2005 Ford Escape XLT V6

Those above a certain age will fondly remember a 1963 movie called "The Great Escape." Perhaps its most memorable scene was Steve McQueen jumping an old German motorcycle over a high fence to escape a World War II prison camp.


Funk & Wagnalls defines "escape" as "to get free from confinement, restraint or capture." It makes a dandy name for a vehicle designed for the youthful and active first-time SUV buyer. Ford's Escape leads the increasingly competitive small SUV segment against the likes of Toyota's RAV4, Honda's CR-V and Chevy's new Equinox. It may not be quite as exciting as McQueen's great escapes," but it gets even more competitive for 2005 with a minor facelift, improved powertrains and a host of evolutionary improvements.

Escape's '05 not-so-extreme makeover adds new headlamps, fog lamps, front and rear fascias, 15- and 16-inch aluminum wheels and a new honeycomb grille. The only small SUV designed to pass the rigorous phalanx of "Tough Truck" tests applied to all trucks and SUVs, the 2005 Ford Escape offers buyers a choice of 12 configurations in XLS, XLT and Limited trims.


The upgraded interior has a standard flow-through console, floor-mounted shifter, bolder-looking gauges, more storage spaces and improved seat cushions and fabrics. It also benefits from significant NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements, including new sound-absorbing panels, and tighter sealing to reduce cabin noise. As before, the liftgate incorporates a convenient flip-up rear window for easy cargo area access.


A new 2.3-liter Duratec 23 4-cylinder, nicely refined by a balance shaft and good for 153 hp and 152 lb.-ft. of torque, is standard issue. It's smoother at idle thanks to new engine mounts and gives quicker part-throttle response due to a new powertrain computer. The standard 5-speed manual transaxle benefits from lighter shifting efforts and shorter throws, and a 4-speed automatic is available with the four-cylinder engine for the first time.