addition of a few new exterior colors options. Compared to the 2020 version it is now 2.4-inches longer and 1.7-inch wider than before. As far as looks are concerned the 2022 Escape will boast the same sportier and fancy look lending it its characteristic crossover looks.

The front of the Escape is dominated by its wide grille design which looks inspired by Aston Martin. The front grille is flanked by cube-type foglights while the headlights sit high on the bonnet. Moving to the rear end, things have been kept simple, with oval taillights, curvy edges, and dual exhaust outlets.

In this comparison, no doubt, the Escape is the lightest of all. Although it is the widest SUV here. While the longest SUV with the longest wheelbase is Hyundai Tucson. This is the reason why it not only offers class-leading cabin space but also a generous amount of cargo capacity. Toyota RAV4 on the other hand is the tallest SUV and also has the highest ground clearance among all. Thus proving who is better at off-road capabilities.

Exterior Features:

• 17-inch steel wheels
• Chrome exterior trims
• LED headlights and foglights
• Roof rails
• Power liftgate
• Panoramic sunroof

The Ford Escape has always been built upon a very strong and rigid chassis. The 2021 Escape has earned a five out of five-star rating from NHTSA. The SUV also received a ‘Good’ rating in almost every parameter of IIHS. The Escape didn't stop here and went on to grab the ‘Top Safety Pick’ award from IIHS. For 2022 Escape NHTSA has carried over the ratings of the 2021 model while IIHS is yet to rate it. Although being mechanically similar we don't expect any changes from IIHS either.

Safety Features:

• Blind-spot monitor
• Lane-keeping assist and Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Back-up camera
• Evasive steering assist
• Parking sensors

2022 Ford Escape vs. 2022 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a direct and strong competitor of the Ford Escape. This Honda would be the first choice of many because it offers more cargo room, decent acceleration, premium-quality interior, and impressive riding quality.

Despite being heavier and bulkier, the Honda CR-V manages to offer a sharp turning radius making it easy to make turns and park in tight spaces. Thus we don’t see any merit in recommending Ford Escape over the Honda CR-V.

2022 Ford Escape vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 holds its value and advantage of offering a good quality interior and layout but the Escape is a little more comfortable and spacious. Escape offers a good ride and handling quality compared to the RAV4. But the performance offered by the RAV4’s engine is much better than that of the Ford Escape.

Thus Toyota RAV is a much superior product in almost all comparisons except for the interior space where the Ford Escape happens to be the most spacious in the segment.

2022 Ford Escape vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson gets a bigger and slightly more powerful naturally aspirated engine while the Ford Escape gets it done with a smaller turbocharged engine. The bigger engine on the Tucson coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission ensures a more smooth driving experience compared to the one on the turbocharged three-cylinder powered Escape.

Although because of the bigger engine the Tucson does sip more fuel than Escape. But when it comes to cabin space and overall practicality, the bigger Tucson does have an edge over the Escape. That said, if you want a smaller yet more fuel-efficient SUV, go for the Escape else the Tucson is an overall better package.

The Ford Escape comes with a lot of interior, exterior, and safety features which is a rarity in the under thirty grand SUV segment. In the Escape, even the base trim is well equipped to serve the purpose of a daily driver. Although those looking for more comfort and luxury can surely go for the higher trims. Barring its low rent cabin quality, the 2022 Escape has everything that a typical small SUV buyer wants. Thus it won’t be wrong to say that the Ford Escape is a jack of all trades but master of none and if that description suits you then the Escape should be on your top buying list.