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2010 Ford Escape Performance Review

August 13, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

it doesn't really feel like a penalty box from behind the wheel
Automobile Magazine

The V6 is a significant improvement over last year's version
Popular Mechanics

We handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 seconds
Car and Driver

Last year marked the introduction of new four-cylinder and V-6 engines for the Escape; both return in the 2010 Ford Escape with few additional changes. The new four-cylinder is considerably smoother, while the V-6 brings some 40 hp more than the engine it replaces. Both can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder model comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox.

“The company claims a front-drive four-banger Escape chops 1.7 seconds from its 0-to-60 time, bringing it down to 10.4 seconds," reports Car and Driver. "We handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 seconds.”

“The V6 is a significant improvement over last year's version, though a tall first gear sacrifices a bit of off-the-line grunt in favor of fuel economy,” reports Popular Mechanics, while ConsumerGuide says, speaking of the new six-speed automatic, "The transmission is the highlight of this powertrain, providing smooth upshifts and snappy downshifts when needed.” This is corroborated by Automobile Magazine's reviewers, who assert the transmission’s “short off-the-line gear ratios are complemented by very long, widely spaced upper gears. Sixth gear is very long—great for highway fuel economy and quiet cruising.”

Automobile Magazine also tests a manual-transmission, four-cylinder Escape and reports that it doesn't feel as responsive with the stick as with the automatic; throws are long and the shifts "aren't particularly rewarding," Automobile asserts.

You might not need to step up to the V-6, however. Plenty of reviewers report that the four-cylinder is just fine. Popular Mechanics says that when the smaller engine is “equipped with the 6-speed automatic, the four-cylinder produces reasonably strong acceleration—certainly enough to satisfy most daily driving conditions.” They also note, “On the road, all three Escape variants accelerate with more authority than before, but they feel more refined, too.”

Fuel economy is as important to the new Escape’s engines as improved horsepower. According to ConsumerGuide, “an AWD V6 Escape averaged 20.0 mpg in driving slightly biased towards highway use. Similar Mercury Mariner AWD 4-cylinder averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving over the course of its 4802-mile extended-use evaluation.” TheCarConnection.com's editors don't see figures that high; in a recent test of the nearly identical Mariner V-6, they observe just 17 mpg in mostly city driving.

Conclusion

The 2010 Ford Escape accelerates and handles well on the road, and is quite fuel-efficient, even if it looks like it's compromised for off-roading.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:it doesn't really feel like a penalty box from behind the wheelAutomobile MagazineThe V6 is a significant improvement over last year's versionPopular MechanicsWe handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 secondsCar and Driver Last year marked the introduction of new four-cylinder and V-6 engines for the Escape; both return in the 2010 Ford Escape with few additional changes. The new four-cylinder is considerably smoother, while the V-6 brings some 40 hp more than the engine it replaces. Both can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder model comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox. “The company claims a front-drive four-banger Escape chops 1.7 seconds from its 0-to-60 time, bringing it down to 10.4 seconds," reports Car and Driver. "We handily beat that estimate in our testing, making it to 60 mph in a much-improved 8.9 seconds.” “The V6 is a significant improvement over last year's version, though a tall first gear sacrifices a bit of off-the-line grunt in favor of fuel economy,” reports Popular Mechanics, while ConsumerGuide says, speaking of the new six-speed automatic, "The transmission is the highlight of this powertrain, providing smooth upshifts and snappy downshifts when needed.” This is corroborated by Automobile Magazine's reviewers, who assert the transmission’s “short off-the-line gear ratios are complemented by very long, widely spaced upper gears. Sixth gear is very long—great for highway fuel economy and quiet cruising.” Automobile Magazine also tests a manual-transmission, four-cylinder Escape and reports that it doesn't feel as responsive with the stick as with the automatic; throws are long and the shifts "aren't particularly rewarding," Automobile asserts. You might not need to step up to the V-6, however. Plenty of reviewers report that the four-cylinder is just fine. Popular Mechanics says that when the smaller engine is “equipped with the 6-speed automatic, the four-cylinder produces reasonably strong acceleration—certainly enough to satisfy most daily driving conditions.” They also note, “On the road, all three Escape variants accelerate with more authority than before, but they feel more refined, too.” Fuel economy is as important to the new Escape’s engines as improved horsepower. According to ConsumerGuide, “an AWD V6 Escape averaged 20.0 mpg in driving slightly biased towards highway use. Similar Mercury Mariner AWD 4-cylinder averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving over the course of its 4802-mile extended-use evaluation.” TheCarConnection.com's editors don't see figures that high; in a recent test of the nearly identical Mariner V-6, they observe just 17 mpg in mostly city driving. ConclusionThe 2010 Ford Escape accelerates and handles well on the road, and is quite fuel-efficient, even if it looks like it's compromised for off-roading. 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.

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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.

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