Acceleration

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
2	5	5	4	4.6

Escapes and Mariners 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 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. Hybrids also bog slightly when coasting to a stop. Towing capacity is 1000 lb for 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	5

Test averages: 20.5 mpg for 2WD 4-cyl, 18.1 for 2WD V6, 17.5-19.2 for AWD V6. Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over 24,308 mi. that included lots of highway driving.

Test Escape Hybrids averaged 28.4 mpg with 4WD, 31.7 with 2WD, but just 23.5 mpg for one 2WD version subjected to lots of city driving and gas-eating acceleration runs. Test AWD Mariner Hybrids averaged 24.8-28.8 mpg. Hybrid's fuel tank holds 15 gal vs. 16.5 on other models. All engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

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

Ride-biased chassis tuning gives 4-cyl Escapes, Mariners good bump absorption, but also sloppy body motions on uneven surfaces. V6s and Hybrid tauter for less wallow, float over high-speed dips and swells; some sharp bumps register abruptly, though.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
4	4	5	4	4.8

Models with 15-inch tires and relatively heavy Hybrid versions show marked body lean and noseplow in quick direction changes. Other Escapes, Mariners furnish good cornering balance and grip. Steering satisfyingly firm, direct, though Hybrid's electric power assist (vs. hydraulic) dulls road feel. Good braking power, but nosedive excessive in simulated panic stops. Test Hybrids' brakes seemed to need more pedal effort when driving on electricity alone.

Quietness

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

V6 engine much smoother and quieter than 4-cyl, which grows gruff at high rpm--Hybrid included. Powertrain in test Hybrid versions also emitted various whirrs and whines. Wind rush marked at highway speeds in all models, as is tire roar on coarse pavement. Mariners seem slightly quieter overall than Escapes.

Controls

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.6

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	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

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

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 three-adult comfort. Doorways large, but step-in higher than most rivals.

Cargo Room

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.2

Generous. Rear seatbacks fold flat once headrests are off and seat bottoms are rotated up.

Value within Class

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	6	5	5.5

Escape and the nearly identical Mercury Mariner are among the oldest designs in the compact SUV field, but they remain solid, practical, and pleasant enough to drive. Keen pricing keeps them viable alternatives to larger truck-based SUVs that use more gas and aren't much roomier. Gas/electric hybrid Escapes and Mariners are pricey, and though that premium may take years to offset in fuel savings, any value consideration must also take into account the hybrid system's exhaust-emissions benefits.

Total Score

2WD XLS	2WD XLT Sport	AWD XLT Sport	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
48	51	53	52	53.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		53
High Score		60