The Base, Active and ST-Line trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 199 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Selecting Sport mode gives it more heft and makes it easier to figure out where the front wheels are pointed. As for the steering, it's very light and low-effort in the default drive mode. There's not much grip from the tires either. It rolls a lot and has a ponderous feel as you go around turns. The Escape's handling is disappointing too. Even the engine stop-start system bucks the Escape when it restarts the engine as you take your foot off the brake. Downshifts are similar, and you'll feel multiple small shocks as you decelerate. Unfortunately, the automatic transmission shifts slowly and can be jerky with its upshifts. In Edmunds' testing, our Escape covered 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is better than most rival small SUVs with an upgraded engine. This engine makes plenty of power, allowing it to easily squirt through traffic and accelerate up to highway speeds. How does the Escape drive? We tested the Escape with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

Ford motor company subcompact suv