Ford Escape Overview. Currently in its third generation, the Ford Escape compact crossover SUV competes with the likes of the Honda CR V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Despite its adventurous sounding name, the Escape is more of a large, lifted hatchback than a true off roader, as it comes standard with front wheel drive FWD and only offers all wheel drive AWD as an option. It received a new engine and a new nose last year, so it enters 2. Available in S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims, the 2. Escape starts at just under 2. A separate hybrid modelthe Escape Hybridis also available and was actually the first hybrid SUV to enter the market back in 2. The base powertrain for the 2. Escape is a naturally aspirated 2. That makes for fairly disappointing performance in a car of this size, and it gets the worst fuel economy of the lineup at 2. Last year saw the introduction of a turbo 1. SE trim that, despite its small size, puts out 1. Its power comes in lower in the rev range than the base engine and its also the most fuel frugal of the bunch, with EPA figures of 2. FWD and 2. 2, 2. 8, and 2. AWD. The Escapes range topping engine is a turbocharged 2. Even with all the extra grunt from the larger turbo, fuel economy isnt that much different at 2. FWD and 2. 0, 2. 7, and 2. AWD. The Escape is offered in either FWD or AWD configuration with the exception of the base engine, which comes exclusively with FWD. The only available transmission is a 6 speed automatic, and turbocharged models receive paddle shifters. All Escapes also have active grille shutters for smoother airflow across the nose, and turbocharged models have a stopstart function for saving fuel in traffic. Although its technically an SUV, the current generation Escape drives more like a zippy hatchback than some of its peers, with firm steering and relatively little body roll. An available tow package adds a trailer sway control function. C Max Active Grille Shutters Escape' title='C Max Active Grille Shutters Escape' />Choose from multiple options and see all of the specs for the 2017 Ford CMAX Hybrid SE. Smart technology delivers maximized fuel efficiency. Designed for its funtodrive performance, the Ford CMAX Hybrid allows the lithiumion battery gasolinepowered engine to work together or separately. Motor Trend reviews the 2015 Dodge Dart where consumers can find detailed information on specs, fuel economy, transmission and safety. Find local 2015 Dodge Dart. Inside, the 2. 01. Escape comes standard with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, a 6 speaker stereo, and a 4. Fords Sync infotainment system. The SE trim comes with satellite radio, a power adjustable drivers seat, dual zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats, while the SEL further adds leather upholstery, a power tailgate, and an 8. At the top of the range, the Titanium trim receives an upgraded 1. Instal Adobe Flash Player Di Android Studio. Sony stereo system, a sensor for the liftgate, ambient interior lighting, keyless ignition, and several active safety features. Ford/C-MAX/2018/HD-TILE/Image%5B%7CFord%7CC-MAX%7C2018%7C1%7C1.%7C200A.P5A..UG..88K.64S.CLO.89W.581.%5D/EXT/4/vehicle.png' alt='C Max Active Grille Shutters Escape' title='C Max Active Grille Shutters Escape' />Interior room for the 2. Escape is decent but unremarkable for its class, with 3. The Escape is also decent but unremarkable in its crash testing performance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS gave the 2. Good results in most areas but only an Acceptable score in the small overlap frontal test, while the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association NHTSA awarded the 2. Every Escape is equipped with a reversing camera and the My. Key system, which allows the owner to place limits on the vehicles maximum speed and other functions. Optional safety tech includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, parking assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping alert. Updated Aug 8, 2. Andrew Newton first got into cars through vintage racing a Formula Vee. After receiving history degrees, he followed his passion for cars and became a contributor for sites like Sports Car Digest, Bold. Ride. com and James. Edition. com in addition to serving as Education Manager at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA. Andrew currently covers the collector car market full time as Auction Editor for Hagerty Classic Car Insurance.