2008 Ford Escape Review

The Ford Escape has been the best-selling small SUV in America since its 2001 arrival, with more than 1 million sold. It was due for a total overhaul for 2008, but Ford opted instead for new styling, nicer interior, quieter ride and more features.

Thankfully, the 2007 Escape was solid, with a stiff structure, decent room for five tall occupants, a generous cargo area and sure roadability. Engines are carried over, as is the gasoline/electric hybrid version

If you dislike any SUV, note that while the Escape looks like a tough SUV, it's small and comfortable enough to be called a crossover vehicle. In fact, it drives like a good crossover, with quick new steering, neutral handling balance, reassuring braking and a firm-but-supple ride. However, the ride occasionally gets a little jumpy on area expressways.

The entry gasoline-engine XLS, mid-range XLT and top-line Limited trim levels are offered with either front- or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. So is the gasoline/ electric Hybrid model.

Sales began in the first quarter this year. Figuring out sticker prices can be tricky, but Ford says the new Missouri-built Escape has stickers that average $1,100 less than those for 2007 Escapes.

Base prices for the 2008 Escape range from $18,580 for the front-drive XLS four-cylinder model with a five-speed manual gearbox to $26,825 for the all-wheel drive hybrid, which has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The top model is the $23,580-$25,330 Limited. But the version expected to account for half of Escape sales is the $21,880 front-drive XLT V-6.

The XLS also is offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 comes only with that automatic. A more modern five-speed automatic would be better.

The base 2.3-liter, 153-horsepower four-cylinder Escape is lively up to 60 mph but doesn't have much punch above that speed. However, steady 70-mph highway cruising is no problem.

The 3-liter, 200-horsepower V-6 provides the strongest acceleration and can tow up to 3,500 pounds, although the 65-75 mph passing time is average with it.

The 155-horsepower Hybrid has less-rated horsepower than the V-6, but the extra torque of an electric motor. It thus hits 60 mph about as fast as the Escape V-6 and has surprisingly quick highway acceleration.

The Hybrid provides the best city fuel economy because it can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph, maximizing city fuel economy. The transition between gasoline and electric operation was pretty good for 2007 but has been made smoother.

Stricter EPA-estimated fuel economy is lower for all 2008 vehicles sold in America. So the new Escape gets a few less estimated miles per gallon than the 2007 model.

The front-drive Escape four-cylinder with the manual transmission provides an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. Figures with front drive and the automatic are 20 city and 26 highway and 19 and 24 with all-wheel drive. Move to the Escape V-6 front-drive model and fuel economy is 18 city and 24 highway. It's 17 and 22 with all-wheel drive.

The Escape Hybrid remains the mileage champ. It provides 34 mpg in the city and 30 on highways with front-drive and 29 and 27 with all-wheel drive. (Most gas/electrics get higher estimated city fuel economy because they can run a lot on battery power in urban areas.)

The 2008 Escape looks more like the larger Ford Explorer and Expedition. It has a raised beltline (where door tops meet the bottom of side windows) to give the profile a stronger proportion of sheet metal to glass. Ford then sculpted body surfaces for a more "Ford Tough Truck" look. It even raised the hood, which has an eye-catching "reverse crease" design.

Headlights now sweep up toward the corners of the Escape and bracket a massive new grille. Available 17-inch wheels further toughen the look.

Everyone's shooting for better aerodynamics, so new recessed channels in the roof panel improve airflow over the top of the Escape -- while horizontal ribs in the roof strengthen the body structure and reduce interior noise.

Further isolation from wind and road noise is provided by thick new carpeting and an acoustic headliner on the inner roof.

The new, quieter and more comfortable interior looks as if from a costlier vehicle, with more upscale features and new storage options. There's a new uncluttered center console, and a "top-of-dash" eye level display on the dashboard shows radio functions, climate control readouts and ambient temperature. This new design puts key vehicle information in one place at the top of the dash, making it easier to reference when driving.

Other new features include steering that is upgraded with a speed-sensitive electric power assist system, second-row 60/40 fold-flat seats, MP3 audio input jack, front storage bin with power point and room for laptop storage -- and 16-inch wheels.

All safety features also are now standard, including "safety canopy" side air curtains that provide head and neck protection, side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitor system and Advance Trac with a roll-stability control system (except for the Hybrid).

New options include dual automatic temperature control, Sirius satellite radio, leather seats with a power driver's seat, sunroof, 17-inch wheels and a Limited Luxury Package with heated front seats, reverse sensing system and steering wheel audio switches. However, Ford should get rid of the daytime reflections on dashboard gauges.

With lower prices and new features, the Escape is worth a good look, although it doesn't have an entirely new design. 

PRICE: $18,580-$26,825

LIKES: Improved styling. New features. Good roadability. Solid. Hybrid gas/electric model.

DISLIKES: Occasional jumpy ride on expressways. Dashboard reflections. Carryover engines.