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Ford Escape Review - 2006 Review

The Ford Escape is America's best-selling compact sport-utility. And it's a good choice. The Escape offers comfortable seating for four and plenty of space for stuff. Folding down the rear seats reveals a moderately sized cargo area with a flat floor. Its smooth ride and agile handling make for enjoyable driving, and its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park when you get there.

Propulsion comes in several forms including a 200-horsepower V6. It's quick and enjoyable and communicates very well with the automatic. The Escape is also available with a gas/electric hybrid system. The Escape Hybrid is one of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class (see separate review) and driving one is easy and enjoyable, very little different from a regular Escape.

But the standard four-cylinder engine may be all you need. It was updated, beginning with 2005 models, and it offers decent power and works well with the automatic.

Four-wheel drive is also available, offering good wintry weather capability.

The Escape lineup has been broadened for 2006, but is otherwise unchanged. It was significantly revised for 2005, which brought a new face, a brightened interior, a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a revised suspension.

The 2006 Ford Escape comes in three trim levels, XLS, XLT, and Limited. Each is available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard on the XLS and XLT. The 3.0-liter V6 comes standard on the Limited and is optional on the XLT. The Escape Hybrid is fitted with a 2.3-liter gas engine with an electric motor.

The XLS ($20,070) and XLS 4WD ($21,820) come standard with air conditioning, low-back cloth front bucket seats, illuminated remote entry, power door locks, windows and mirrors, tilt steering column, speed controls on the steering wheel, privacy glass, 15-inch steel wheels and AM/FM/6CD. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder comes with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic ($690).

The XLT ($22,535) and XLT 4WD ($24,285) are upgraded with premium cloth upholstery, a power driver's seat, privacy glass, a power moonroof, cruise control, floor mats, a cargo cover and convenience net, fog lights, an in-dash six-CD changer, P235/70R16 tires on 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels. Safety is enhanced with the addition of anti-lock brakes (ABS).

The XLT V6 ($24,880) and XLT V6 4WD ($25,140) come standard with the automatic transmission.

Limited ($24,930) and Limited 4WD ($26,630) get premium leather seats, seat heaters, dual front sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated exterior mirrors, a reverse sensing system, and a MACH Audio in-dash six-CD changer with automatic volume control. The Limited is distinguished by its monochrome exterior with body-colored trim and bright machined 16-inch aluminum wheels. Limited models are upgraded with front side-impact air bags designed to offer torso protection.

A Safety Package ($595) for all models adds Ford's Safety Canopy rollover protection system and front side air bags. We strongly recommend getting it as it can provide head protection in side impact or rollover accident.

Option packages are available for each trim level. A Luxury Comfort Package ($1,095) for Limited models includes a 320-watt Audiophile stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer, six speakers plus subwoofer; heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and Reverse Sensing System.

The XLT No Boundaries Package ($1,055) adds all-terrain OWL tires, 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, black painted step bars, Class II trailer towing, and wheel lips. The XLT Sport ($24,185) and XLT Sport 4WD ($25,935) boast all the XLT standard equipment plus 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, P235/70R16 tires, painted Dark Shadow gray fascias, bodyside cladding, wheel lip moldings and black step bars.

A Leather Comfort Group ($595) is available for XLT and XLT Sport models, and Class II towing preparation ($395) can be ordered for XLT, XLT Sport and Limited models. A Cargo Convenience Group ($150) for all models adds a retractable cargo area cover and rear cargo storage bin. Stand-alone options include power moonroof ($585) on XLT, XLT Sport and Limited models; side step bars ($350) on XLS and XLT models, and a roof rack with horizontal bars ($40) on the XLS.

The Escape Hybrid ($26,900) and Hybrid 4WD ($28,525) are equipped similarly to the Limited models.

Ken Garff - One of the Top Utah Ford Dealers

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