2022 Ford Escape Pros vs Cons

Celebrating slightly more than two decades on the American market, the 2022 Ford Escape offers three engines, the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and Selectable Drive Modes for superb handling. Available with the latest version of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, this compact crossover SUV also boasts some of the most sophisticated safety features in the class. From a wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi modem to Ford+Alexa and Bluetooth, this five-seat Ford model offers a handful of premium technologies for smartphones.

What's New For 2022?

The 2022 Ford Escape is available in several all-new exterior colors, including Atlas Blue Metallic and Iced Blue Silver. By the same concept, the Bronze Fire and Desert Gold paint options have been dropped from the 2022 lineup. Otherwise, this compact Ford crossover SUV retains many of the familiar features from the current fourth generation.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Ford Escape – The Pros

1. Powerful Turbocharged Engines

Built on the acclaimed EcoBoost architecture, the 2022 Escape's 1.5-liter engine block whips out a total of 181 horsepower as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Exploiting the Ti-VCT design, this three-cylinder powertrain cranks out 190 pound-feet of torque. Working in tandem with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the turbocharged I-3 powerplant also adopts the GTDI mechanics for consistent combustion. Also claiming the EcoBoost label, the 2.0-L engine yields up to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. This I-4 propulsion system supports a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when paired with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.

2. Efficient Hybrid Powertrain

Running on the iVCT technology, the 2022 Ford Escape's 2.5-liter internal combustion engine develops up to 165 hp. Engineered in compliance with the Atkinson cycle, the four-cylinder powerplant creates 155 lb-ft. Generating 96 kilowatts, an electric motor supplements the naturally aspirated engine, which is mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission system. Cooled by liquid, a lithium-ion battery is another significant element in the hybrid powertrain, which has a combined output of 200 hp. A 1,500-pound towing rating is earned by this efficient propulsion system.

3. Advanced Plug-In Hybrid System

The 2022 Escape's plug-in hybrid powertrain has a combined net output of 221 horsepower. It takes approximately 11 hours for the Level 1 charger to completely recharge the Li-ion battery. Requiring an adapter for a 240-volt connection, the Level 2 charger reduces the charging time to only 4 hours. The rechargeable battery pack is conveniently located far away from the front passenger's area, so the interior space isn't compromised. According to the EPA, the plug-in hybrid powertrain offers a targeted fuel economy of 105 MPGe.

4. Dynamic All-Wheel Drive

Rolling on the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with the AWD Disconnect, the 2022 Escape is more capable than ever before in terms of all-weather handling. In some driving situations, the rear driveline is completely disconnected for maximum efficiency. If sensors detect slipping in the rear wheels, some torque will be quickly diverted away from the front wheels. Engineered for handling inclement weather, the AWD system is only compatible with the EcoBoost engines and hybrid powertrain.

5. Selectable Driving Modes

The 2022 Escape offers multiple modes that could be manually turned on and deactivated by the driver in real time. The Slippery Mode maximizes traction on low-friction surfaces, including ice, grass and gravel. Similarly, the Deep Snow/Sand Mode offers peace of mind for driving in the winter or tackling sand tunes. Optimizing the fuel economy, the Eco Mode is perfect for daily commutes and long-haul trips. Additionally, this compact Ford crossover SUV can operate on the Normal Mode or Sport Mode.

6. Comfortable and Cozy Cabin

Featuring perforated inserts and contrast stitches, the 2022 Escape's front seats are protected by the proprietary ActiveX upholstery. Heating is available for the 10-way driver's seat and six-way front passenger's seat. A touch of leather fully covers the heated steering wheel, which sits on a tilt-and-telescoping column with manual adjustments. Up to 42.4 inches of legroom and 40.0 inches of headroom are available in the first row of this compact Ford crossover SUV. Additionally, the Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control may be combined with the Panoramic Vista Roof for creating and maintaining a comfortable environment inside the entire cabin.

7. Premium Visual Technologies

Perched on top of the 2022 Escape's center stack, the 8.0-inch monitor shows crisp graphics for the driver. Two knobs and five electronic buttons are conveniently positioned below the touch screen for managing the SYNC 3 suite. Illuminated by the signature Ice Blue background color, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also generates high-quality graphics within the driver's natural sight. Showing notifications in several colors for maximum contrast, a head-up display pops up above the instrument cluster for optimal visibility.

8. Sophisticated Smartphone Applications

Recognizing an array of voice commands, the Ford+Alexa technology is included in the signature AppLink suite from the infotainment center. Similarly, the driver could use voice commands to manage the GPS navigation system that comes with SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic. Operating on the FordPass Connect technology, a modem delivers Wi-Fi signals to every occupant with a smartphone. When properly activated, the modem has an effective range of up to 50 feet. Wireless Bluetooth is another standard connectivity function in the SYNC 3 interface.

