Acceleration

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
2	5	5	4	4.3

The 4-cyl versions of Escape, Tribute, and Mariner suffer lazy takeoffs, build speed modestly, but keep up with most traffic. V6 models have ample power for passing and merging; test AWD models did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity yet to time Escape Hybrid, but it doesn't feel as quick as regular V6 model. Still, it's adequate for most conditions, seems underpowered only from a stop or in passing attempts at highway speeds. Hybrid's CVT keeps the gas engine in the strongest part of its power band. Gas engine starts and shuts off with a shudder at stops. Towing capacity is 1000 lb for the Hybrid, 1500 lb for other 4-cyl models, 3500 lb for V6s.

Fuel Economy

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	7	4.8

Test 2WD 4-cyl Escape averaged 20.5 mpg. Test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 17.5-19.2 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg in 24,308-mi. test that included lots of highway driving. V6 2WD model averaged 18.1 mpg. Mariners deliver similar figures. Test AWD Escape Hybrid averaged 28.4 mpg in mixed driving, 23.5 mpg in city driving that included gas-eating performance tests. Hybrid's fuel tank holds 15 gal vs. 16.5 on other Escapes. All engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.5

Escape, Tribute, Mariner 4-cyl models have good bump absorption, but suffer sloppy body motions on uneven surfaces. V6 versions feel quite taut, with minimal wallow or float over high-speed dips and swells. Some sharp bumps register abruptly.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
4	4	5	4	4.7

Models with 15-inch tires can feel imprecise in quick direction changes, with marked body lean and noseplow. Other models show fine cornering balance and grip, though heavier Hybrid leans moderately in corners. Steering feel satisfyingly firm, direct. Good braking power, but some testers complain of too much nosedive in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4

V6 engine much smoother and quieter than 4-cyl, which grows gruff in rapid acceleration. Wind rush prominent at highway speeds in all models; so is tire roar on coarse pavement. Tributes, Mariners seem slightly quieter overall than Escapes.

Controls

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.5

Same dashboard layout on all three nameplates. Legible gauges, generally well-arranged controls. Moving automatic-transmission shift lever from steering column to floor console frees access to nearby controls. Interior materials range from very basic to slightly upscale; all are appropriate for model price. Top-line Mariner Premiers impress with 2-tone leather/faux-suede upholstery.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.7

Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models. But clearance is otherwise generous, and the airy, comfortable cabin belies the compact exterior dimensions. Driver view unimpeded to sides and rear.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

A compact SUV with more knee room, foot clearance than many midsize models. Seat supportive and well-contoured, even center position. Floor nearly flat. Cabin wide enough for short-trip 3-adult comfort. Doorways large, but step-in higher than most rivals'. Only Tribute offers rear DVD entertainment.

Cargo Room

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Generous. Rear seatbacks fold flat once headrests are removed and seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass an added convenience.

Value within Class

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
7	9	10	8	6

By any name, these Best Buy compact SUVs are solid, spacious, and pleasant to drive. Competitive pricing makes them high-value alternatives to some larger truck-based SUVs that use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space. As America's only compact SUV hybrid, the Escape Hybrid adds further fuel savings to these attributes. Its base prices are relatively steep, but the initial cost can be offset some by the one-time federal tax deduction for hybrid-vehicle purchases.

Total Score

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
49	54	56	54	50.7

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		30
Average Score		50
High Score		61