Ford Launches Escape SUV

Ford joins the trendy small-SUV battle with its Escape, a vehicle that will not only compete in the local market but in ASEAN as well alongside the Lynx sedan.

Based on a unibody platform, the Escape comes in two flavors: the XLS with 4x2 and 5-speed manual transmission, and the XLT with 4x4 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The only engine offering is the 2.0-liter, DOHC 16-valve "Zetec" that provides 130 Hp at 5,500 rpm and 183 Newton-meters of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Escape is rated at a 1,000 pound towing capacity, making it capable of towing jet skis. It is also rated as a "Low Emissions Vehicle".

The Escape comes well equipped in either variant. Standard for both includes the requisite all-power features, dual SRS airbags, a lockable globe box, a Securilock immobilizer system, keyless entry, white faced instrument gauges, variable intermittent wipers, a rear window defogger, front and rear 12 volt power points, 16" alloy wheels, and an all-independent suspension. Novel items include auto-off headlamps and seatback trays with cupholders.

Ford also claims the Escape to have the most spacious interior in its class with 935 liters of total space for 5 adult passengers and cargo. The rear bench is split 60/40 and can be folded flat to accommodate long cargo. The lift-up tailgate includes a rear glass hatch. The spare tire is hidden underneath the cargo area, making for an uncluttered rear fascia.

Savvy buyers will know that the Ford Escape shares the same platform as the Mazda Tribute, but major mechanical components come from Ford. The dashboard, with its gentle curves and conservative but logical layout of major dials and switches, shares nearly the same look and feel as that in the Explorer Sport Trac and Expedition.

The 4x4 XLT uses the "Control Trac II" system with two settings: one for full-time 4WD, another for automatic 4WD. When set in the former, all four wheels are engaged in a 50-50 torque split. When set in the latter, the system only engages when it detects a disparity in speed between the front and rear wheels, disengaging torque to the rear wheels under normal conditions. There is no low range for truly serious four-wheel work.

XLT Escapes also come with an antilock brake system, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, foglamps, sidestep bars, spot lamps, a cargo cover and cargo net, and adjustable roof rails. The standard stereo for the XLT is a 6 in-dash CD system with AM/FM and 4-speakers; the XLS makes do with a single CD stereo.

The Escape’s exterior dimensions slot it in the middle between the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Length is at 4,400 mm. versus 4,535 (CR-V) and 4,245 (RAV4). Width is at 1,825 mm. versus 1,780 (CR-V) and 1,785 (RAV4), and height is at 1,700 mm. versus 1,710 (CR-V) and 1,705 (RAV4), respectively. The Escape and CR-V have identical wheelbases of 2,620 mm., while the RAV4 has a shorter wheelbase of 2,490 mm.

Like its larger Explorer Sport Trac and Expedition siblings, the Escape has a subdued and rather serious demeanor about it that should appeal to SUV buyers put off by Japanese "cute ‘ute" or even "aspiring AUV" design philosophies. There’s a thankful restraint with the use of chrome (as a trim element to the plastic honeycomb grille of the XLT). Instead, plain black plastic is used for the lower body cladding, front and rear bumpers, side mirrors, and window frames. The overall shape of the body is muscular and likable, but not overtly striking.

With its interior and exterior versatility, moderate off-road capability (at least for the XLT), plenty of standard features, and wealth of "No Boundaries" optional accessories, the Escape should easily find its way into the garages of folks who need a conveniently sized Sport Utility Vehicle that’s comfortable in urban traffic but capable as well for rough-and-tumble weekends in the mountains or at the beach.

The XLS 4x2 with manual transmission is priced at P1.07 million; the XLT 4x4 with automatic transmission is pegged at P1.310 million.