You know the saying: If it ain't broke... Well, after driving the all-new
2008 Ford Escape, I wonder if the saying shouldn't be: If it ain't broke, but it's the Ford Escape, go right ahead and have at it.
While the 2007 Ford Escape was anything but broke, Ford decided it was the right time to undertake a complete redesign. Risky business in such a competitive climate, especially given the large market share Escape owns, but gutsy play calling often leads to great results and this new Escape is outstanding.
I admire Ford's approach. When business is tough, and Ford along with most of the Detroit automakers have felt it, it is easy to fall into a conservative plan. But the new Escape is not only better than most everything in its class, it is better in many ways that resets the bar for the competition.
Starting with the exterior of the Escape you will see a distinct attitude adjustment. Designed to be more Explorer and Expedition, and less the younger sibling of the Ford SUV family, the Escape benefits greatly by toughening up with a raised beltline that felt stronger and more capable than past generations.
My tester featured a sleek-looking silver metallic clearcoat paint scheme with a distinctly hued charcoal interior. Sitting on optional 17-inch chrome wheels that delivered an additional ego boost, these are a steal at $695. And while I'm on easy add-ons for the exterior, grab the chrome appearance package at $195. The most distinct aspect of this package is the chrome roof rack with chrome crossbars. They look great and along with the integrated running boards the Escape looks all grown up and ready to rumble.
Inside the Escape you will sense nothing. I mean that in the best possible way. The engineers addressed what I felt was the weakest part of the old Escape - interior noise. The re-engineered interior is not only great looking but it sounds ... like nothing. Touting a new acoustic laminate pinned between the windshield's two glass panels, the frontal noise assault is noticeably better. In addition, Ford says they increased side window thickness, designed side mirrors with better (quieter) wind flow and added low-profile wipers. All of these variables add up to one positive sum - a delightfully sane interior cabin environment.
My Escape Limited had comfortable leather seating and leather accents. At a base $25,330, my tester included the leather as standard as well as 6-way power seats and privacy glass. Ford wants $795 for the Limited Luxury Package that includes dual temp controls, heated mirrors and heated seats. While I appreciate the mirrors and zoned climate, I can live without it at that price. But, here in the Midwest, winter would be brutal without heated leather seats. The leather is really nice and durable, but you'll have to bite the bullet and decide for yourself if you want to drop the additional coin for the package.
Front and rear seating is roomy and accommodating to all body sizes. Rear seats fold 60/40 and utility storage is excellent for this class. Audio sound was good, a 6-disc in-dash player with MP3 capability and aux. jack was standard.
My Escape tester featured the new speed sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Instead of utilizing a noisier hydraulic gear, the EPS features a husher electric motor. I could instantly notice the improved steering. The new braking system was a marked improvement over what was one of the lesser qualities of the previous models.
Featuring a 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 200 horsepower and 193 lb.-ft. of torque, the Escape is rated to tow 1,500 pounds, but a tow package ($395) will give the compact SUV a tow rating of 3,500 pounds. I found the Escape to be adept at accelerating in all circumstances. The 4-speed auto transmission is good at getting everything out of the V6. Fuel economy is 17 city and 22 highway. Considering there is a 16-gallon fuel tank, highway range is great for this size SUV.
I'm happy to say that the folks at Ford can go ahead and keep fixing those things that "ain't broke" while they keep on getting things right like the new Escape.