The Escape is a compact crossover SUV configured in a FF/F4 layout using the Ford CD2 platform, which Mazda and Ford jointly developed based on Mazda's GF platform. Ford assembled it in the United States and aimed it at the North American markets. It comes as no surprise as Ford had long been selling Mazda-derived models since the 1970s.
Escape's Mazda counterpart is the Tribute, although there's one distinguishing factor between the two - their powertrain. Ford used a V6 engine on the Escape, while Mazda used the base inline-four engine on the Tribute.
The first-generation Escape became the first SUV to offer a hybrid option (released in 2004 for the 2005 model year). It also replaced the Nissan-sourced models sold in China and Europe, which Ford sold as the Ford Maverick.
Ford released the second-generation Escape, which was mainly a reskinned first generation with minimal changes, in North America in 2007 for the 2008 model year. In other markets, including Australia, updated first-generation versions manufactured in Taiwan replaced the first generation.
First Generation (2001-2007)
For the first generation, Ford and Mazda went with a unibody design with an independent suspension and rack and pinion steering system similar to the one used in the CR-V. Initially, Ford offered the Escape in five trim models, namely, XLS (base model), XLS Summer, XLT, and the XLT Summer. The standard features in all the models included power steering and mirrors, roof racks, engine immobiliser, and remote locking system, among others.
The XLS Summer came with an additional feature, a rear spoiler; while the XLT Summer had a rear spoiler, ABS, cruise control, and electronic brake-force distribution. Its powertrain was a 2,967cc V6 petrol engine that attained peak output of 150 kW and 266 Nm, powering the drive wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission (the same used for the XLT Sport V6 that followed this trim).
Ford introduced the Limited and XLS Bad Boy trim models later with a 2,260cc 2.3L 4-cylinder engine (108 kW, 210Nm), coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission (same powertrain for the XLT, XLS, and Limited trim models in 2006).
Second Generation (2008-2012)
The second-generation Escape had its introduction in the Los Angeles International Auto Show in 2006, with production commencing in 2007. It used the same Ford CD2 platform and came standard with an electronic stability control system. Exterior modifications included a new grille, larger headlamps, and revised sides (it now had rounded wheel arches and cleaner lines).
There were five trim models for the 2008 Escape, namely, base, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport V6, and Limited V6. All the trim models, apart from the XLT Sport V6 and the Limited V6 (which retained the 3.0L V6 engine used for the first-generation models), were fitted with a 2,260 2.2L 4cylinder petrol engine (109kW, 199 N.m) and a 4-speed manual gearbox.
The Escape endured a 4-year disappearance from the Australian market, from 2012 to 2016, only to come back with entirely new trim models.
Third Generation (2013-2019)
The first third-generation model was sold in Australia in 2016, returning with styling changes and revised trims. Ford did away with all the trim models used in the first and second generation Escapes and are now available in three trim models, i.e., Ambiente, ST-Line, Titanium, and Trend. You have the option of choosing either a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive vehicle across all the trim models. There were two powertrains available:
- 1,499cc 1.5L petrol engine with a maximum power output of 134 kW and a torque of 240 Nm
- 1,999cc 2.0L petrol engine that attains a peak power of 178 kW and a torque of 345 Nm
These two engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission system.
Fourth Generation (2020-present)
In April 2019, Ford announced the arrival of the fourth-generation Escape, which went on sale in the third quarter of 2019.
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- Eric Anyega