The Ford Escape has three engine options and one of them, the 2.0L EcoBoost, is the most powerful among rivals. The steering feels alive and the suspension keeps the body motions in check. All these make for a satisfying driving experience. However, all this sportiness also comes with a compromise - jittery ride quality.
The Ford Escape comes with a single 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. The base 2.5L naturally aspirated engine only acts as a tool to advertise a low starting price. The engine produces a power of 168 horsepower and a torque of 170 lb-ft which is lively but not upto the expectations of the customers. Therefore, the engine can be said to lack both fuel efficiency and performance.
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Models
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Ford Escape S
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Honda CR-V
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Kia Sportage LX
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Mazda CX-5 Sport
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MSRP
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$ 23,850
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$ 24,150
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$ 23,500
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$ 24,045
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Engine
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2.5L Inline 4
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2.4L Inline 4
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2.4L Inline 4
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2.5L Inline 4
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Fuel type
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Gas
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Gas
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Gas
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Gas
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Transmission
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Automatic
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Automatic
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Automatic
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Automatic
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Power
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168hp @ 6000 rpm
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184hp @ 6400 rpm
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181hp @ 6,000 rpm
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187hp @ 6000 rpm
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Torque
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170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
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180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
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175 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
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The data indicates that the Honda CR-V produces the maximum horsepower and it is also the strongest engine in the segment. The Ford Escape has a decent engine but the power it produces is significantly less than its competitors.
Acceleration and handling of the 2018 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape with the base 2.5L engine accelerates quite slowly as it takes 9.1 seconds for a 0-60 sprint. The acceleration cannot be said to be peppy and this is one aspect that could be improved in future models. Moreover, the handling qualities of the Ford Escape is in line with its name - Escape.
Down the sinuous road, it hunts corner like a hound and you are left questioning yourself how you can enjoy a drive in a high riding crossover. The ride quality though is not compromised and the Ford Escape remains supple in the city or on highway excursion.
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Models
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Ford Escape
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Honda CR-V
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Kia Sportage LX
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Mazda CX-5 sport
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0-60 MPH
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9.1 sec
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7.5 sec
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6.7 sec
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8.3 sec
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Quarter mile
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16.8 sec
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15.8 sec
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15.1 sec
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16.3 sec
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Engine
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2.5L
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2.4L
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2.4L
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2.5L
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Emission
Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year
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7.3
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6.3
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6.8
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6.5
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The data indicates that the Ford Escape is the slowest model in the segment and it takes the maximum time to reach its desired speed. The Kia Sportage on the other hand is the fastest model in this segment proving to have s swift acceleration.
Braking performance of the 2018 Ford Escape
After impressing everybody on other dynamic fronts, the Ford Escape brake lets it down. It took the longest to stop from 60 mph - 184 feet which is quite disappointing coming from a long-standing brand like Ford. The slow responsiveness of the brakes is quite a letdown and brings down the overall performance of the Ford Escape.
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Model
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Ford Escape s
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Honda CR-V
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Kia Sportage
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Mazda CX-5 sport
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Brake Front(in)
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12.8
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11.1
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12.0
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11.7
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Brake Rear(in)
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12
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10.2
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11.9
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11.9
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Curb Weight(lbs.)
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3542
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3307
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3305
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3527
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60-0 MPH (ft.)
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184
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166
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174
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175
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The Ford Escape performs poorly in this segment as it is the slowest model in terms of its braking performance. The Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 Sport are not exceptionally responsive but it is still better than the Ford whereas, the CR-V is the most efficient model in terms of its braking performance.
The towing capacity of the 2018 Ford Escape
The Ford Explorer can tow 3500 pounds in the most capable configurations. "Most capable configuration" means 2.0 L EcoBoost Ford Escape Titanium equipped with 2.0L Class 2 Trailer Tow package. Those with 1.5 L EcoBoost can tow up to 2000 pounds with a 1.5L Class 2 Trailer Tow Package.
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Model
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Ford Escape 1.5 L EcoBoost
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Honda CR-V
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Kia Sportage
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Mazda CX-5 sport
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Weight (lbs.)
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2000
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1500
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2000
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2000
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Interestingly, the trailer tow package gets you to paddle shifters. You also get trailer sway control technology and a transmission oil cooler to handle the added load. The segment leader Honda CR-V gets a below-average tow rating of 1500 pounds. The Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5 can tow up to 2000 pounds.
