2006 Ford Escape XLT 4WD Sport

Funk & Wagnalls defines "escape" as "to get free from confinement, restraint or capture," so it's a great name for a vehicle "geared to active, 'young at heart' drivers and first-time SUV buyers." And Ford's Escape leads the increasingly competitive small SUV segment against the likes of Toyota's RAV4, Honda's CR-V, Hyundai's Tucson and Chevrolet's Equinox.

Styling

The Escape offers buyers a choice of 12 configurations in XLS, XLT, XLT Sport and Limited trims. An upgrade and mild restyle for 2005 added new headlamps, fog lamps, front and rear fascias, 15- and 16-inch aluminum wheels and a new honeycomb grille. For 2006, there are three new clearcoat metallic colors, Titanium Green, Dark Stone, and Blazing Copper, and the economical 2.3-liter Duratec 4-cylinder engine becomes available on XLT models.


The enhanced interior has a standard flow-through console, floor-mounted shifter, bolder-looking gauges, unique storage spaces and stylish seat cushions and fabrics. As before, the liftgate incorporates a convenient flip-up rear window for easy cargo area access.


The 2.3-liter Duratec 23 4-cylinder, nicely smoothed by a balance shaft and good for 153 hp and 152 lb.-ft. of torque, is standard issue. It's smoother at idle than earlier versions thanks to new engine mounts and gives quicker part-throttle response due to a new powertrain computer. The standard 5-speed manual transmission benefits with lighter shifting efforts and shorter throws, and a 4-speed automatic is available with the four. The also-upgraded 200-hp Duratec 30 V-6—optional on base Escape and XLT, standard on Limited—is among the most powerful engines in the compact SUV class.

Powertrain

Escape is available with standard front- or available four-wheel-drive. Its new computer-controlled automatic Intelligent 4WD System gives traction and stability with smooth, 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. Vibration-absorbing engine mounts, large front shocks, and a front stabilizer system absorb road impacts without detracting from Escape's nimble feel.