2007 Ford Escape Review

Ford offers two engines on the 2007 Escape: a 153-horsepower, 2.3L "Duractec 23" four-cylinder engine and a 200-horsepower, 3.0L "Duratec 30" V6. The four-cylinder is standard on the base XLS and mid-level XLT models and can be matched with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, while the 3.0L V6 is standard on the XLT Sport and Limited models and comes only with the automatic.

All Escapes, including the Hybrid, are available with either front-wheel drive or an "Intelligent" all-wheel-drive system that's biased toward the front wheels during most driving.

XLS models come simply equipped, with standard features including power windows and locks, remote entry, a CD player, and air conditioning. XLT models add larger, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, a roof rack, cruise control, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, and a power driver's seat, among other features. The XLT Sport brings a different look with black fascias and cladding and bright-machined wheels, plus the keypad entry system. The Limited adds automatic headlamps, a message center with compass, and leather upholstery.

The Escape Hybrid comes with an advanced hybrid system, which pairs an eco-tuned, 133-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kW electric motor system. Together, they produce 155 horsepower, and performance that's comparable to the V6 Escape with 80-percent better fuel economy than the V6 model. It's a "full" hybrid system, meaning that the Escape Hybrid can run at low speeds on electric power only with the engine off to maximize fuel economy. The engine automatically restarts as needed and power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Inside, the Hybrid adds an economy gauge that shows the level of charge and assist for the system, and there's also an on-screen energy flow monitor and trip computer that's included with the optional navigation system.

The Escape Hybrid gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 36 city, 31 highway, and it may be eligible for federal tax incentives that apply to advanced-technology vehicles.

Standout options on the Escape include a navigation system, an Audiophile six-disc CD changer system with MP3 compatibility, a trailer-towing package for up to 3,500 pounds, a cargo package with lockable hidden storage, big 17-inch chrome-clad wheels, and a luxury comfort package that includes heated front seats, dual automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, and a reverse sensing system. A 110-volt AC outlet is an option on Hybrids.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all Escapes, along with front-seat side air bags, and the Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag system is available.
Changes for Ford's small utility are relatively minor this year as the 2008 Escape is expected to receive a restyled interior and exterior and a smoother hybrid system. New for 2007 are the XLT Sport package that gives the Escape a monochromatic look with painted body-color bodyside cladding, bumpers, and wheel lip moldings. A Silver Appearance Package brings a silver metallic tone to those same items. Several new colors join the palette for 2007: Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dune Pearl, and Tungsten Grey Clearcoat Metallic, along with Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic on the Hybrid. Also, Ford's unique keypad entry system is now standard on some models.

The Hybrid model has several new packages that are composed of a number of popular options. see less