The 2011 Ford Escape offers all but one new feature over the 2010 model: HD Radio. The 2011 Ford Escape is available in three trims -- the base XLS, XLT and top-of-the-line Limited.
Options available on the 2011 Escape include Ford’s SYNC in-car entertainment system, active park assist which can parallel park the car with little driver involvement and MyKey, a programmable key which can set a speed limit on your Escape among other things.
Fast-forward a decade and the 2011 Ford Escape doesn't have it nearly as easy. Among the latter are Ford's superb Sync system that allows voice control over your cell phone, iPod/MP3 player and the available navigation system. The 2011 Ford Escape is a compact crossover that seats five people. The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid model is addressed in a separate review.
The Sync electronics interface (includes iPod interface and Bluetooth) and steering-wheel audio controls are optional. The XLT adds automatic headlights, foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a six-way power driver seat, steering-wheel audio controls and satellite radio. To the XLT's feature list the Escape Limited adds different 16-inch wheels, chrome exterior highlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, Sync and a six-speaker stereo. Upgrading to the Limited Luxury package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. All trim levels of the Ford Escape can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Properly equipped, the Escape V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The Escape's fuel economy with the four-cylinder, six-speed auto and front-wheel drive is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The front-wheel-drive six-cylinder Escape returns an estimated 18/26/21 mpg, while all-wheel drive gets 17/24/20 mpg.
Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length curtain-type airbags are all standard on the 2011 Ford Escape. In government tests, the Escape earned a perfect five stars in both front and side crash tests. Unfortunately, the Escape is hampered by poor braking performance. From 60 mph, the last Escape we tested stopped in a lackluster 138 feet.
Driving Impressions
While pleasant to drive, the 2011 Ford Escape lacks the mechanical polish and sophistication of newer models from Chevrolet, Honda, Kia, Subaru and Toyota. Among compact crossovers, the Escape feels the most trucklike.
During test drives, the 2011 Ford Escape handled much as it always has. The 2011 Ford Escape comes with a choice of engines. With the traditional Escape models, a five-speed manual transmission is included with front-drive models, while the V-6 engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Interior Features
If you like the handling and features of the older Escape models, you will be pleased with this one.
How the 2011 Ford Escape Compares to Other Cars
Other vehicles have advanced upon the features that the Escape once had. Nevertheless, the 2011 Ford Escape is better than many other vehicles in its class. The Ford Escape is expected to see a large transformation for the 2012 model year. The 2011 Ford Escape models are expected to arrive in showrooms in the fall of 2010.