Certified 2019 Ford Escape SE

The 2019 Ford Escape is offered in 4 trim levels; S, SE, SEL and Titanium. Three different engines are offered, plus the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The base powertrain is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, which makes 168 horsepower. Next in line is a 181-horsepower, 1.5L turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, which provides a combined 30-mpg on the front-wheel drive models. The third and most powerful engine is a 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that makes an impressive 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Even with the added horsepower, this engine has great fuel efficiency with a combine 25-mpg. All engines are paired to a SelectShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

Several technologies help the Escape not only tackle slick road conditions but also improve cornering. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control uses gyroscopic sensors to control body roll and monitors wheel-slip and steering. Curve Control and Torque Vectoring Control help improve stability, while the "Intelligent" 4-wheel drive system uses sensor inputs to actively maintain stability, utilizing an electromagnetic clutch system to send power to the wheels where traction is needed most. The Escape can handle gravel roads and modest forest trails just fine, and when properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. On all models, 4-wheel disc brakes provide strong stopping power, while an electric rack-and-pinion steering system is precise and well-weighted.

The Escape's rakish design doesn't get in the way of interior space either. The model has supportive bucket seats in front with a good view out, as well as space for three passengers in back. There's a generous 34.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the back seat--thanks to a low, 2-position cargo floor -- and that can be expanded to 68.1 cubic feet by flipping forward the second row seatbacks.

Escape S trim come with a generous list of features for a base model, including 17-inch steel wheels, SYNC voice recognition infotainment system, smart device integration, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel audio controls, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, a 6-speaker audio system and a rearview camera system.

The SE trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded exterior trim, fog lamps, 10-way power drivers seat, remote engine start, auto start/stop technology, blind spot monitoring, dual chrome exhaust tips, a keyless entry keypad and SiriusXM Satellite Radio compatibility. To keep the interior comfortable, a multi-zone climate control system is standard on the SE trim.

In addition to the SE features, the SEL trim adds leather-trimmed front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated mirrors, 10-speaker Sony audio system, LED lighting and power liftgate. The infotainment system is the SEL is also upgraded to Ford's SYNC 3 system and 8-inch display, which includes SYNC Connect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Finally, the top-of-the-line Titanium adds 19-inch alloy wheels, remote start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, silver roof rails, a 12-speaker Sony premium audio system, navigation system, HID headlights, hands-free power liftgate and automatic parking.

The 2019 Escape incorporates many standard and available safety features, including a host of air bags, daytime running lights, traction control, stability control, brake assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

Sporty Handling

Sleek Exterior Design

Excellent "SYNC 3" Infotainment System

Excellent Fuel Economy

Impressive Maneuverability

Spacious Interior

Great Driver-assist Features

The 2019 Ford Escape remains essentially unchanged from the prior year model.

The 2019 Ford Escape is a sleek, rakish, modern design, yet it is surprisingly roomy inside. The Escape's turbocharged powertrains standout in its class, offering more power than competitors such as the Nissan Rogue or Kia Sportage. Ford's technology in the Escape is impressive with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, driver assist features and AdvanceTrac stability control. With a starting price around $24,000, the Escape is very attractive to those who are looking for a practical and sporty crossover SUV.