CARS DISCOURSE: 2015 Ford Escape

The 2015 Ford Escape is essentially unchanged from the previous model year. That, however, shouldn’t concern customers, since it means that Ford’s small two-row crossover is just as dynamic and efficient as ever, highlighted by two available EcoBoost engines and a number of exclusive Blue Oval technologies.

Styling

Showcasing one of the segment’s most expressive faces, this Ford escapes from the ordinary with a noticeably sporty front end that combines a short upper grille with prominent lower intakes--that can then be complemented by front foglights that nestle along their outside lower edges. Strong hood lines help impart a feeling of strength, while also echoing the dual character lines that sweep back into wraparound rear lighting fixtures. A rear skid-plate seals the deal as a reminder of the Escape’s crossover capabilities.

The cabin is plenty dramatic as well, thanks to a multi-layered, highly sculptured dashboard and center stack that appear to open up away from front-row occupants to provide an airy and spacious feeling. The setup also provides a particularly impressive view for the driver, who benefits from a futuristic-looking instrument panel displaying a tachometer and speedometer nestled deep in glowing pods.

A chrome appearance package, a new Metallic Magnetic exterior finish and ambient cabin lighting deliver further design details.

Performance

Two EcoBoost four-cylinder engines headline the powertrain roster for the 2015 Escape. The high-efficiency choice can achieve EPA grades of up to 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, yet it still squeezes a peppy 178 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque from its 1.6 liters of displacement, Providing a major power upgrade with only a minor adjustment to EPA ratings is the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost unit; that engine serves up 240 hp, 270 lb.-ft. of torque, an EPA line of 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, and a max tow rating of 3,500 lbs. (with Ford’s Class II trailer tow package).

The standard engine here is a four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine that makes 168 horses and 170 lb.-ft. of torque, backed by fuel-economy marks of 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.

Drivers enjoy Ford’s SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with all engines, while the EcoBoost units also can be configured with intelligent all-wheel drive.

Safety

Key available safety features for the Escape include the Ford Blind Spot Information System (with cross-traffic alert), Active Park Assist and Curve Control; the latter system can automatically detect if the Escape is entering a curve too quickly, then automatically slow the vehicle to a more appropriate speed.

Pricing and Features

The 2015 Ford Escape has a starting price of $22,960, with the mid-range Escape SE opening at $25,160 and the luxurious Titanium trim topping the roster with an MSRP of $29,245.

In terms of first-rate features, the Escape is well known for its hands-free power liftgate, which folks can open with a subtle kicking movement under the rear bumper, and also offers a 10-speaker, 390-watt Sony sound system (with dual-channel woofer), Ford’s intelligent-access system (with push-button start), and SYNC with MyFord Touch (with navigation). And remember, while SYNC made its name with its advanced voice-recognition capabilities, it’s now fully supported by a touchscreen, steering-wheel-mounted controls and traditional switchgear.