2007 Ford Escape: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.