2005 Ford Escape XLT V6

The also-upgraded 200-hp 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6—optional on Escape XLT, standard on XLT Sport and Limited—is among the most powerful engines in the compact SUV class.

Escape is available with standard front- or available four-wheel drive. Its new computer-controlled automatic Intelligent 4WD System enhances traction with smoother, fuel-efficient operation, even in slippery conditions. It drives the front wheels until additional traction is needed, then seamlessly and barely noticeably engages the rears. The 4WD system is optional on all Escape configurations. The 4-cylinder's balance shaft, the V-6's absorptive engine mounts, larger front shocks and a new front stabilizer system, and 4-wheel independent suspension all help to absorb road impacts without detracting from Escape's nimble feel.


Body structure improvements enhance Escape's frontal offset crash performance, and standard passenger-seat Occupant Classification Sensor combined with Ford's Personal Safety System may make Escape first in its class to meet the newly amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208 for occupant protection. Head restraints and three-point safety belts are standard at all seating positions, while an optional safety package adds front side airbags and a Safety Canopy rollover protection system. 4-Wheel Anti-lock brake System (ABS) are standard across all series for 2005, and power 4-wheel discs are now standard on V-6 4WD models.


Escape XLS pairs the 2.3-liter four cylinder engine with the 5-speed manual (or optional automatic) transaxle, along with 15-inch steel wheels, grey front and rear fascias and body cladding, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, roof side rails, AM/FM stereo with single CD, cloth front bucket seats, 60/40 split rear seat, air conditioning, center console with two cup holders, dual vanity mirrors, cargo floor hooks, Personal Safety System with front air bags, LATCH child seat attachments and SecuriLock passive anti-theft system. A new XLS Blast package adds 16-inch aluminum wheels and a MACH 6-disc in-dash Audio System along with an available unique paint color—Blazing Copper Metallic.


The XLT gets the 2.3-liter 4 cylinder engine or the optional 3.0-liter V-6, 4-speed automatic, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, roof rack with two horizontal bars, privacy glass, steering wheel mounted speed control, six-disc in-dash CD changer, premium cloth seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, floor mats and a perimeter alarm. XLT Sport comes standard with the 3.0L six and adds 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, painted dark grey fascia, cladding, wheel-lip moldings and black step bars.