We drive the 2016 Ford Escape
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| The 2016 Ford Escape looks better than previous models |
The Ford Escape has come a long way since its introduction many years ago. Back then it was a small cheap SUV that you would only buy if you had to. The 2016 version is totally different as we found out. The 2016 Escape is luxurious and refined. These are traits that just were not applicable back then.
There are three different versions of the Escape available. The entry level version is the S which starts out at $23,100. The S is pretty basic so unless you are totally on a budget you want to move up.
The SE starts out at $25,300 and replaces the old 2.5 liter four cylinder with a 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine. The turbocharged 1.6 liter provides more power than the 2.5 liter and is more efficient at the same time.
Our car was the top of the line Titanium with the optional 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine. This is the engine to have if you care about driving. While 240hp is not a lot of power, the 2.0 EcoBoost engine is a gem.
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]It is smooth and feels very strong while providing good fuel economy. The 1.6 EcoBoost is rated at 23 mpg city and 32 mpg on the freeway. The 2.0 liter is a bit thirstier at 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The big difference is power. The 1.6 puts out 178 hp while the 2.0 liter gives you 240 hp. That is a big power difference. You should also realize that you can get the 2.0 in the SE or the Titanium versions as an option.
Behind the wheel, the Escape drives like a well behaved and refined SUV. It feels light on its feet and does not have that heavy feel of some large SUVs.
The engine provides enough power that you will rarely need more. If you do think you need more power, you need to walk to your Lincoln dealer and order the MKC with the optional 2.3 liter EcoBoost that cranks out 285 hp but that is a story for another day.
The Escape also has plenty of room for the entire family as long as your family is no more than five people. The front seats are excellent and provide good support and are comfortable for long trips.
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| The rear seats fold down for plenty of cargo space |
The rear seats are great even for adults although the center rear passenger would probably not want to be there for long trips. Fold down the second row and you can have 67.8 cubic feet of space to haul whatever you want.
The Escape can also provide you with a good towing vehicle. The 1.6 EcoBoost engine can tow 2000 pounds while the 2.0 motor can tow a 3500 pound trailer behind it. That is enough to haul a small camper or some fun toys such as a boat or motorcycles or anything else that raises your heart rate.
The Escape is a great everyday vehicle because it does almost everything you ask of it. A good family vehicle has to be affordable and the top of the line Escape can be yours for around $30,000.
It has to be roomy, comfortable, and safe and the Escape covers all of that. It also needs to be efficient and reliable. The Escape also has some aces up its sleeve with some high tech features that will make people's life easier in their daily routines.
The high tech features tend to separate the Escape from the competition. These include items like hands free tailgate. Come to the Escape with your hands full of stuff and wave your foot and the tailgate opens as long as the key is in your pocket.
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| A well appointed interior with all the necessary bells and whistles |
Parking Assist will help park the Escape if you have not mastered being able to park your car and Blind Spot cameras warn you if there is anything in your blind spot.
Also on the list is a great Sony audio system with navigation with real-time traffic as well as the newest version of SYNC that takes your verbal orders and has been much improved.
The Escape is a sweet deal that you should check out if you are looking for a low priced SUV with lots of features and the best news is that Ford is offering some great incentives now to make the deal even sweeter.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR TITANIUM MODEL
LENGTH 14ft 10.1in
WIDTH 6ft 0.4in
HEIGHT 5ft 6.3in
GROUND CLEARANCE 0ft 7.9in
Exterior Measurements
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WIDTH6 ft. 0.4 in. (72.4 in.) |
HEIGHT5 ft. 6.3 in. (66.3 in.) |
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LENGTH14 ft. 10.1 in. (178.1 in.) |
GROUND CLEARANCE0 ft. 7.9 in. (7.9 in.) |
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WHEEL BASE8 ft. 9.9 in. (105.9 in.) |
Interior Measurements
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FRONT HEAD ROOM 39.9 in. |
FRONT HIP ROOM 54.8 in. |
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FRONT LEG ROOM 43.1 in. |
FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 56.0 in. |
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REAR HIP ROOM 52.4 in. |
REAR HEAD ROOM 39.0 in. |
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REAR LEG ROOM 36.8 in. |
REAR SHOULDER ROOM 55.3 in. |
Fuel
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ENGINE TYPE Gas |
FUEL TYPE Premium unleaded (recommended) |
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FUEL TANK CAPACITY 15.5 gal. |
RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY) 356.5/496.0 mi. |
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EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY) 23/32 mpg |
Weights and Capacities
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MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 3500 lbs. |
EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 132.4 cu.ft. |
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CURB WEIGHT 3515 lbs. |
CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 34.3 cu.ft. |
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MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 67.8 cu.ft. |
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** When adequately equipped, which may require engine and/or other drivetrain upgrades. |
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DriveTrain
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DRIVE TYPE Front wheel drive |
TRANSMISSION 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Engine & Performance
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BASE ENGINE SIZE 1.6 L |
CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
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CYLINDERS Inline 4 |
VALVES 16 |
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VALVE TIMING Variable |
TORQUE 184 ft-lbs. @ 2500 rpm |
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HORSEPOWER 178 hp @ 5700 rpm |
TURNING CIRCLE 38.8 ft. |
Suspension
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Warranty
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BASIC 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
DRIVETRAIN 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
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HYBRID COMPONENT 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
ROADSIDE 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Features
Interior Features
Ist Row:2
2nd Row:3
2nd Row Seats
40-60 split bench
split folding
folding
1st Row Seats
bucket
Standard seating shown. Other seating may be available as optional equipment.
Front Seats
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Rear Seats
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Power Features
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Instrumentation
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Convenience
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Comfort
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Memorized settings
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In Car Entertainment
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Telematics
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* SYNC is offered through a subscription based service or requires a compatible mobile device.
Features
Exterior Features
Roof and Glass
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Body
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Truck Features
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Tires and Wheels
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Doors
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Towing and Hauling
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Safety Features
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