Starting at an estimated $26,000, the new 2021 Ford Escape is a small SUV that is perfect for active families. Safe, comfortable, and practical, this ride has everything you need. With available seating for five people and about 37.4 cubic feet of room in the back, there is ample space for families, luggage, groceries, backpacks, or a large dog kennel. If you buy a new piece of furniture, you can fold the back row of seating down to use the maximum cargo area, which is measured at about 65.4 cubic feet. If you still need some convincing, then our handy list of the top 10 things to love about the 2021 Ford Escape is worth a read.
#10 – A Fuel-Efficient Standard Engine
Although there are four powertrain options for the new 2021 Ford Escape, two gas and two hybrid, the standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds. It even has a stellar fuel economy rated at around 30 MPG combined (27 MPG city/33 MPG highway) with front-wheel drive. If you are looking to save money on gas, this is the one to get.
#9 – An Upgraded Engine Option
If you aren’t impressed by the fuel-efficient 3-cylinder engine, then you may like the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor that generates 250 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. That is a similar performance output to a V6 engine. This engine only comes with all-wheel drive, but that only adds to its driveability. In track tests, this particular powertrain was able to go from zero to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds, and it got approximately 26 MPG combined (23 MPG city/31 MPG highway). As for towing, you can haul up to 3,500 pounds with this unit installed.
#8 – Get Hybrid
If you are more environmentally-conscious, then you may want to invest in an eco-friendly powertrain. Luckily, the 2021 Ford Escape is available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Both models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline-powered engine that is coupled with two electric motors. Generating 221 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, the fuel economy for these models is around 41 MPG combined (44 MPG city/37 MPG highway). The only difference between them is the size of the batteries. The plug-in hybrid comes with a larger 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that the vehicle can use to travel for up to an estimated 37 miles without touching the fuel.
#7 – A Fantastic Infotainment System
Although the base S trim gets the bare bones, the second trim level (the SE) comes with an intelligent infotainment interface that is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. That’s a huge step up from the base model’s 4.2-inch monitor. The SE and up also gets the Sync 3 system, which includes Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You can make phone calls, send text messages, stream music, and even use your favorite apps without taking your hands off of the wheel or your eyes off the road.
#6 – The Titanium Trim
Stepping all the way up to the top-tier Titanium trim will get you even more high-tech infotainment elements. The most exciting thing is the in-dash navigation system. You won’t have to worry about being late to work or getting lost on your next road trip. This system also includes a 10-speaker B&O Play stereo, which delivers high-quality sound everywhere you go. Finally, the digital gauge display has been enlarged to 12.3-inches for easier readability.
#5 – Remote Access
All of the new 2021 Ford Escape models, including the base S trim, come with remote access. This begins with a smartphone app that allows you to access the vehicle’s telematics from your mobile device. This includes remote start technology too. That means that you can get the SUV warmed up before ever setting a foot outside this winter. There is nothing more jarring than slipping into an icy vehicle. You can avoid having to do that completely, no matter which model you get.
#4 – High Safety Rating
When it comes to SUVs, everyone wants one that has proven itself to be safe to drive. One of the best things about the Ford Escape is that it has a history of safety and reliability. In 2020, the Escape earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it has also raked in a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These solid ratings are mostly due to the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features that all new Escapes come standard with. There is no doubt that the 2021 model will rank just as well.
#3 – Pure BLIS
Parts of the Co-Pilot360 safety suite are the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and cross-traffic alert. These two features typically go hand-in-hand, and both are pretty self-explanatory. BLIS lets you know when another vehicle has disappeared in your blind spot so you don’t accidentally sideswipe a car. Meanwhile, the rear cross-traffic alert system will notify you when another vehicle crosses behind your Escape while you’re trying to back out of a parking space or your driveway. Both help to prevent accidents that are all too common on the roads and in parking lots.
#2 – Lane Guidance and Evasion
Other helpful safety features included in the Co-Pilot360 suite are the Lane-Keeping System and Evasive Steering Assist. Using cameras that keep track of the lines on the road, the Lane-Keeping System warning will alert you if your vehicle begins to drift outside your designated lane and can even help with corrective steering measures. Meanwhile, while the system scans your position to make sure you are staying in your lane, the system also monitors the cars around you. If you need to maneuver around a vehicle to avoid a potential collision, the Evasive Steering Assist will provide extra steering support to help you.
#1 – Impact Avoidance
Taking up the top spot on our list is the Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. These two advanced safety features are hard to find on base models, but the 2021 Ford Escape has them. Included in the Co-Pilot360 suite, these systems work hard at preventing accidents. Forward collision warning uses a series of sensors and cameras to monitor any potential obstacles in the road ahead. If a potential threat is detected, you will be given visual and audible alerts to take evasive action. If no action is taken on your part, the system will trigger the automatic emergency braking feature. This will drastically slow down your vehicle, bringing it to a complete stop if necessary. These two features can help you avoid rear-ending another vehicle, having a head-on collision, hitting a pedestrian, or even hitting a deer on the highway.
We Can’t Wait for the 2021 Ford Escape
Can’t wait to take a 2021 Ford Escape out for a spin? We can’t either! However, we are going to have to as this new model isn’t quite ready to be delivered to dealerships just yet. Not to worry, though. The 2021 Ford Escape will be here before you know it!
