The all-new Ford Escape: stylish, quiet and athletic

The 2015 Ford Escape, made in the USA, is powered by EcoBoost engine technology.

NOTHING could be more different than the all-new 2015 Ford Escape compared to its immediate predecessor.

Whereas the previous Escape was conservatively designed and notorious for guzzling gas, the new one is rakishly styled with chiseled good looks and is fuel-efficient due to its EcoBoost engine technology.
The stunning difference reflects how rapidly Ford has advanced in styling innovation and smart technology.

Starting last January, Ford Philippines offered the new Escape in two variants: the 1.6-liter SE EcoBoost 4×2 that produces 178 HP at 5,700 rpm and 249 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm, priced at P1.49 million and the 2-liter Titanium EcoBoost 4×4 that packs 240 HP at 5,500 rpm and 366 rpm of torque at 3,000 rpm, priced at P1.79 million.

Each variant is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that is mated well to the turbo engines and allows drivers to shift gears manually via a switch at the left of the shifter.  Both the 1.6- and 2-liter, four-cylinder engines are part of Ford’s EcoBoost family incorporating turbocharging and direct fuel injection.

Built in North America and based on the Ford Focus platform, the Escape shares its solid build quality, versatility and athletic driving dynamics.

The unit I test drove is the 240-HP Titanium 4×4 model which has 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, grill radiator shutters and silver roof rails that set it apart from the 1.6 SE model plus a power panorama roof, leather-trimmed seats and a hands-free power lift gate which opens when you wave your foot under the rear bumper, as long as you have the key somewhere on you.

In the Ford Escape’s cockpit, connectivity, infotainment and climate controls are within easy reach.

Although the Escape is a few inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, its cabin feels nearly as spacious because its wheelbase is three inches longer.

The front seats are rather firm but still comfy. The reclining rear seat has plenty of headroom and legroom for two adults. The rear seatback flips its own headrests for simple, one-motion folding to enlarge cargo space from 34.3 cubic feet to 68.1 cubic feet.

The inviting interior uses soft-touch, high-quality materials and its level of craftsmanship is premium. As can be expected of a new Ford, the Escape abounds with useful high-tech features such as Active Park Assist whereby the car parallel-parks by itself, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, SYNC voice command system with MyFord Touch that makes it easier to use the connectivity, infotainment and climate control systems.

In the Escape Titanium, a rear view camera, dual front airbags, side curtains, Blind Spot Information System, Intelligent 4WD including Ford Curve Control and Torque Vectoring Control, traction and stability control and anti-lock braking system are standard equipment.

The 2-liter, 240-HP EcoBoost Escape offers quick, responsive steering, sharp reflexes, sporty handling and traction through turns and great body control.  I found it to be one of the better-handling entries in the compact crossover segment.

The 2.0 Ecoboost can reportedly hit 100 kph in less than eight seconds and has the powertrain to optimize the Escape’s handling. It averages 10.9 km per liter, which is much better than the old V6 Escape’s mileage.

Aside from its agile handling and sporty performance, what also impressed me was its quiet road manners.  The Escape is more carlike in riding comfort and quieter than its rivals, retaining its stable, isolated demeanor when cruising on the highway or tackling secondary roads.

Bottom line: Ford has an exciting winner in the 2015 Escape and all of us wish we could afford to buy one.