2017 Ford Escape SE

2017 Ford Escape
The 2017 Ford Escape has power, speed and towing ability when equipped with the optional 2-liter EcoBoost engine.

Since the company combined the boxy American Escape and swoopy European Kuga crossovers under its “One Ford” program, our fellow countrymen and –women have had access to one of the most dynamically accomplished compact crossovers made. But four years are an eternity in the car business, and while the revised and updated Escape is still a stellar companion under the right circumstances, there are some areas where the passage of time hasn’t been kind to it.

Ford Escape Interior Dash

The positives include its power, speed and towing ability when equipped with the optional 2-liter EcoBoost engine. Its 245hp and 275lb-ft of torque mean it outguns most anything in the class, especially at higher elevations. I took my test vehicle skiing and it simply demolished the run up I-70 and over Loveland pass, always feeling potent, with less turbo lag than last year and an intuitively programmed 6-speed automatic. The Escape’s handling and steering are still amongst the best; only the slower Mazda CX-5’s match it. The price one pays for this level of straight-line punch is fuel economy; despite its EPA ratings, the Escape’s computer never showed it exceeding 20mpg while in my care.

Cargo storage 2017 Ford Escape

Utility is good too; the Ford has a commodious cargo hold; access to it is eased by the optional power hatch. Unfortunately, in other ways the Escape’s interior hasn’t aged well. Materials—while slightly better in certain areas like the plastic that abuts the windshield’s base—are better, but by and large it feels cheap. Even the optional leather on the seats, wheel and shifter feels cut-rate, and the hood for the revised, and excellent, Sync3 infotainment system didn’t fit well and squeaked, emphasizing the aging aesthetics’ failings. At least the tech is thoroughly contemporary, including Android and Apple phone integration and very well polished stability control.

The other issue the Escape faces is its premium pricing; Ford has exercised this strategy to good effect on the Explorer, but this smaller machine feels overly ambitious in what they want to charge for it, considering the shortcomings in perceived quality and even equipment. However, its performance, dynamics and tech mean it is still a fairly unique compact crossover for those who will exploit its talents.

EPA ratings: 20/27mpg; 23mpg combined

0-60mph: 7.2sec

Price as tested: $33,915

Here is what Ford has to say.

3.5 Stars

Ford Escape


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Isaac Bouchard is owner of Bespoke Autos, an auto brokerage that helps people save time, money and hassle when buying or leasing vehicles. Since 1991 he has helped his clients save over $1 million dollars. He has written extensively about getting the best deal possible when buying or leasing a vehicle, arranging financing or trading in a car. Isaac has been a professional automotive journalist as well for over 12 years, having reviewed most all types of car, truck and SUV.

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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