2016 Ford Escape VIDEO REVIEW

2016 Ford Escape Titanium VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

The Ford Escape remains at the top of my list in the affordable, small SUV segment, possessing the most exciting power train and in this Titanium trim, a premium sport-ute experience. And for 2016, it’s one of the first Ford vehicles to receive the new Sync 3 infotainment system.

With this current generation having been introduced in 2012, it’s amazing how this 2016 Escape is still besting its competitors. Yup, the Honda CR-V is also excellent and entries from Mazda and Hyundai are worthy rivals, but the Escape Titanium with the optional 2.0-liter Turbo can’t be beat. The 240-horsepower EcoBoost engine is a real sweetheart – torquey, smooth and powerful and it’s matched to a real 6-speed automatic – not a CVT. It’s available as a $1,195 upgrade over the 1.6-liter EcoBoost and unlike that engine, is happy running on 87 octane, returning 21mpg city/28mpg highway with 4WD. I averaged a healthy 24mpg during my test week. It also provides 3,500 lbs. towing.

Ford has tuned the suspension for comfortable composure with no harshness about it – even when venturing off road. And it’s quiet inside, too; much more so than the others. On top of all that, the Escape is the small SUV for drivers – a compliment typically bestowed on the CX-5 – but with sinewy back road moves backed by Torque Vectoring and Curve Control and way more engine with which to play, the Escape is sneaky quick and delightfully agile while preserving all of its premium driving attributes.

Now, I never really had a beef with the often maligned MyFord Touch system, but this new unit – called Sync 3 – does offer a more rudimentary interface, making it easier to use right out of the box.

A capacitive touchscreen that allows you to pinch and swipe to move around just like a smartphone is new but it’s kind of an awkward reach from either seat. You’ll notice that it’s been simplified – both in its appearance and with the new One Box Search feature to type in anything you need. It incorporates Siri for your iPhone but there’s no Apple Car Play nor is there an in-car WiFi signal.

Fitted with the optional 301A Equipment Group, the remaining accoutrements on my tester give you just about everything you’d want in a top-of-line model. There are memory settings, heated leather seats, blind spot warning with cross traffic alert, auto wipers, changeable ambient lighting, 2 USB ports and active park assist that’ll parallel park for you. I took it on an out-of-town trip and couldn’t have felt more situated and at ease. On the outside, that same $1,735 group provides bi-xenon headlamps and daytime running jewelry. The only other option is 19” wheels and the Sony Audio System with Navigation for an as-tested price of $33,780.

The rear seats are a little tight on leg room but a recline function and theater-style elevated positioning makes it a non-issue while the cargo area is quite expansive with split fold, collapsible seats.

Next up for the Escape is a refresh for the 2017 model year, mimicking some of the Edge’s styling with a gearshift lever that that moves down off of the console. A full redesign is anticipated in 2019. Until then, enjoy the best the class has to offer.