2006 Ford Escape XLT 4WD Sport

Those willing to pay about $3,300 extra for higher efficiency (36 mpg city/31 hwy vs. 20 city/25 hwy for a V-6 FWD conventional model) can opt for the Escape Hybrid, which is powered by a modified Duratec four coupled to an electric motor to deliver high economy and low emissions with V-6-like performance and full SUV capabilities.


The base Escape XLS pairs the 2.3-liter four with standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic, along with 15-inch styled steel wheels, 4-wheel ABS, molded-in-color grey front and rear fascias and body cladding, power windows and door locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry, black roof side rails, AM/FM/single CD player (MP3 and satellite capable), low back cloth front bucket seats, 60/40 split rear seat, air conditioning, center console with two cup holders, dual visors with covered vanity mirrors, cargo floor hooks and SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System. The interior sports import-like stalk and wiper controls, quality look and feel rotary HVAC dials and easy-to-operate audio controls.

Cargo

The mid-range XLT gets 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, roof rack with two horizontal bars, privacy glass, steering wheel mounted speed controls, 6-disc in-dash CD player, premium cloth seats, power 6-way driver's seat, floor mats and a perimeter alarm. Our test XLT Sport was dressed with 16-inch bright, machined aluminum wheels and 16-inch All Season OWL tires, black step bars and painted Dark Shadow Grey fascia, bodyside cladding and wheel-lip moldings. The 60/40 split second-row seats folded down (not-quite-flat) quickly and easily, without consulting the manual, to maximize the cargo floor. It was surprisingly agile and fun to drive given its 4WD SUV capabilities, and the V-6 was quick and lively, if a trifle rough at full throttle.


Top-of-the-line Limited models wear a monochromatic look with body-color door and liftgate handles, fascias and bodyside cladding, leather trimmed seating surfaces, overhead console with dual storage bins, message center and dual illuminated vanity mirrors. Major options include a Luxury Comfort package, Class II towing prep package, and moonroof.


The Personal Safety System which customizes the deployment of the dual-stage front airbags includes the Front-Passenger Sensing System is built into every Escape. Adjustable head restraints and 3-point safety belts are standard at all seating positions, while an optional Safety Package adds front side air bags and a Safety CanopyTM rollover protection system. 4-Wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is standard for 2006, and 4-wheel discs are now standard on V-6 4WD models.