2006 Ford Escape Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Ford's smallest SUV model lineup consists of gasoline and gas/electric hybrid models. Escape is a five-passenger, 4-dr wagon with a liftgate with opening glass. XLS and XLT 4-cyl models have 153 hp. XLT V6, XLT Sport, and Limited versions have a 200-hp V6. The 4-cyl engine is available with manual or automatic transmission, the V6 with automatic only. Hybrid models team a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 155 hp net. The hybrid system automatically runs on one or both power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. It requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides near-infinite drive ratios. All Escapes are available with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. ABS is standard. Optional are curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. The Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner share Escape's basic design. They differ in trim, features, and pricing. Only Escape and Mariner offer hybrid models.

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

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.

News

Escape will be redesigned for an early 2008 introduction, likely in the first quarter of calendar '07. The same applies to the related Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. All three are said to use a modified version of the Mazda 6 midsize-car platform, but styling will be more differentiated than in the past. More details should be emerging soon, so keep checking back with us.

2006 Ford Escape Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Noise

Maneuverability

Visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		29
Average Score		52
High Score		62

2006 Ford Escape Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/01/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD XLS 4-door wagon, manual	$19,380	$18,120	$615

2WD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic	$20,070	$18,749	$615

AWD XLS 4-door wagon, manual	$21,130	$19,713	$615

AWD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic	$21,820	$20,342	$615

2WD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,535	$20,992	$615

AWD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,285	$22,585	$615

2WD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$23,390	$21,770	$615

AWD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$25,140	$23,362	$615

2WD XLT Sport 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,185	$22,494	$615

AWD XLT Sport 4-door wagon, automatic	$25,935	$24,086	$615

2WD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,930	$23,171	$615

AWD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic	$26,680	$24,763	$615

2WD Hybrid 4-door wagon, CVT	$26,900	$25,049	$615

AWD Hybrid 4-door wagon, CVT	$28,525	$26,528	$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

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic 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.

XLT adds to XLS:

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

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:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Bright alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

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.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: rear floormats.

AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Hybrid	$3,995	$3,396
Rear-obstacle-detection system, leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, navigation system, upgraded sound system, energy-flow graphic and fuel-economy display, AC power outlet, cargo cover, rear floormats, unique exterior trim. Relocates CD changer from dash to under passenger seat.

Convenience Group
XLS	$350	$298
Cruise control, floormats, perimeter alarm system.

Safety Pkg.
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport	$595	$506
Curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, front side airbags.

Leather Comfort Group
XLT, XLT Sport, Hybrid	$595	$506
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Luxury Comfort Pkg.
Limited	$1,095	$931
Rear-obstacle-detection system, heated front seats and mirrors, upgraded sound system.

Cargo Convenience Group
Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport	$150	$128
Cargo cover, storage bin. NA Hybrid.

Appearance Pkg.
Hybrid	$695	$591
Bodyside cladding, body-colored door handles and liftgate molding. NA w/Premium Pkg.

Class II Trailer Towing Pkg.
XLT V6, XLT Sport, Limited	$395	$336
Trailer hitch, 4-wire harness, oil cooler.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Hybrid	$1,995	$1,696
Includes upgraded sound system, energy-flow graphic and fuel-economy display. Relocates CD changer from dash to under passenger seat.

Power sunroof
Hybrid, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport	$585	$498
Hybrid requires Premium Pkg. NA XLS.

AM/FM/cassette/CD/MP3 player
XLT, XLT Sport	$0	$0


Upgraded sound system
XLT, XLT Sport, Limited, Hybrid	$595	$506


AC power outlet
Hybrid	$180	$153


Cargo cover
Hybrid	$75	$64


Rear floormats
Hybrid	$25	$22


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
XLS	$40	$34


Side step bars
XLS, XLT	$350	$298
XLS requires alloy wheels.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels
XLS	$375	$319


Full-size spare tire
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport	$105	$89
NA XLS, Hybrid.

235/70R16 white-letter tires
2WD XLT	$120	$102

2006 Ford Escape Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Escape 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.2

Overall Length, in.	174.9

Overall Width, in.	70.1

Overall Height, in.	69.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3347

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.	35.6

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	155 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	152 @ 4250	193 @ 4850	129 @ 4500

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

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

4-speed automatic	21/24	19/23	--/--

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 components.

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

< 2006 Ford Escape Photos

Also in the 2006 Ford Escape Review:

Ford Escape

Ford Escape Road Test

Ford Escape Prices & Equipment

Ford Escape Specs & Safety

Ford Escape Photos

Ford Escape Full Review

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