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2007 Ford Escape Full Review
Date Published: 5/02/08
Also in the 2007 Ford Escape Review:
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Ford Escape Full Review

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2007 Ford Escape Review
Ford's smallest SUV comes in 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. 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). 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 Mercury Mariner shares Escape's basic design.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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 Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
News
Escape follows cousin Mercury Mariner with a 2008 redesign marked by cleaner styling and claimed reductions in noise and harshness. Powertrains and chassis components are largely carryover, but the power steering switches from hydraulic to more-efficient electric operation. The Hybrid model is updated to make quicker transitions between gasoline and electric operation, or so Ford says. Outside, Escape sheds plastic bodyside cladding while picking up a few design cues from Ford's big Expedition SUV, especially in front. There's also a new dashboard, but dimensions inside and out are not appreciably changed. All Escapes are expected to include curtain side airbags, and all but the Hybrid model will come with Ford's Advance Trac antiskid system with rollover sensors. Noise-reduction measures include a new laminated "sandwich" windshield, thicker side glass, and additional sound insulation. Most all these changes also apply to Mazda's Tribute, which is renamed CX-5 for 2008. Keep checking back with us for further news on all these SUVs.
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2007 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 4.6

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
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2007 Ford Escape Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/21/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XLS 4-door wagon, manual $19,320 $18,300 $665
2WD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic $20,120 $19,036 $665
AWD XLS 4-door wagon, manual $21,050 $19,892 $665
AWD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic $21,850 $20,628 $665
2WD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic $22,280 $21,022 $665
AWD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic $24,010 $22,614 $665
2WD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic $23,130 $21,805 $665
AWD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic $24,860 $23,396 $665
2WD XLT Sport 4-door wagon, automatic $23,910 $22,522 $665
AWD XLT Sport 4-door wagon, automatic $25,645 $24,118 $665
2WD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic $24,650 $23,204 $665
AWD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic $26,380 $24,794 $665
2WD Hybrid 4-door wagon, CVT $25,655 $24,198 $665
AWD Hybrid 4-door wagon, CVT $27,260 $25,674 $665
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, tire-pressure monitor.
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/MP3 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/MP3 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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Keypad entry.
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, keypad entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, 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.
XLT, 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
$0
$0
Requires Premium Pkg.
Cargo tray
Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport
$85
$68
NA Hybrid.
Cargo net
Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport
$30
$21
NA Hybrid.
Rubber cargo mat
Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport
$85
$68
NA Hybrid.
Rear floormats
Hybrid
$25
$22
Rubber floormats
Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport
$75
$57
NA Hybrid.
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
Wheel locks
Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport
$60
$32
XLS requires alloy wheels. NA Hybrid.
Full-size spare tire
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport
$105
$89
NA XLS, XLT 4-cylinder, Hybrid.
235/70R16 white-letter tires
2WD XLT
$120
$102
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2007 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 22/27 --/-- --/--
4-speed automatic 21/24 19/23 --/--
CVT automatic --/-- --/-- 32/29
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 5/60,000 5/100,000 on Ford Focus only. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid components.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/Unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/60,000 --
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
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Also in the 2007 Ford Escape Review:
5. 
Ford Escape Photos

6. 
Ford Escape Full Review

7. 
All Ford Escapes

8. 
All Fords


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