2006 Ford Escape: Road Test
Archived Review
2006 Ford Escape ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $19,380 -$28,525
- Invoice: $18,120 -$26,528
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Ford Escape
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2006 Ford Escape includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Ford Escape from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Ford Escape, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Ford Escape help you decide if a 2006 Ford Escape is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Escapes, Mariners, and Tributes with the conventional 4-cyl engine suffer lazy takeoffs, but are adequate in most conditions--at least without a sizable load. V6 versions have good power for most any situation, helped by alert automatic transmission; test 2WD example did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Hybrid versions feel quicker than suggested by the 9.6 sec 0-60-mph of test 2WD Hybrid Escape. CVT helps by keeping gas engine in strongest part of its power band. Hybrid's gas engine automatically shuts off at stops to save fuel. It restarts instantly on applying throttle, though with a slight shudder. Towing capacity is 1000 lb for Hybrid, 1500 lb for other 4-cyl models, 3500 lb for V6s.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 4.9 |
In our tests, a 4-cyl 2WD averaged 20.5 mpg, a 2WD V6 18.1, AWD V6s 17.5-19.2 mpg. Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute logged 19.5 mpg over 24,308 mi. that included lots of highway driving. Test AWD Escape Hybrid averaged 28.4 mpg; a 2WD version did 23.5 in city/highway driving with gas-eating performance runs. Test AWD Mariner Hybrid averaged 24.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Hybrid's fuel tank holds 15 gal vs. 16.5 on other models. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Ride-biased chassis tuning gives 4-cyl models good bump absorption, but also sloppy body motions on uneven surfaces. V6s and Hybrid tauter but more comfortable, with minimal wallow or float over high-speed dips and swells; some sharp bumps register abruptly, though.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Models with 15-inch tires show marked body lean and noseplow in quick direction changes. Others seem almost sporty, with fine cornering balance and grip, though heavier Hybrid leans a bit more. Steering satisfyingly firm, direct, though Hybrid's electric power assist (vs. hydraulic) dulls road feel. Good braking power, but some testers say nosedive excessive in simulated panic stops. A test Hybrid's brakes seemed to need more pedal effort when driving on electricity alone.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
V6 engine much smoother and quieter than 4-cyl, which grows gruff at high rpm--Hybrid included. Wind rush marked at highway speeds in all models, as is tire roar on coarse pavement. Tributes and Mariners seem slightly quieter overall than Escapes.
CONTROLS
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
All versions share a basic dashboard design, so legible gauges, generally well-arranged controls. Interior trim runs from plain to slightly upscale, but all are in line with pricing for finish and materials quality. Top-line Mariner Premier impresses with two-tone leather/faux-suede upholstery.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Airy cabin belies compact exterior size. Adult-size leg space, but surprisingly high seats limit head room for taller occupants beneath optional sunroof. Some testers find seats flat, unsupportive for long-distance driving. Drivers have unimpeded views to sides and rear.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
More knee and foot room than in many larger SUVs. Bench seat supportive, well-contoured, even in center position. Floor nearly flat. Cabin wide enough for short-trip 3-adult comfort. Doorways large, but step-in higher than most rivals. Tribute offers DVD entertainment.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Generous. Rear seatbacks fold flat once headrests are off and seat bottoms are rotated up.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 6.3 |
By any name--Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner--these compact SUVs are Best Buy appealing: solid, spacious, practical, pleasant to drive. Keen pricing makes them high-value alternatives to larger truck-based SUVs that use more gas and aren't much roomier. Hybrid models are pricey, and that premium may take years to offset in fuel savings. But the value consideration must also take into account the hybrid system's exhaust-emissions benefits.
Total Score
| 2WD XLS, auto. | 2WD XLT Sport | AWD XLT Sport | AWD Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 55 | 57 | 54 | 52.5 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
