2005 Ford Escape Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The introduction of a gas/electric hybrid model tops 2005 additions to Ford's smallest SUV. Escape also gets a larger base engine, freshened styling, and added safety features, including available curtain side airbags. This 5-passenger, 4-dr wagon has a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass. Replacing a 127-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl as the base engine is a 153-hp 2.3. It's available with manual transmission or, new for '05, an automatic. The Hybrid has a 4-cyl gas engine assisted by an electric motor for a combined 155 hp. The electric motor helps save fuel by powering the Hybrid at low speeds and assisting the gas engine during acceleration. There's no plug-in charging; the system recharges the motor's batteries when coasting or decelerating. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that functions like an automatic but has a near-infinite number of gear ratios. A 200-hp V6 with automatic transmission is also available. All models offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the AWD system does not include low-range gearing. For '05, Escape's automatic-transmission shift lever is mounted on the floor console rather than the steering column. ABS, previously optional, is standard. Newly optional are head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. They're designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Escape also gets revised front and rear styling, and Ford says it has more sound insulation. Mazda's Tribute and the Mercury Mariner are based on Escape's design, but only Escape offers a hybrid version.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.

News

Escape's '05 freshening will apparently last through model-year 2008, judging from the lack of buzz among Detroit gossips. The new hybrid-power model has generated much positive buzz, however, and Ford is working to meet demand that looks likely to exceed the initial 20,000-per-year projection. Escape Hybrid sales have been limited so far by a shortage of battery packs, but you can bet Ford is jawboning its supplier to put on some speed to take advantage of strong public interest in the first "green" SUV.

2005 Ford Escape Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Noise

Maneuverability

Visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2005 Ford Escape Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/17/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD XLS Value 4-door wagon	$19,425	$18,097	$615

AWD XLS Value 4-door wagon	$21,175	$19,689	$615

2WD XLS 4-door wagon	$20,070	$18,684	$615

AWD XLS 4-door wagon	$21,820	$20,277	$615

2WD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon	$22,535	$20,927	$615

AWD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon	$24,285	$22,520	$615

2WD XLT V6 4-door wagon	$23,390	$21,705	$615

AWD XLT V6 4-door wagon	$25,140	$23,297	$615

2WD XLT Sport 4-door wagon	$24,185	$22,429	$615

AWD XLT Sport 4-door wagon	$25,935	$24,021	$615

2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$24,880	$23,060	$615

AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$26,630	$24,653	$615

2WD Hybrid 4-door wagon	$26,830	$24,835	$615

AWD Hybrid 4-door wagon	$28,455	$26,314	$615

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

XLS Value

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

225/75R15 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

XLS adds to XLS Value:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

XLT adds to XLS:

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, roof rack, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (V6), 235/70R16 white-letter tires .

XLT Sport adds to XLT:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Side steps.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/70R16 white-letter tires, bright alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Limited adds to XLT:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, automatic headlights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Bright alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 235/70R16 white-letter tires.

Hybrid adds to XLT:

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Hybrid Energy Audiophile and Navigation System
Hybrid	$1,850	$1,666
Navigation system, upgraded sound system, energy-flow graphic and fuel-economy display. Relocates CD changer from dash to under passenger seat.

Convenience Group
XLS Value, XLS	$350	$316
Cruise control, floormats, perimeter alarm system.

Safety Pkg.
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLS Value, XLT, XLT Sport	$595	$536
Curtain side airbags w/rollover sensor, front side airbags.

Leather Comfort Group
XLT, XLT Sport, Hybrid	$595	$536
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

No Boundaries Pkg.
XLT V6	$1,055	$950
Class II Trailer Towing Pkg. plus unique roof rack, step bars, wheel-lip moldings, 235/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires, painted alloy wheels. NA w/power sunroof.

Luxury Comfort Pkg.
Limited	$1,095	$986
Rear-obstacle-detection system, heated front seats and mirrors, Mach sound system.

XLS Blast Pkg.
XLS	$995	$896
Unique interior trim, Mach AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 235/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels.

