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Ford Escape - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Ford Escape ranks 12 out of 26 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 14 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Escape, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Thanks to performance upgrades last year, the Ford Escape is a smooth-riding, fuel-efficient SUV. However, a few reviewers still feel the revisions aren't enough to distinguish the Escape from its competition.

"Ford's compact crossover has its strengths, including an excellent six-speed automatic transmission, comfortable passenger accommodations, and the availability of a gas/electric hybrid model," says Consumer Guide. Still, they say the compact SUV isn't perfect, and that it"suffers from crude-sounding engines, low-rent cabin appointments, and a basic design that's nearly a decade old. Don't outright dismiss it, but check out Escape's competitors first." For 2010, the Escape gets a rearview camera system, Active Park Assist (for parallel parking) and an integrated blind spot mirror.

The 2010 Ford Escape is available in three trims -- the base XLS, XLT and top-of-the-line Limited. A four-wheel drive system is optional. The Escape also comes in a hybrid version, which is reviewed separately.

• "Ford has certainly created a better Escape. Has it caught up to the leaders in the market niche it used to dominate? No, but it's more refined than ever, has more gusto while using less gas, and offers better ride and handling." -- Car and Driver
• "Fully-featured, capable, intelligently sized and vying for best fuel economy in its class, the Escape is a many-time best selling compact SUV with excellent owner loyalty. That tells us something, and its broad appeal is strengthened by the 2009's extra power and economy." -- MSN
• "You won't find anyone spouting off about quarter mile times or comparing the styling against anything from Italy, but Ford seems to be making progress on its mini-UV's. It says something to note that we wouldn't be averse to actually spending a week with one." -- Jalopnik

Escape Performance - 7.4 (Good)

With the 2009 model's upgraded engines, a new rear anti-roll bar, and six-speed automatic transmission, the 2010 Ford Escape performs better than ever. "That new six speed goes out of its way to make the engine seem like a superstar," writes Jalopnik. "Combined with the anti-roll bar in the back, the new Escape V6 is... dare I say it? Kinda fun to drive. With the added power and defeated traction control, you can actually get a little tail happy with this thing." Another plus is the SUV's fuel economy, which is better than many in its class. Read More

Escape Exterior - NA

Despite the 2010 Escape's muscular appearance, reviewers aren't entirely thrilled with its exterior. USA Today concludes the Escape "demonstrates that, in appearance, Ford again has mistaken clutter, confusion and chrome for class." Read More

Escape Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Over the past few years, the Escape has made significant improvements in its interior comfort and quality. Reviewers especially like the softer materials in the cabin, along with the optional SYNC multimedia system. However, some reviewers are still disappointed in quality. Consumer Guide says, "Escape's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphere with lots of hard plastic trim and odd panel textures." Read More

Escape Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Ford Escape earns excellent crash test ratings. The 2009 model was even designated as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Escape comes with plenty of airbags and a stability control system, as well as new safety options this year. Read More

Escape Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Ford Escape reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Ford Escape comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More