2005 Ford Escape: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.