The Escape also received a new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system last year that Ford says provides smoother and more efficient operation. Its main competitors include vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.įor 2005, Ford made the Escape a more attainable proposition for budget-conscious buyers by slotting in a 153-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder as the base engine choice. The Escape is more suited to on-road driving than off-roading, due to its light-duty AWD system and unibody construction, and isn't as rugged as some other compact SUVs like the Nissan Xterra and Jeep Liberty. A more luxurious version is also available from Mercury, dubbed the Mariner.Īppealing to a wide range of buyers, the 2006 Ford Escape (and Tribute/Mariner) is intended for those who want the styling and all-wheel-drive capability of a traditional SUV combined with the size, price, practicality and driving characteristics of a midsize car. Called the Tribute, it shares the Escape's basic structure, platform and powertrains. Mazda also sells a version of this vehicle. First-year Escapes suffered numerous recalls, but recent models seem to have the bugs worked out. It quickly became a best-seller thanks to a desirable combination of size, power and ruggedly handsome styling.

Ford introduced the Escape in 2001 to capture buyers in the rapidly growing small SUV segment.

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