2022 Ford Escape

The Escape’s four trim models — the base S, mid-level SE, sporty SEL, and posh Titanium — have a little something for every kind of driver.

The base S attracts lots of shoppers with its low price tag (starting at $26,010) and its roomy, comfortable cabin. The Escape S also helps keep you safe, with high-tech driver aids (blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation) to help keep you on your toes.

For a little extra money, the mid-grade SE adds to the base lineup with modern utilities, like keyless ignition and entry, the Sync 3 infotainment system, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This model even adds two rear-seat USB ports so passengers can keep devices fully operational.

The SEL adds to the above features to give you a sportier ride. For example, roof rails help you to transport your kayak or surfboard to the beach. On a misty morning, fog lights offer a clearer view of the road ahead.

Finally, the top-trim Titanium gives you a taste of the high life. This Escape is swanky, with LED headlamps and fog lights, ambient interior lighting, and chrome exterior trim. It’s the only Escape available with optional leather upholstery, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, and a premium B&O sound system.

On the road, the Escape offers the smooth, controlled ride common to crossovers. However, Ford’s small crossover leaves competitors behind with its peppy powertrain options.

Unlike competitors, which tend to stick to one engine, the Escape offers three engine options:

• Turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque)
• Optional 2.5L hybrid powertrain (200 total hp)
• Optional turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)

The base and hybrid powertrains come standard with front-wheel drive, but shoppers can add all-wheel drive as an option. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard with all-wheel drive.

You’ll love how the Escape combines punchy, turbocharged power with budget-friendly efficiency. As you may have guessed, the Escape’s optional hybrid powertrain is the thriftiest of the bunch, helping this small crossover earn up to 41 mpg combined (44 city/37 highway).

And, yes, your Escape can tow! The 2022 Escape with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and towing package can tow max loads of 3,500 pounds. That means it can handle a fair sized boat or a couple of Jet Skis. You can even find lots of mini or teardrop campers that meet this weight requirement.