2021 Ford Escape

As the competition gets fiercer with each passing year, the Ford Escape equally faces the pressure to get all its priorities right. The 2021 Ford Escape is surely a step in the right direction, as the crossover has a host of active safety features and interesting gizmos in its arsenal to woo families over. It goes up against cars like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Chevrolet Equinox. However, can Escape be a genuine bestseller in its competitive segment? Let’s find out.

The Ford Escape is offered in 4 trim levels- S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Ford retains most of its interior and exterior styling elements. A host of new features join the various packages at your disposal. For example, the Co-Pilot360 Plus package gets adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition as new features while the Technology package gets a hands-free power liftgate and memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors. Rest assured, the trim lineup remains unchanged. Each trim has its own perks and features, as discussed in the table below-

Which Trim should you buy?

We will definitely recommend the mid-of-the-range SEL trim if you decide to opt for the 2021 Ford Escape. This trim adds several features that family-conscious buyers will relish, including the likes of rear parking sensors, memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors, ActiveX simulated leather upholstery, remote start, a hands-free power liftgate, fog lamps, and roof-rack side rails. This trim fits well within the budgets of most compact SUV shoppers.

Under the hood, the 2021 Ford Escape sports a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine as its base powertrain that can pump out a decent power output of 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic gearbox handles all the gear shifting duties effortlessly, even though the engine can be grumbly at times. The Escape offers front-wheel drive as standard, while all-wheel drive is optional for buyers who crave all-season performance. 

The engine of this American SUV manages a decent 0-60 mph run in 7.7 seconds, which is fast enough for a daily commuter. Ford offers a more powerful 2-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine as an option on higher trims. With the same transmission gearbox equipped, this powertrain enables the Escape to zip past the 0-60 mph run in 5.7 seconds, which is a pretty high standard for its segment. Hybrid lovers also get the option of a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 2 electric motors.

The Ford Escape may lose out to the Toyota RAV4 in terms of power, but the crossover highlights its mettle in the speed charts. In the 0-60 mph run, the Escape’s 7.7-second run just edges out the RAV which does it in 7.8 seconds flat, while it outclasses the CR-V and the Equinox. On the other hand, the Honda CR-V is the most sluggish car in its segment due to its CVT transmission.

How well does the 2021 Ford Escape handle?

 The Ford Escape provides different drive modes to choose from, including Sport and Eco modes. The Sport mode is where the Escape excels, offering energetic acceleration to boost up your adrenaline levels. Regardless of the driving mode, the Escape’s ride quality feels composed with the retuned suspension. The steering wheel offers precise feedback, however with no feel of the road. Sport-oriented drivers may be left a bit disappointed with that.

The Escape plays its part as a family cruiser very well, thanks to the extensive measures of sound deadening inside like enhanced door sealing, laminated acoustic glass, and an isolated rear subframe. While scaling tight corners, the Escape does lose a lot of traction. Luckily, all-wheel drive is available to tackle that as a countermeasure. The all-wheel-drive also automatically disconnects when not needed, helping to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.

2021 Ford Escape Braking Performance

 The Ford Escape features a host of active safety features that enhance its braking performance like automatic emergency braking and torque vectoring control. With a low center of gravity, the Escape performs well in the braking sector. With 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS below the hood, the driver doesn’t have to worry about the brakes locking in panic situations. Also, the brake pedals are very responsive and firm and the driver hardly feels any lag while braking in everyday situations.

Since Ford hasn’t provided the official figures of rotor size yet, there is no scope for comparing the brake rotor size with its rivals. Nevertheless, it does pretty decently in the deceleration test, stopping from 70-0 mph in 168 feet which are considered as decent braking performance. On the other hand, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox delivers segment-leading performance owing to a stopping distance of 161 feet.

The Escape’s most economical powertrain is definitely its base 3-cylinder engine. With FWD, the crossover lends out a city MPG of 28. On the highway, it returns an MPG of 34. EPA rates its combined MPG at an excellent 30. These figures are well within the highest fuel economy estimates of its segment. With a 14.8-gallon tank under the hood, the Escape shells out a spectacular mileage of 414 miles in the city and 503 miles on the interstates. 

However, equipping the AWD drivetrain sheds a few digits of its MPG. The Escape with the AWD lends a city MPG of 26 and a highway MPG of 31, which brings down its combined MPG to 28. The more powerful 4-cylinder variant is rated at EPA estimates of 23 MPG city, 31 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined, which are still above-average fuel economy figures.

The Ford Escape is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class, with its MPG numbers right on par with the best of its segment. The Escape also provides the best city and combined mileage in its segment, making it a perfect choice for fuel-savvy drivers. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Equinox is a bit of a guzzler and it offers the lowest mileage in its segment and it makes you shell out more money on fuel.

The 2021 Ford Escape sports an elegant cabin that suits its active nature very well. Although there are some hints of low-quality plastic panels on the doors and lower center console, Ford has put in decent efforts to make sure the rest of its cabin looks elegant. Functionality is the key element in the Escape’s cabin, as all the controls are well within reach and the steering wheel controls help further as well. The driver’s seat can be adjusted in various ways as your incline and it offers a commanding view of the road ahead. The seats feature textured cloth upholstery as standard, while higher trims unlock faux leather upholstery. 

