With the launch of the similarly sized Bronco Sport last year, giving compact SUV buyers an off-road capable option at their Ford showroom, the 2022 Escape’s soft-road capability and carlike ride and handling can continue to serve on-road-oriented drivers. Unlike Bronco Sport, Escape is available with hybrid or plug-in hybrids. However, the turbo three-cylinder engine that is the base model and turbo-four upgraded engines remain available. The Escape has plenty of room for passengers and cargo space in the interior; however, its interior isn’t as luxurious as its rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, the Mazda CX-5, and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Escape is equipped with attractive driver assistance options. It is equipped with numerous extra luxuries and convenience features, provided you’re willing to spend for one of the top-quality trims.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Escape offers a wide range of powertrains, starting with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Its turbo 3, although not perfect, has adequate acceleration and has been able to get an all-wheel-drive Escape SE to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds on the test track. Upgrade to the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the most compelling option, and it is powerful enough to achieve an impressive 5.7-second time in the 60-mph-to-zero test. Each gasoline motor is connected with an eight-speed auto transmission. Ford also has two Escape hybrids to take on the new competition with Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Honda CR-V hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. One of them is a plug-in. Both powertrains comprise the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 221 horsepower.
Fuel Economy
According to the EPA, the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder model with front-wheel drive will offer the highest fuel economy estimates among non-hybrid Escape models. It’s rated for 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined; adding all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. We tested an all-wheel-drive model with the turbo three-cylinder and managed an impressive 35 mpg during our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. Although the larger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with all-wheel drive is rated for 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, we ended up with a 32-mpg highway result in our testing. For those seeking the most efficient Escape, look no further than the plug-in hybrid model, which earns as high as 44 mpg per city fuel economy ratings. For more information about Escape’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior
The Escape’s cabin, while handsomely styled and spacious for both front- and rear-seat occupants suffer from several low-rent plastic panels, including those on the doors and lower center console. The highly textured seats are standard, and higher trim levels get seats with convincing faux leather or genuine leather in the highest-end Titanium. The rear seat of the Escape is a large cargo area that can accommodate up to eight carry-on luggage cases that connect it to its rival crosstown, the Chevrolet Equinox. We could fit 21 suitcases with the rear seats of the Escape folded, while the Equinox was able to hold two additional cases.
