"The 2018 Ford Escape ranks near the top of the compact SUV class, largely due to its great predicted reliability rating, dynamic handling, and premium interior." - Cars.USNews

The 2018 Ford Escape is offered with 4 trims, two drivetrains, and two powertrains, priced between an MSRP range of $23,850-$33,490. The engines on offer are a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine and a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. They generate as much as 168 HP for the 2.5-liter engine and 179 HP for the 1.5-liter turbo engine. Apart from the basic S trim, the remaining three terms on offer come equipped with two drivetrains to choose from.

The S trim is priced at $23,850 and is equipped with features such as a Sync infotainment system, a rearview camera, Advancetrac with RSC (roll stability control), and a lot more. As you climb the trim ladder the features inside keep improving and you get a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, a SYNC 3 infotainment system, a 10 speaker audio system from Sony, leather-trimmed heated seats, and more.

We recommend

At a price that ranges between $28,005-$29,450, we would recommend you go in for the SEL trim equipped, with a power liftgate, a halogen projector headlamp, a SYNC 3 infotainment system, reverse sensing system, and a lot more. It features the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates more power than the other engine option.

“The 2018 Escape is among the nimbler, fun-to-drive compact SUVs” – Kelly Blue Book

Engine specs of the 2018 Ford Escape

The engine offerings of the 2018 Ford Escape include two options, a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that churns out 179 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque. The other engine offering is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Of the seven variants on offer, the Titanium and S trim are the only two that receive this 2.0L engine, the remaining get the 1.5L turbo engine under their hood. Both the engine configurations come equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission system.

In comparison with its competition that includes the 2018 Honda CR-V, the 2018 Kia Sportage, and the Mazda CX-5, all of them generate more power than the Ford Escape, above the 180 HP mark. In terms of torque, the scenario is just the same, however, the margin is smaller. All the vehicles in consideration are also priced really closely, adding to the breathtaking rivalry they put up.

Acceleration of the 2018 Ford Escape

It is a known fact that with more power to offer, the acceleration would be equally good. Based on the above, the acceleration of the 2018 Escape is only average. It records a 0-60 mph in 9.1 seconds, pretty long for a car in its segment, further it goes a quarter-mile in about 16.8 seconds. Probably the slowest in class, let's figure out.

Against its competition, it is the 2018 Kia Sportage that proves to be the fastest, with a 0-60 mph timing of 6.7 seconds, and a record 15.1 second to go a quarter-mile. It is followed by the most powerful car in the class, the Honda CR-V, with a 0-60 mph of 7.5 seconds, it also records a quarter-mile timing of 15.8 seconds. Ranking third we have the Mazda CX-5, with timing of 8.3 seconds and 16.3 seconds respectively. In the last place is the Escape from Ford.

Ride and Handling of the 2018 Ford Escape

The handling qualities of the Ford Escape is in line with its name – Escape. Down the sinuous road, it hunts corners like a hound and you are left questioning yourself how you can enjoy a drive in a high riding crossover. The ride quality though is not compromised and the Ford Escape remains supple in the city or on highway excursions.

Braking of the 2018 Ford Escape

Equipped with the largest rotors in class, that measure 12.8-inches for the front wheels and 12.0-inches for the rear, the 2018 Ford Escape brings its 3678lbs body to a standstill from a 70 mph speed, in 184 feet. The brakes on the Ford Escape are said to be linear and responsive, providing comfort to the occupants even in harsh conditions. Once again this isn't the best brake performance in the segment but it isn't bad either.

In comparison with its competition, it is the Honda CR-V that proves to be the best, as it comes to a standstill in just 166 feet. It features the smallest rotors in class but also weighs the least and hence is able to deliver such a phenomenal brake performance. It is followed by the Kia Sportage, which measures 174 feet to come to a standstill, Kia comes with the second-largest brakes in class and also weighs the most. Ranking in 3rd position is the Mazda CX-5, losing out by just one foot it comes to a standstill in 175 feet and in the last position we have the Ford Escape, that takes 10 more feet than the Kia Sportage for the same feat.

Towing Capacity of the 2018 Ford Escape

If there is one aspect where the Ford Escape does outperform its rivals it is with its ability to tow, equipped with 170 lb-ft of torque it gets the ability to tow 3500 pounds way more than any of its competitors. Moreover, the engine does so comfortably, showing no hassle or lag.

The closest competitors are the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5, both come equipped with a towing capacity of 2000 lbs each. The Honda CR-V does surprise us, even though it comes equipped with a 180 lb-ft of torque it has the ability to tow only 1500 lbs. For once the chart shows ranks that are unusual and it's in favor of Ford.

“The engines are less about Eco and more about Boost, utilizing their turbochargers to increase power rather than stretch fuel.” – Car and Driver

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape offers an average EPA reading. Since it comes equipped with a heavy 2.5-liter engine, it manages to deliver only 22 miles to a gallon for city drives, 28 miles to a gallon for Highway cruises, and a combined reading of 24 miles to a gallon. The Ford Escape does have a smaller engine to offer and that obviously has a better fuel economy too.

In comparison with its competition, the 2018 Honda CR-V proves to be the most fuel-efficient offering, delivering as much as 32 miles per gallon for Highway drives; it further records a combined reading of 28 miles to a gallon. The next best fuel efficiency is offered by the 2018 Mazda CX-5, with the combined training of 26 miles to a gallon and a Highway rating of 30 mpg. The 2018 Ford Escape ranks third and is followed by the 2018 Kia Sportage which offers only 22 miles per gallon as its combined reading.

