2021 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape comes in S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims. The base model sets the stage with fashionable facets such as a body-color rear spoiler, halogen projector headlamps, a pair of chrome exhaust tips, and black accents for the upper grille and side mirrors. Higher tiers toss in outfits such as heated mirrors, LED fog lamps, and privacy glass for the rear side and liftgate areas. An SEL-inspired Stealth Package further adds black Ford ovals and a couple of gloss-black inserts.

A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission comprise the starting setup. These units run smoothly and efficiently as a couple while generating up to 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. An available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder ups the figures to 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. And the right trailering equipment pushes your towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Ford Escape endures for long distances, earning up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. It additionally offers a basic suite with front-wheel drive, electric power steering, silver skid plates, and torque vectoring control. It carries a capable suspension as well, with excellent damping and underbody subframes to keep you poised and stable over bumps and potholes. Other standard accessories consist of an electric parking brake, electronic traction control, and five driver-selectable settings, including eco, sport, normal, slippery, and sand. Meanwhile, all-wheel drive is an optional upfit that works well over demanding terrain.

This five-seater flaunts an assortment of furnishings, from carpeted flooring to cloth front bucket seats to a center console with armrest and media hub. It also boasts tie-down hooks that come in handy during cargo and grocery hauls, plus a digital interface with dual USB ports and a six-speaker sound system. What's more, you can choose from extravagant upgrades such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather surfaces, and a panoramic moonroof. The multimedia features close out the segment with everything from SiriusXM Radio and SYNC 3 infotainment graphics to a universal garage door opener and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The all-new Ford Escape is a top scorer in safety thanks to its dual accolades from two industry experts. It earned five stars for front and side crash resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also picked up a Top Safety Pick title from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Moreover, it comes with safety essentials such as automatic emergency braking, a post-crash alert system, a rearview camera, and a set of side-impact air bags for front passengers. On the other hand, technologies such as adaptive cruise control, advanced active park assist, and a reverse sensing system are available on higher trims. Also on the market are a head-up display with windshield readouts, a keyless entry keypad, and rain-sensing wipers for added peace of mind.