2021 Ford Escape

There are four trim levels available for the 2021 Ford Escape: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The basic S version is a very good-looking vehicle, with exterior features like 17-inch steel wheels with silver-painted covers, a body-colored rear spoiler, daytime running lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, and a manual liftgate.

Higher trims bring many more exterior amenities, as well as some special appearance packages. The SE trim has an optional SE Sport Appearance Package, adding 19-inch black-painted wheels and black exterior styling elements. The top Titanium trim also has a special package called Elite, which adds a panoramic sunroof and chrome exterior accents.

The standard engine for the 2021 Ford Escape is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a maximum power output of 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, helped by an eight-speed automatic transmission. There's also a 200-horsepower hybrid powertrain option available, which comes as standard for the Titanium trim and can be added as an option for the SE and SEL trims. Finally, those who are looking to get the best out of their 2021 Escape can choose the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which can produce up to 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

When equipped with the standard 1.5-liter engine, the 2021 Ford Escape can reach a speed of 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 8.4 seconds, which is a more than respectable time for a car this spacious and with such an economical engine. Those who want to be pushed into their seats a little more can choose the 2.0-liter engine, with a zero to 60 time of only 6.9 seconds. The hybrid version needs 8.7 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, which is a good time given the fact that the main priority of this powertrain is efficiency.

The 2021 Ford Escape's cabin is both good-looking and functional. Each seat is spacious and the driving position offers an excellent viewing angle. Getting in and out is easy thanks to the wide-opening doors and the cabin's insulation system manages to eliminate most wind and engine noises, adding to the pleasant ride. From a tech perspective, the 2021 Escape is a very well-equipped vehicle, even in the standard trim. All versions come with an 8-inch touch-screen interface, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, or USB ports.

The 2021 Ford Escape is a very safe vehicle in case of an unfortunate crash, with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety giving it maximum ratings on all tests. It also does a great job in helping the driver avoid any road incidents, with standard driver aids like lane departure mitigation, forward-collision mitigation, and a blind-spot monitor.