“Virtually every touch surface was revised to create a more premium look and feel, a move that should keep this 2-row/5-passenger compact-crossover SUV fresh in the years ahead." – Kelly Blue Book

Seating and Comfort of the 2018 Ford Escape

The interior offering of the 2018 Ford Escape comes with several amenities to comfort and soothe the occupants. With a provision to accommodate 5 individuals, the Ford Escape offers the least passenger room that measures 98.1 cubic feet. However, this does not mean that the seating is cramped. With adequate space to offer for each of the five occupants, the Ford Escape also offers several technological inserts and comforts. In fact, the high-end trims get power-adjustable seats that are heated and clad in leather, what else could one ask for.

It is the 2018 Honda CR-V that offers the most passenger room measuring 105.9 cubic feet; it is followed by the Mazda CX-5 with an offering of 103.6 cubic feet. The Kia Sportage provides an interior passenger room that is extremely close to the offering of the Ford Escape, in fact, it is just 0.5 cubic feet larger.

Cargo space offering of the 2018 Ford Escape

In terms of cargo space, the Ford Escape has 68 cubic feet to offer as its maximum room and a modest 34 cubic feet as its standard offering, in comparison with its competition this offering is pretty much decent. Given below is a chart that clearly mentions the offerings of the competition.

The largest cargo space is provided by the 2018 Honda CR-V. It measures a standard cargo room of 39.2 cubic feet followed by a maximum offering of 75.8 cubic feet. The Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 have quite a similar offering, measuring 60.1 cubic feet and 59.6 cubic feet as their maximum cargo room. Even their standard cargo room size is identical with the difference of 0.2 cubic feet.

Interior Feature of the 2018 Ford Escape

• Tilting and telescopic steering column
• Heated steering wheel
• Memory driver’s seat
• Power driver’s seat
• Heated Front Seats

Infotainment System of the 2018 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape comes with a SYNC infotainment system in lower trim while the higher trims get the latest SYNC-3 infotainment. Lower trims get the base 6-Speaker Audio system while the top-of-line Escape Titanium gets a 10-Speakers Sony audio system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available. Following table outline the availability of infotainment option trim-wise.

"Yes, the 2018 Ford Escape is a great compact SUV, and it's fun to drive. " - Cars.USNews

Dimension and Weight of the 2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape gets a rather attractive exterior design, especially when compared with its competition. The 2018 Kia Sportage sure does keep up and offers an equally stylish body. In terms of dimension, the Ford Escape weighs quite a bit at 3678 pounds. It is the tallest vehicle and this adds to its advantage, giving it the best in class ground clearance. With a decent length, measuring 178.1 inches, it also gets a fine wheelbase of 105.9 inches.

Up against its competition, the 2018 Kia Sportage proves to be the heaviest at 3739 pounds, it is followed by the Mazda CX-5 that weighs 3693 pounds. In a close competition, it is the Honda CR-V that gets to be the longest, measuring 180-inches. Right behind it at 179-inches ranks the Mazda, followed by the Ford Escape at 178.1 inches. It basically proves that all the competitors have extremely similar dimensions with a difference of only a couple of inches.

Exterior Feature of the 2018 Ford Escape

• LED taillights
• Foot-operated liftgate
• Power liftgate
• Heated Rear View Mirror
• Panoramic Sunroof

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave this SUV a five-star overall rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test." - Cars.USNews

Safety ratings of the 2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape scores a fabulous five out of five-star rating in the overall safety tests as conducted by the federal authority, NHTSA. It further goes ahead to get the same five out of five-star rating in several other safety tests. However, there is one aspect where it scores four out of five stars, in the aspect of rollover safety.

We further look into the safety ratings as given by IIHS and we find that the 2018 Ford Escape scores an "Acceptable" grade in a couple of aspects. It even scores a "Marginal" grade in one aspect and a "Poor" grade in two aspects, apart from which it gets graded "Good" for the remaining aspects of safety.

Safety Features of the 2018 Ford Escape

• Advancetrac w/Roll Stability Control Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Safety Canopy System Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver Knee Airbag
• Mykey System-inc: Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter, Early Low Fuel Warning, Programmable Sound Chimes and Beltminder w/Audio Mute
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Back-up camera

2018 Honda CR-V Vs 2018 Ford Escape

In comparison with the Honda CR-V, the 2018 Ford Escape seriously faces a tough time. The Honda CR-V not only generates more power and torque but also puts up phenomenal acceleration performance, best-in-class brake performance, while also offering class-leading gas mileage. The Ford Escape no doubt offers a better towing capacity, but the Honda CR-V once again proves its potential with a class-leading cargo space offering and a fabulous passenger room on offer. Both the vehicles have extremely similar exterior dimensions, and overall it is safe to conclude that the Honda CR-V is a better offering.

2018 Kia Sportage Vs 2018 Ford Escape

When compared with the 2018 Kia Sportage, another potential competitor, one could actually go through the stats and find that both the vehicles are quite similar right from the pricing across all the other aspects. Hence, this decision should be based on your preference. The one aspect that we have to bring to your notice is that the gas mileage offered by the Kia Sportage is indeed subpar.

2018 Mazda CX-5 Vs2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 makes a great offering and when compared with the Ford Escape we find that it has a better power output and hence better acceleration timings. It further proves to be better in terms of brake performance and offers better gas mileage. However, the Ford Escape has a better towing capacity and a better interior offering to provide.

With four trims to offer, the 2018 Ford Escape makes a good buy even if you were to consider the basic trims. With two powertrains to offer, each of the four trims gets a drivetrain option too, except for the S trim that comes only as an FWD. Priced at an MSRP range that goes from $23,850-$33,490, 2018 Ford Escape has wonderful specifications to offer. It sure does make a value for money purchase, that should be considered.