Shelby 350H – Unrestored and 30 Years Racing
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2010 Ford Escape Review

August 13, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Exterior changes are subtle
Popular Mechanics

receives a redesigned center stack
Automobile Magazine

Not even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finish
Car and Driver

From a styling standpoint, the 2010 Ford Escape is one of the last of a dying breed: a vehicle that has the chunky, boxy, look of a traditional SUV. And depending on what you're seeking, that might make it feel obsolete or desirable. Instead of trying to rebody the Escape as a sleeker, more rakish vehicle, Ford keeps the Escape's conservative look and focuses on broadening the Escape's appeal with more upscale details and features.

Although the Escape gets new engines and transmissions for 2009, its appearance hasn't changed significantly since 2008. Even when Ford improved many of the Escape's details, Car and Driver wasn't a fan, remarking, “Not even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finish out of nine in our latest small-ute roundup.”

Automobile Magazine points out that some of the changes serve a purpose: “Small aerodynamic modifications also contribute to fuel efficiency and reduce interior noise levels,” they observe, adding, “A deeper front spoiler and small spoilers in front of the rear wheels improve under-body airflow for decreased drag to slightly improve mileage.” Popular Mechanics concludes that the exterior changes "are subtle, and include a front spoiler for slicker aerodynamics and new low rolling resistance Michelin tires for improved fuel economy.”

Inside, the 2010 Ford Escape isn't particularly stylish, but it's been updated for ergonomics. Regarding the 2009 Escape, which is nearly identical to the '10 inside, Automobile Magazine says it “receives a redesigned center stack, featuring an updated version of Ford's excellent navigation and infotainment system-and, of course, SYNC. The new high-resolution screen is extraordinarily clear, and the menu structures are easy to use.”

Conclusion

Even though it's been kept current, the 2010 Ford Escape looks like a boxy, old-style SUV.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Exterior changes are subtlePopular Mechanicsreceives a redesigned center stackAutomobile MagazineNot even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finishCar and Driver From a styling standpoint, the 2010 Ford Escape is one of the last of a dying breed: a vehicle that has the chunky, boxy, look of a traditional SUV. And depending on what you're seeking, that might make it feel obsolete or desirable. Instead of trying to rebody the Escape as a sleeker, more rakish vehicle, Ford keeps the Escape's conservative look and focuses on broadening the Escape's appeal with more upscale details and features. Although the Escape gets new engines and transmissions for 2009, its appearance hasn't changed significantly since 2008. Even when Ford improved many of the Escape's details, Car and Driver wasn't a fan, remarking, “Not even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finish out of nine in our latest small-ute roundup.” Automobile Magazine points out that some of the changes serve a purpose: “Small aerodynamic modifications also contribute to fuel efficiency and reduce interior noise levels,” they observe, adding, “A deeper front spoiler and small spoilers in front of the rear wheels improve under-body airflow for decreased drag to slightly improve mileage.” Popular Mechanics concludes that the exterior changes "are subtle, and include a front spoiler for slicker aerodynamics and new low rolling resistance Michelin tires for improved fuel economy.” Inside, the 2010 Ford Escape isn't particularly stylish, but it's been updated for ergonomics. Regarding the 2009 Escape, which is nearly identical to the '10 inside, Automobile Magazine says it “receives a redesigned center stack, featuring an updated version of Ford's excellent navigation and infotainment system-and, of course, SYNC. The new high-resolution screen is extraordinarily clear, and the menu structures are easy to use.” ConclusionEven though it's been kept current, the 2010 Ford Escape looks like a boxy, old-style SUV. 2010 FORD ESCAPE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Popular Mechanics: "Exterior changes are subtle" Automobile Magazine: "receives a redesigned center stack" Car and Driver: "Not even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finish” From a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Don't get penned in by the Escape's conservative look; it competes head-on with a variety of compact crossovers, some of which are sleek and rakish. One of those is the Nissan Rogue. The Rogue doesn't even pretend to be tough or off-road-worthy; it's a tall wagon, with space for five, good ride quality, and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder powertrain. The Hyundai Tucson looks a little more carlike than the Escape, but it's one of the least refined in the group; it's due for a complete redesign later this year. The Honda CR-V is one of our all-time favorites, if you only look at the driving experience, but some people have a hard time getting past the SUV's styling and the lack of optional V-6 power. Subaru's Forester became significantly larger for 2009, and it's now a roomier alternative to the Escape, with a nice, smooth ride and responsive handling. Finally, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox has been redesigned and is now a much better vehicle than before, with a vastly improved interior, plus a smooth, economical four-cylinder base engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2010 Ford Escape from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2010 Ford Escape

Check Financing Rates

for the 2010 Ford Escape

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2010 Ford Escape near you

See the Ford Escape in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (3 total)

  1. By  Dave #1, Posted: 8/31/2009

    Just bought a 2010 escape and so far I love it. I have the XLT with the sync/sunroof option. It's the 4 cylinder 6 speed automatic. I'm getting around 24 MPG around town and expect 28 MPG or better on the highway. This car does all that's it's advertised to do. It's quiet, responsive, smooth, and comfortable. It has a great sound system and the onboard hands free phone works great as well. My only complaint is that it's supposed to have the outside convex blindspot mirrors as standard equipment. Mine does not. I have contacted my dealer and have written Ford about this feature. I'm hoping they will replace them at no charge. If Ford takes care of this problem, I'm seriously considering buying a second Escape for my wife. Botton line. Nice car and a good value for the money!

  2. By joed #2, Posted: 9/6/2009

    I have a 2009 Escape, basically the same as the 2010 and also like the vehicle. It is funny how some reviews like one thing on a vehicle and another review hates that same thing. All around this vehicle does a great job. One thing not noted is the capless fuel tank. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but it sure is great not having to put a cap on and off when fueling.

  3. By April #3, Posted: 9/28/2009

    I too just recently bought a 2010 XLT with Moonroof and the Sync system! I love this vehicle. It's fun to drive, really quiet inside, and the sirius radio and hands free phone features! I have plenty of room for the four of us and still have a stylish ride at an affordable price.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy