While the concept of a crossover is decades old, the crossover SUV did not really hit its current look until the mid-1990s. It would take an additional ten years before the crossover would find its current foothold in popularity among vehicle sales. It is one of the more popular types of vehicles due to its versatility and relative affordability, not to mention the wide array of options on the market. One of those options is the Ford Escape that got its start in 2000. The 2019 Ford Escape is a low-cost, compact crossover that offers a fair amount of advantages over its competitors.
The Ford Escape has added some features both under the hood and on the interior to try to set itself apart. Some of those changes include handling, updates on technology, and cargo space. Check out some of the newer reasons to like the 2019 Ford Escape below.
Engine
Over the four different trim options of the 2019 Ford Escape, there are three engine options. The base engine option is a 1.5-liter I-4 engine that gets upwards of 168 horsepower. That is a perfectly reasonable engine size and strength for its class. Where the engine of the 2019 Ford Escape gets past certain competition is in the fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway, slightly above average for the class. However, its 15.7-gallon tank means it can get up to 439 highway miles on a full tank. For those with a reasonable commute, that should mean savings in fuel in the long run.
The Titanium trim level has a 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 245 horsepower. The souped-up engine allows for quicker acceleration while the DOHC allows for better overall engine performance.
One of the improvements that the engine and design tweaks have had on the 2019 Ford Escape is improved maneuverability. Combined with its size and responsive steering, the quick turbo engine in the 2019 Ford Escape Titanium handles more like its car ancestor than its current SUV or crossover relatives. This is particularly relevant to those in a city or urban area. Handling and fuel economy like the 2019 Ford Escape offers are very appealing qualities for those who deal with traffic, small city streets, and potentially aggressive driving conditions.
Interior Features of the 2019 Ford Escape
The interior of the 2019 Escape has greatly improved over the years to match its sleek exterior design. Front seat passengers enjoy a respectable 39.9 inches of headroom and 43.1 inches of legroom. For the entire exterior size of the 2019 Ford Escape, that’s not bad at all. The back seat provides passengers with 39 inches of headroom and 37 inches of legroom. Kids in or out of car seats should have no issues with those dimensions. Adults will more than likely feel a little pinched back there.
For what it lacks in passenger space, the 2019 Ford Escape makes up for it in total cargo room. The rearmost section, or cargo space, has 34 cubic feet of cargo space. That number is comparable to many mid-sized sedans. However, when the rear seats are folded down, the cargo area doubles to 68 cubic feet. That is a considerable increase in available space. Even if you aren’t a Tetris master and can’t fit everything you have in snugly and picture-perfect, you should still have plenty of room for groceries, luggage, work, and school projects, even a few family pets.
Technology Features of the 2019 Ford Escape
Nearly all new and most used cars on the market these days have a varying amount of the latest automotive technology. This is not limited to the amazing mechanical engineering under the hood. In fact, most people probably don’t fully comprehend what they see in an engine bay. What people are familiar with is much of the contemporary technology they can recognize in the interior. This specifically refers to infotainment and safety systems available in newer model year vehicles. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, most people of driving age (and a lot that you wouldn’t trust with a Hot Wheels Car) can seamlessly interact with touchscreen technology. Interfaces are becoming easier and easier to navigate. Hands-free technology is commonplace. Our cars and trucks and compact crossover SUVs are as smart as our phones.
Ford was a pioneer in the hands-free technology, introducing the Ford SYNC system more than a decade ago. Developed alongside Microsoft, the Ford SYNC was among the first hands-free systems. The newest version, the SYNC 3, is now standard on the 2019 Ford Escape beginning with the SE trim level. This is the first model year it has been standard, as it was only an available option on base trims in the past. SYNC uses a service called AppLink to integrate the apps on your smartphone into the vehicle’s infotainment system. With SYNC and AppLink, you can access the features on your phone to call, text, play music, get directions, listen to a podcast, and more. These features must be set up initially through your in-dash LCD touchscreen in order to work. This should be done before you begin driving — otherwise, it kind of defeats the purpose of hands-free technology.
Why Consider the 2019 Ford Escape?
Today’s market is nearly saturated with SUVs and crossovers. The Ford Escape is relatively old to the race, now nearly 20 years old, and has made many changes over the years. However, it has not had any major changes in five years, since a 2013 facelift. But the 2020 model is expected to be a showstopper. With considerable cargo room and exceptional handling, the 2019 Ford Escape remains a great bargain buy. However, it does have its perks, especially for those who prefer to remain true to the Ford line. The Escape may not have the popularity of the Explorer or the size and luxury of the Expedition, but it is a perfectly adequate addition to the Ford family.
Where it really takes the lead over the competition is in its sticker price. With a $24,105 MSRP tag, it is comparable to a Chevy Equinox or a Mitsubishi Outlander but considerably less than a Chevrolet Traverse or Nissan Murano. Of course, different trim levels and additional packages will raise the price of the 2019 Ford Escape, but that is also true of any compact crossover.
On its other trims, you will find that the cost doesn’t increase too much while your features do. The SE trim starts with an MSRP of $26,500, the SEL comes in at $28,445, and the Titanium is $32,620. Each of these prices is certainly affordable, and you unlock more features and technology with each upgrade. All of that said, the 2019 Ford Escape is an excellent vehicle for any driver in need of comfort, cargo space, and superb safety features.
