2001 Ford Escape XLT 4x4

Ford expects most Escape buyers to opt for a 4-wheel-drive V-6 model—and understandably so. With 200 horses and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, the well-proven DOHC Duratec has plenty in hand to deal with the mandatory 4-speed automatic transmission, even when you toss in the added heft of the Control Trac II 4x4 system. While lockable to give a 50/50 front/rear split in ultra-poor traction conditions, Control Trac II's "Auto" mode allows that percentage to vary in normal driving modes, although the general bias is to ship motive force to the front wheels. In addition to providing impressive power, this drivetrain combo returns EPA numbers of 18 city/24 highway mpg.

Underpinnings

Underneath, four-wheel independent suspension provides a supple road ride. The rearend features a multilink system with coil springs, while the front has MacPherson struts and coils.

Look under the Escape and you'll find a fully independent coil-spring suspension and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Our XLT also had the optional 235/70SR16 all-season tires on cast-aluminum wheels in place of the baseline 225/70SR15s on steel rims. Although the Escape 4x4 tends to ride a bit stiffly over rough pavement (the V-6 front-driver feels more compliant, albeit with more body roll and just a smidge of torque steer), it tracks cleanly and confidently through corners and offers excellent overall controllability. Understeer arrives predictably at the limit, but judicious use of the trailing brake or throttle helps coax the tail around in a progressive manner that makes taking on the twisties a bit more fun.

Upline XLT trim includes an AM/FM/cassette/CD sound system with optional 300-watt, 7-speaker package, available leather seats and a 60/40 folding rear bench.

Matching its impressive dynamic qualities, the Escape's roomy, well-appointed and well-finished passenger compartment also vies for best-in-class honors. Capable of handling full-size adults in fore or aft quarters, even the XLS trim level comes standard with a tilt steering column, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, and variable intermittent wipers. The front buckets provide decent lateral and lumbar support while the folding back on the rear bench (split 60/40 on XLTs) adds extra utility. It allows the cargo bay, which can also be accessed by a slick two-piece rear hatch, to grow from 33.0 to a generous 64.8 cubic feet.


The burgeoning compact SUV segment is destined to be a bloody battleground in the next couple of years. There's plenty of hot new product in the pipeline, much of it attractively priced and with mighty impressive credentials. Despite having to overcome some formidable marketing challenges—not to mention the ever-changing preferences of the buying public—we suspect the Escape will become an ever-more familiar part of the vehicular landscape. If the initial trend continues, someday the Escape may even overshadow the venerable Explorer. (www.fordvehicles.com)