The Platinum trim gets the privilege of genuine leather upholstery, to provide its passengers maximum comfort. We also have to commend the excellent management of space inside the Escape’s cabin, as the passengers get a plethora of small-storage amenities and commodious interior space. Behind its sliding 2nd-row rear seat, the Escape offers 33.3 cubes of space, a figure that satisfies every family's requirement if not the best. With those seats folded, that figure rises to a competitive 65.4 cubic feet.

In terms of interior dimensions, the Ford Escape sits right at the top of its segment. Its roomy interior dimensions and passenger volume are also at a competitive edge compared to its rivals when it comes to cargo capacity, the CR-V wins the competition by a substantial margin.

Some of the Key interior features include-

• Tilt and telescoping steering column with cruise and audio controls
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Power front seats with heated & ventilated functions
• Dual-zone climate control
• Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that connects up to 10 devices (Optional)

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The base S models only get a 4.2-inch radio display and an AM/FM radio as their entertainment hub, which is very underwhelming in our opinion. However, SE models and higher unlock a decent-sized 8-inch touchscreen, integrated with Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system. Ford also offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as standard with this display. 

Another gimmicky feature has to be the FordPass app that grants you numerous ownership benefits like remote start and complimentary maintenance services as you spend more time with your car. The Titanium trim gets the most cutting-edge tech, including a 10-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment suite of the 2021 Ford Escape includes-

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Sync 3 infotainment
• Android Auto
• Available heads-up display
• FordPass Connect
• Available navigation
• Available 10-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
• Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

Since its redesign last year, the 4th-gen Ford Escape has a broad urban appeal to it that gives it a distinctive appearance compared to other crossovers in its segment. Ford sacrificed Escape’s previous boxy design for a cleaner and well-shaped look. The Escape has gone the softer car-like style route, as evident by its sleek body lines and a nose resembling a Tesla Model 3. The Titanium trim gets sleeker LED headlights, DRLs, and fog lamps, thus raising the Escape’s sporty character. The rest of the Escape lineup looks very humble, that is a welcome refreshment over its more aggressive rivals.

The Escape features an elegant exterior design thanks to its harmonic exterior dimensions. Also, the Escape sits at a lower ride height than the RAV4 and the Equinox. This justifies it as more of an everyday crossover rather than a rugged off-roader a nutshell, the key exterior elements of the Ford Escape are-

• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• Front Fog Lamps
• Daytime Running Lamps
• 19 Inch alloy wheels
• Black Bodyside Cladding and Black Wheel Well Trim

Ford has never compromised on the safety of its occupants, as every vehicle in its portfolio comes with a plethora of advanced safety tech. Every Ford Escape is equipped with its Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Key safety features include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, Lane-Keeping System, and a Rear View Camera. 

Another optional tech that boosts the Escape’s safety quotient includes Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Park Assist 2.0, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go Lane Centering, and Evasive Steering Assist. An optional heads-up display relays the information of all driver assistance technologies and other data on your windshield Some other features include

• Personal Safety System Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Back-Up Camera
• Ford Co-Pilot360 - Active Park Assist 2.0 Automated Parking Sensors (Optional)

2021 Ford Escape vs 2021 Honda CR-V

Both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape are solid choices for the compact crossover SUV segment. However, when you analyze both of them from a critic’s perspective, several similarities and differences pop up before your eyes. Both crossovers offer excellent interior space, an all-wheel drivetrain, a number of hybrid variants and are priced in a similar price range as well. 

However, the Honda CR-V has been a staple in its segment, thanks to its bulletproof reliability record, high resale value, and a plethora of driver assistance aids. The Escape also offers an excellent safety suite, a convenient second-row sliding seat, and more engine options. If you had to pick one of them as a long-term family ride, we would choose the Honda CR-V.

2021 Ford Escape vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

Both the Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4 are their respective automakers’ best-selling vehicles. There is no doubt that their rivalry is very heated up. Both the crossovers offer splendid interior space for 5 passengers, high-end safety features and technology, and great ownership benefits. However, the Escape has a clear advantage over the RAV4 in terms of power and handling dynamics, as many customers loathe the RAV4’s unrefined engine response. 

However, Escape’s basic interiors are no match compared to the RAV4’s well-appointed interiors. The RAV4 also retains its value better than any other crossover in the market, making it a better option for the long term. Still, if you prefer a fun driving experience over better value-for-money, you certainly will be pleased by opting for the Ford Escape.

2021 Ford Escape vs 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

In this hometown battle, two excellent SUVs from two of America's favorite manufacturers go head-to-head. Both Equinox and Escape share the same excellent safety ratings, a long list of driver assistance aids, commodious passenger space, and excellent warranty coverage. 

The Chevrolet Equinox has its strengths like a more affordable starting price, rugged design, and a better infotainment suite within the base models. However, the Escape sends out a stern reply with its wide lineup of hybrids, more active safety features, and more space behind its rear seats. These qualities will certainly impress a wide majority of families, making the Escape a fresher alternative over its cross-country rival.

The new Ford Escape is definitely a fresh American buy in the overtly competitive compact crossover SUV segment. This car offers the best interior versatility and advanced driver-assistance technologies in an affordable package. The Escape is definitely a treat to drive, with a range of gasoline and hybrid powertrains at your disposal. This car is definitely one of the top family-friendly picks, thanks to an appealing design and a plethora of standard features.