“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.
Models |
2018 Ford Escape |
2018 Honda CR-V |
2018 Kia Sportage |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
MSRP |
$ 23,850 |
$ 24,150 |
$ 23,500 |
$ 24,045 |
Engine |
2.5L Inline 4 |
2.4L Inline 4 |
2.4L Inline 4 |
2.5L Inline 4 |
Fuel type |
Gas |
Gas |
Gas |
Gas |
Transmission |
Automatic |
Automatic |
Automatic |
Automatic |
Power (hp@RPM) |
168hp @ 6000 RPM |
184hp @ 6400 RPM |
181hp @ 6,000 RPM |
187hp @ 6000 RPM |
Torque (lb-ft@RPM) |
170 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM |
180 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM |
175 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM |
186 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM |
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.
Models |
2018 Ford Escape |
2018 Honda CR-V |
2018 Kia Sportage |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
9.1 sec |
7.5 sec |
6.7 sec |
8.3 sec |
Quarter mile (seconds) |
16.8 sec |
15.8 sec |
15.1 sec |
16.3 sec |
Engine |
2.5L |
2.4L |
2.4L |
2.5L |
Emission
Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year
|
7.3 |
6.3 |
6.8 |
6.5 |
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.
Models |
2018 Ford Escape |
2018 Honda CR-V |
2018 Kia Sportage |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
Brake Front(in) |
12.8 |
11.1 |
12.0 |
11.7 |
Brake Rear(in) |
12 |
10.2 |
11.9 |
11.9 |
Curb Weight(lbs.) |
3678 |
3307 |
3739 |
3693 |
70-0 MPH (ft.) |
184 |
166 |
174 |
175 |
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.
Models |
2018 Ford Escape |
2018 Honda CR-V |
2018 Kia Sportage |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
Weight (lbs.) |
3500 |
1500 |
2000 |
2000 |
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.