2021 Ford Escape Review: Continuously Improving
Despite having undergone a complete redesign last year for 2020, the 2021 Ford Escape is still put forward with some more new improvements and alterations this year. With alternatives such as the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 raising the bar in the US market, Ford is continuously pushing the envelope to stay competitive. With just 181 horsepower offered in the entry-spec models of the Escape, performance can be a little too sedate for some; power can be especially lacking at highway speeds. Upper-tier models are, however, offered with a burlier 250-hp motor that significantly improves the overall driving experience. With its unproven dependability expectations and limited towing capacity, some may still prefer to look elsewhere. But with its $25,555 starting price, the 2021 Ford Escape SUV in its fourth-generation guise is highly appealing.
2021 Escape Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180.5 in | 106.7 in | 66.1 in | 74.1 in | 62.4 in | 61.8 in | 3,298.0 lbs |
2021 Escape Performance
2021 Escape Interior
2021 Escape Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Ford Escape A Good SUV?
The 2021 Ford Escape is an exceptional vehicle and a far better version of the Escapes of old. In 2020, Ford bestowed the Escape with a new more daring and contemporary design. It's sporty looking on the outside and modern and tech-laden on the inside. Ford has also standardized its Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assists throughout the Escape line, which has solidified the car's high safety standards - a significant factor in family cars today. The 2021 Escape also boasts a spacious cabin appointed with good quality materials and many desirable features. The eight-inch infotainment system with the SYNC3 software is exceptional, too, albeit present only in the higher-spec models. The NHTSA gave the SUV a near-perfect five-star safety rating and the IIHS was equally as impressed in its review of the 2021 Ford Escape, having awarded it with a Top Safety Pick. The Escape is an exceptional 5-door family runabout, but it's not the SUV to go for if you ever want to tow anything.
What Ford Escape Model Should I Buy?
You can spend very little and gain a satisfying amount of value by opting for the entry-spec S. It offers a truly nifty level of practicality and comes outfitted with a decent standard selection of features, particularly in driver-assists and safety systems. If the 3-cylinder engine's lackluster acceleration responses will be too frustrating for you, you'll want to consider going for either the SEL or the Titanium and opting in the turbo-four unit. With this powertrain, the Escape crossover feels a lot more spirited especially at higher speeds, the bettered performance does come at the cost of fuel economy though. Both models come extensively outfitted in terms of comforts and conveniences, the additions including the larger infotainment touchscreen.