2010 Ford Escape

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Many of the test drivers' complaints about the 2008 model -- most notably a sluggish base engine and sub-par steering -- have been remedied with this year's modifications. Still, a select few say the driving dynamics just aren't up to par with top rivals.

• "On the road, all three Escape variants accelerate with more authority than before, but they feel more refined, too." -- Popular Mechanics
• "Escape is reasonably comfortable for the most part. However, it suffers from a crude feel that reveals the nearly 10-year-old age of its basic design." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Escape still isn't as calm-riding as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the two most dominant players in the segment." -- Car and Driver
• "We had the opportunity to drive '08 and '09 models back-to-back and can confirm that the extra ratios and horsepower are a big help to what used to be a sluggish little truck." -- Automobile Magazine

Acceleration and Power

The 2010 Escape pumps out more-than-adequate acceleration from either engine. According to the EPA, the 2009 FWD model should net 22/28 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission, while models with an automatic should net 20/28 with the four-cylinder engine and 18/26 with the V6. AWD models net 19/25 with the four-cylinder engine and 17/24 with the V6.

• "Major mojo to the gasoline powertrains highlights the Escape improvements. The 4-cylinder's displacement was increased from 2.3- to 2.5-liters and the entire upper engine redesigned for better breathing. Power thus grew from 153 to 171 horsepower. Even better, the 3.0-liter V6 gained 40 horsepower via a similar upper-engine redesign and a higher 10.3:1 compression ratio. It now boasts 240 horsepower." -- MSN
• "When equipped with the 6-speed automatic, the four-cylinder produces reasonably strong acceleration -- certainly enough to satisfy most daily driving conditions." -- Popular Mechanics
• "The six-speed automatic (a five-speed manual remains standard with the four) smoothens the power delivery, and there's none of the hunting for gears of the old 2.3-liter/four-speed auto combo." -- Motor Trend

Handling and Braking

The Escape's handling improvements come from modified steering and a new rear stabilizer -- which add up to a smoother and more fun drive.

• "The Escape's high point is its car-like handling, definitely augmented this year by the addition of a rear sway bar. It's still a tall-in-the-saddle SUV, so body roll is felt more than in a sedan, but the steering is direct and the naturally supple ride well-damped for a reassuring feel." -- MSN
• "The power rack-and-pinion steering was adjusted to provide a crisper feel on turns. A new stabilizer was added to the rear suspension allowing the Escape to hold corners better, and the suspension was retuned to give the Escape a silkier ride." -- Detroit News
• "Ride quality is impressive in all models, and the suspension's compliance soaks up big potholes and surface irregularities surprisingly well." -- Popular Mechanics
• "For the first time, the Escape gets a rear anti-roll bar, and combined with the re-tuned springs and dampers, as well as new tires, the handling of the CUV feels much more composed." -- Autoblog