A huge part of why the Ford Escape is so special has to do with its drivetrain options. Gone are the days of naturally aspirated V6's providing robust power at the cost of fuel economy. Escape owners will get to choose from one of four efficient powertrain options. A 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine makes 181 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, standard on S, SE and SEL trims. And even though it's a tiny engine for the amount of power it makes, Ford have gone the extra mile and added a cylinder deactivation system, helping to further save gas. A 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine can be paired to a hybrid or plug-in hybrid system for a total of 200 horsepower using a CVT transmission. Ford claims the Escape Hybrid will have a range in excess of 550 miles, while the plug-in version has 220 horsepower and will be able to travel 37 miles on electric only power before the gasoline engine is kicks in and start burning fuel. For the power hungry, a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder is also offered, making 250 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft of torque. It not only makes the Escape a fairly quick vehicle, but also allows the Titanium all-wheel drive trim to tow up to 3500 lbs.
The Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available on all models other than the plug-in hybrid. The 2021 Escape trims available are the S, SE gas/hybrid/plug-in hybrid, SEL gas/hybrid/plug-in hybrid, and Titanium gas/hybrid/plug-in hybrid.
The S trim starts with 17-inch steel wheel, 4.2 radio display, SYNC, rear camera, wi-fi hotspot, Blind-spot monitor, lane departure mitigation, forward collision mitigation.
The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, proximity doors and push button start, 8-inch touchscreen, SYNC 3, two rear USB ports, automatic high-beam, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, satellite radio. If you are buying the hybrid, it will include dual-zone automatic climate control.
The SEL is considered the best value of all trims, enhancing the previous trims with 18-inch wheels, LED head lights, fog lights, roof rails, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, remote start, heated front seats, ActiveX leatherette seats, power driver seat, power liftgate, heated mirrors, and keyless-entry keypad.
The top-of-the-line Titanium has the hybrid powertrain as standard and includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, ambient lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, voice activated navigation system, power passenger seat, front and rear parking sensors with automated parking, Adaptive Cruise control, and evasive steering
Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system now boast Amazon Alexa compatibility as well as voice activated navigation with integrated traffic information. Owners will even be able to shop on Amazon Prime through their infotainment system when the car is idle.
The 2021 Escape has an array of packages that are available depending on the trim, Co-Pilot360 Assist+, Cold Weather, Convenience, SE Sport Appearance, Panoramic sunroof, Technology SEL Stealth AWD, Tow, and Titanium Elite package.
Sleek Styling
Available All-wheel Drive
Practical, Yet Small Enough For The City
Clever Use Of Interior Space
Multiple Hybrid Drivetrain Choices
The Escape 2021 has expanded the hybrid option to the SE and SEL trims and made it standard on the Titanium. There are some changes to existing packages adding more features and the option of a class II Tow package with SEL and Titanium trims.
The Ford Escape continues to be a standout in the compact SUV class where it competes with established names such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The new Escape should offer fantastic value by giving buyers a good compromise between interior room, sporty looks and fuel efficiency. While other SUV's in the segment can seem a little bare bone at times, the 2021 Escape offers a slightly more upscale feel thanks to all the technology on offer, all at a starting price of roughly $26,000.
