PROFILEILLUSTRATIONSBYPETESUCHESKIworn-in-bar-of-soap way. But its
smooth edges and wide stance
cut a less aggressive, less mod-
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angular and chiseled body.
As is the case with many
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Escape arrived without a price
on its window sticker. Without
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and content, that our test vehicle would ring
in around $25,000. When we learned that this
model—with its $ 15 00 all-wheel drive and its
adaptive cruise control and touchscreen navi-
gation system (part of a $695 package)—cost
$30,48 5 , our acceptance turned into incredulity.
Given the inevitable lease deals and incen-
tives, we hope no one will pay the MSRP for this
or any other Escape. But we have to judge it on its
N`aR`aRQ]_VPRN[QaUR2`PN]R¼TUa`V[Na\bTU
PYN``¼YYRQdVaUZ\_R_R¼[RQN[QYR``Re]R[`VcR
cRUVPYR`AURYbeb_fNQWNPR[a:NgQN0E"PN[Despite its small
three-cylinder,
the Escape is
quicker than most
competitors,
perfect for anyone
looking to estab-
lish dominance.
be had in its mid-tier Touring trim with all-
wheel drive, leatherette seating, rain-sensing
windshield wipers, and an engine with an even
number of cylinders for less than $30,000. The
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better interior and costs less when comparably
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trim levels (including with a hybrid power train)
for less than our Escape SE, and adaptive cruise
control comes standard.
Price is important at this end of the market,
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Escape would cost its owner almost $530 a
month. Add insurance and the monthly bill will
likely edge out of reach for households pulling
in the median family income, which, in 2 018,
was $63,17 9. Stretching to own one seems like
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ab_[RQ\ß OfaUR\OcV\b`P\_[R_PbaaV[T
The redesigned Escape makes it clear that
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compact cars have been transmuted into
budget-unfriendly compact crossovers.
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to car companies is that they tend to
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do. It makes sense that Ford would
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by charging more for the Escape than
any reasonable person would pay. That
Q\R`[μaZRN[dR`U\bYQNYY]YNfNY\[TPlus: Solid driving dynamics, spacious cabin,
attractive design. Minus: Uncommonly cheap
interior, grumbly three-cylinder, too expensive.
Equals: Ford’s car replacement turns out
to be a small SUV with moves but also a hefty
price and a lack of refinement.