9. Convenient Amenities For Travel

Having up to eight cupholders, the 2022 Ford Escape certainly accommodates families that like to bring some drinks for road trips. Two coat hooks in the second row provide extra utility for traveling in the winter season. An ambient lighting system, front map lights and second-row dome lights provide plenty of illumination for reading documents or handling small items during a drive. Additionally, this two-row Ford crossover SUV offers a foot-activated liftgate and rooftop side rails for easy loading and hauling of cargo.

10. Superb Safety Technologies

Winning the prestigious Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2022 Escape is more reliable than ever before. Most of the vehicle's active safety technologies stick to the acclaimed Co-Pilot360 suite. Besides having accident-prevention functions, this compact Ford crossover SUV offers the Active Park Assist 2.0 technology that guides the driver in real time. By looking at the Rear View Camera, the driver will also spot any obvious obstructions. This light-duty family car retains a handful of patented passive safety technologies, including the Personal Safety System and Safety Canopy System.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Ford Escape – The Cons

1. Basic Entry-Level Features

Covered in cloth, the 2022 Ford Escape base trim's driver's seat only has six-way manual adjustments. The entry-level edition also comes with a 4.2-inch instrument display, which doesn't create the clearest graphics. Managing temperatures in only a single zone, the standard HVAC system has manual controls. Compared to higher-level trims, the Escape base trim has a total of only six cupholders. A manual liftgate is another default amenity that won't exactly impress families seeking optimum utility at a great price.

2. Sluggish Handling

An electronic rotary dial certainly improves the ergonomics of handling the standard eight-speed automatic transmission on the 2022 Escape. However, the default gearbox isn't as responsive and adaptive as some drivers would prefer. The sluggish acceleration is particularly evident with the three-cylinder engine block that prioritizes efficiency over raw power. Extra money must be spent on high-level models that offer the SelectShift technology for the automatic gearbox. The upgraded and more expensive transmission includes paddle shifters that instantly engage the transmission system for sporty performance.

3. Lackluster Exterior Design

Despite offering a selection of cool exterior colors, the 2022 Escape has a lackluster appearance. Having a trapezoidal shape with a relatively small footprint, the front grille certainly doesn't exhibit any athletic flair. Made of steel, the standard 17-inch wheels also don't add any sporty character to the base model. Having a wheelbase of only 106.7 inches, this lightweight Ford crossover SUV clearly doesn't express any sense of luxury or elegance.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Ford Escape vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

As a compact crossover SUV that's also made by a major American automotive brand, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox naturally challenges the 2022 Escape. Under the hood, this five-seat Chevy car has a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that peaks at only 170 hp and 203 lb-ft. Therefore, this I-4 powertrain lacks the powerful capabilities of the 2.0-L EcoBoost engine on the Ford model. Additionally, this light-duty Chevy crossover SUV can't tow more than 1,500 total pounds. A six-speed automatic transmission is another standard installation that reveals the Equinox's disadvantage in terms of handling.

2022 Ford Escape vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Receiving major updates, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 has strong ambitions for leading the compact crossover SUV class in total sales. However, this model gets a maximum of 203 horsepower from the naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine block that displaces 2.5 liters. When equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, the 2022 RAV4 offers an EPA-projected fuel economy of only 94 MPGe, which is significantly lower than the Escape's plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite also doesn't fully match some of the Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, like the Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist.

2022 Ford Escape vs 2022 Kia Sportage

Having comparable price tags, the 2022 Kia Sportage is a major competitor for the 2022 Ford Escape. Even when equipped with the Dynamax All-Wheel Drive, the Kia model doesn't match the off-road capabilities of the Ford model. A six-speed automatic transmission with the Sportmatic design also exposes the Sportage's weakness on the road. Rated at 240 hp and 260 lb-ft, the Kia's 2.0-L turbocharged engine isn't as capable as the 2.0-L EcoBoost powertrain. Both small crossover SUVs have 8.0-inch infotainment displays, but the SYNC 3 platform offers more advanced applications and services.

Conclusion

Having a lineup of 10 total trim levels, the 2022 Ford Escape offers more options than most competitors in the same class. Families seeking excellent fuel economy could select the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models of this compact crossover SUV. Two turbocharged engines are also available for drivers who desire a more dynamic ride on the road. From the SYNC 3 infotainment console to the Bang & Olufsen system, this five-seat Ford model also boasts lots of high-tech items for great connectivity and fun entertainment on the go.