Acceleration

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
5	4	4.7

No opportunity yet to drive a non-hybrid 4-cylinder model. With the V6, Escape moves with acceptable vigor, though the transmission can be slow to downshift for passing or merging. Escape Hybrid seldom feels underpowered, delivering good around-town response and decent enough highway merging, all with the help of the unobtrusive CVT. Our test Escape Hybrid ran exclusively on electric power under gentle acceleration up to about 30 mph as long as the air conditioner was not on.

Fuel Economy

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
4	9	5

In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD Limited averaged just 17.6 mpg. Far more frugal, our test 2WD Hybrid managed an impressive 31.2 mpg. All Escapes use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5

Escape is reasonably comfortable for the most part. However, it suffers from a crude feel that betrays the nearly 10-year-old age of its basic design. Pavement imperfections reveal an unsophisticated suspension that allows big bumps and sharp ridges to register with a jolt.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Competent in gentle driving, but quick changes of direction show the steering to be slow and imprecise and trigger debilitating noseplow. The Hybrid's hard tires, which are designed for maximum fuel economy, squeal loudly in even modest cornering.

Quietness

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	4.6

Coarse pavement sets up intrusive roar from the tires and suspension. Wind noise isn't well muffled, and our test Hybrid example suffered an annoying wind leak around the driver's window. All Escape and Mariner engines emit an unpleasant growl during rapid acceleration, a sound made worse by the tendency of the Hybrid's CVT to allow the engine to stay at high rpm for long periods. Mercury Mariner has additional sound insulation and is notably quieter in all circumstances.

Controls

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	6

Major controls are logically located, but buttons for some secondary information functions are buried to the left of the steering column. The navigation system is relatively easy to program, and on Hybrid models, includes displays for powertrain energy flow.

Details

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
4	4	5.1

Ford's intention to fashion a tough-truck industrial look results in an abundance of nonfunctional shapes and crevices molded into cheap looking, hard plastic panels. The main instruments and the auxiliary readout on top of the dashboard are covered by plastic that reflects surrounding trim in many light conditions, rendering them hard to read.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Good headroom and sufficient legroom for tall occupants. The seats may prove unsubstantial in size and support for larger folk and lack adjustable lumbar bolstering, resulting in subpar comfort on long drives.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Knee clearance and foot space are well above the class norm, helped by a flat floor. Supportive and well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and departure are obstructed somewhat by smallish door openings.

Cargo Room

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
7	7	8.1

Generous space enhanced by a low-level load deck and convenient opening tailgate glass. The rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and seat bottoms flipped forward. Cabin small-item storage is only average.

Value within Class

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
5	6	5.9

The 2008 Ford Escape is little changed dynamically despite a freshening that brings "bolder," more truck-like styling. Compared with other compact SUVs with newer designs, Escape and the similar Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner feel dated. With the V6 engine, fuel economy trails class leaders as well. The surprisingly frugal Hybrid may be the best value here, offering acceptable performance while topping 30 mpg in our real-world testing.

Total Score

4WD Limited	2WD Hybrid	Class Average
58	63	60

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		60
High Score		70