Ford Escape IV 2.5L (200 HP) Hybrid AWD CVT

After struggling to keep up with the competition for far too long, the Ford Escape finally underwent a complete overhaul for 2020. Complete might be a bit misleading, though. It still gets a turbocharged three-cylinder engine as standard, although with slightly higher outputs of 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four-pot also received minor improvements, but it's the addition of the hybrid options that will most likely excite, although we review those variants separately. With a bold design, both inside and out, as well as a long list of standard features across the range, the Escape is ready to take on the likes of the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. Now it's been further improved for 2021. You can pick it up just as cheaply for $24,885 in the USA, or spring for one of the pricier hybrid models and potentially save more in the long run.

The Ford Escape was completely redesigned for the 2020 model year and received a much smarter design while growing slightly in size. For the 2021 model, the hybrid powertrain becomes available for the SE and SEL models too. We review the hybrid Escape range separately. For the rest of the models covered here, several of the options packages have been revised, with extra features added to the CoPilot360, Technology, and Convenience packages. A new style of 19-inch alloy wheel is now available on the Titanium model and all models optioned with the 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine get an available Class II Trailer Tow package. There have also been a few changes to the available exterior paint colors.

The curvaceous 2021 Ford Escape still has its bold diamond-mesh grille, with chrome around the grille and upper windows on the SE upwards. The side profile features pronounced concave curves, which gives the SUV a wide-hipped appearance, reminiscent of the Mazda CX-5. Automatic halogen headlights come standard, along with 17-inch wheels. The upper trims get access to 18- or 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, and LED fog lights. The standard manual liftgate is upgraded to a hands-free power liftgate from the SEL upwards.

The new Escape makes do with a relatively unimpressive palette of body paints. The base S model gets access to the majority of the options, including all the standard no-cost colors. These include Agate Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Desert Gold, Iconic Silver, Bronze Fire, Antimatter Blue, and Carbonized Gray. The latter four are new for 2021, while Ingot Silver, Dark Persian Green, Blue Metallic, and Magnetic have disappeared from the palette. Choose anything but the S, and you can opt for the premium colors, which comprise Star White at $595 and Rapid Red for $395. The Titanium cannot be had in Oxford White.

The Escape has never been a show-stopper on the road, with not enough punch from the base engine to have fun, and not enough handling to properly enjoy the more powerful four-cylinder powertrain. However, the lighter 2020 redesign finally turned that reputation on its head. The new-generation SUV has enough power on tap to give it that extra kick in the pants it really needs. Throttle responses aren't overly eager, but there is a sense of playfulness there, especially when you opt for the turbocharged four-pot.

With sub-six-second acceleration times, the Escape is able to deliver on the promise its svelte, aerodynamic design makes. The excellent handling dynamics are a revelation in comparison to Escapes of yore and this means you can actually enjoy what the Ford is offering. Naturally, you'd expect this to come at the expense of ride comfort, but the Escape does a good job of mitigating most road conditions, even when outfitted with the large 19-inch alloys.

Five drive modes allow you to customize your experience to suit your mood, with Sport delivering the most feedback from the wheels and quicker throttle responses, while Normal or Eco take a more mindful approach to cut down your fuel bill or emphasize safer driving.

While by no means a heavily accoutered SUV, the Ford Escape gets a pretty impressive standard offering. In its basic guise, the Escape comes outfitted with cloth upholstery, a six-way manual driver's seat, a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, manual air conditioning, and remote keyless entry. It also gets a 4.2-inch driver information display, along with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision warning, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera. Three 12-volt power outlets are spread throughout the cabin. The SE trim gets illuminated visor vanity mirrors, intelligent access with push-button start, upgraded cloth seats, and a map pocket on the passenger seatback. A ten-way power driver's seat and heated front seats are added to the SEL, its air con is upgraded to dual-zone automatic climate control, and it gets ActiveX upholstery, eight cup holders, a heated premium-wrapped steering wheel, one-touch up-and-down power windows all around, and hands-free power liftgate. A remote start system and reverse sensing system are added, too. Standard on the top-tier Titanium trim is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, a universal garage-door opener, a six-way power passenger seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The safety suite is bolstered with adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and front and rear parking aid. A head-up display is available as an optional add-on.

Price Range (MSRP): $25,555 - $36,455.