Cargo Convenience Group
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLS Value, XLT, XLT Sport	$150	$136
Cargo cover, storage bin.

Appearance Pkg.
Hybrid	$625	$563
Bodyside cladding, body-colored door handles and liftgate molding.

Class II Trailer Towing Pkg.
XLT V6, XLT Sport, Limited	$395	$356
Trailer hitch, 4-wire harness, oil cooler.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
XLT, XLT Sport, Limited	$585	$527


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
XLT, XLT Sport	$0	$0


Mach sound system
XLT, XLT Sport, Limited, Hybrid	$595	$536


AC power outlet
Hybrid	$180	$162


Rear floormats
Hybrid	$25	$23


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
XLS Value, XLS	$40	$36


Side step bars
XLS Value, XLS, XLT	$350	$316
XLS Value, XLS require alloy wheels.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels
XLS Value, XLS	$375	$337


Full-size spare tire
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLS Value, XLT, XLT Sport	$105	$94


235/70R16 white-letter tires
2WD XLT	$120	$108

2005 Ford Escape Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Escape 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.1

Overall Length, in.	174.9

Overall Width, in.	70.1

Overall Height, in.	69.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3340

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	66.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6	dohc I4/electric

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.3 /138	3.0 /182	2.3 /138

Horsepower @ rpm.	153 @ 5800	200 @ 6000	133 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	152 @ 4250	196 @ 4850	129 @ 4500

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/26	--/--	--/--

4-speed automatic	19/22	18/22	--/--

CVT automatic	--/--	--/--	33/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Ford Escape 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	5/100,000 on Focus. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid battery pack. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/Unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Ford Escape
Trim Level: XLS
Arrival Date: 06/28/2004
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $19,405
Price as Tested: $21,560
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 5601
Mileage at End of Test: 6190
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 28.706 gals.

Major Options: Step Bars, Roof Rack With Horizontal Crossbars, 15" Aluminum Wheels, Retractable Cargo Cover, Convenience Group (Floor Mats- Front and Rear, Speed Control, Perimeter Alarm), Side Air Canopy

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.52 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
John Biel The front-drive Escape XLS tested here came in at $21,560 delivered with a number of safety and utility options. That's an excellent price for a no-nonsense small SUV. Fuel economy from the plodding four is not bad for this class of vehicle.

Mark Bilek Escape isn't the most-refined small SUV, nor is it the most fun to drive. But it is still very competent and affordable priced.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Ford Escape
Trim Level: Hybrid
Arrival Date: 10/11/2004
Engine: dohc I4/electric
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: CVT automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $26,380
Price as Tested: $30,825
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3298
Mileage at End of Test: 4182
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 31.196 gals.

Major Options: Appearance Pkg., Energy Audiophile and Navigation System, Canopy and Side Air Bags, Floor Mats, 110 Volt Power Outlet, Leather Comfort Group, Retractable Cargo Cover

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 28.34 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek This is the first hybrid I have driven that made sense. Why get a Civic Hybrid, when a normal Civic gets 35 mpg? Why put up with all of the baggage that comes with the Prius? The Escape Hybrid is just like a regular vehicle, but with much better fuel economy. The price, however, makes it prohibitive. Even getting 30 mpg, vs. 20 mpg with the V6, it would take eight years to pay for the difference in retail price. That, my friend, does not make good business sense.

Rick Cotta I figure I got about 10 mpg more than I would have in a V6 version. But the hybrid system seems to tack on about $3000--tough to make up in fuel savings--and our tester sure didn't strike me as a $30,000 vehicle.

Tom Appel Getting 29 mpg in a largish compact SUV is pretty cool. I think the tradeoffs still outweigh the fuel savings, but this is the most useful application of hybrid technology yet.

< 2005 Ford Escape Photos

Also in the 2005 Ford Escape Review:

Ford Escape

Ford Escape Road Test

Ford Escape Prices & Equipment

Ford Escape Specs & Safety

Ford Escape Photos

Ford Escape Full Review

All Ford Escapes

All Fords

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