Engine and transmission: 153 horsepower, 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter, 200 horsepower V-6; 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel or front-wheel drive
Also available as a gas/electric hybrid vehicle. Prices start at about $25,000. Hybrid fuel economy is 34/30 with FWD.
Fuel economy: 22 mpg city, 28 highway with 4-cylinder, manual transmission, FWD; 17/22 with V-6, automatic, AWD
The Escape was already a decent small SUV before it was redesigned for the 2008 model year.
Now it has a more controlled ride and more nimble handing. Inside and out, the new Escape looks sophisticated and masculine.
It retains a traditional boxy shape that gives it a nice roomy feel inside. While the interior design is also outstanding, some cut-rate materials detract from the effect.
Overall, the Escape is a wonderful crossover SUV for those who actually like SUVs.
