2010 Ford Escape – Aging yet Tempting

First Look & Introduction

The year 2000 was a memorable year for many reasons; some remembers it as a year when the world was concerned about the Y2K computer bug, some where trembling about hanging chads etc. But that’s not it for 2000; the year also marked the debut of Ford Escape, which was the first crossover SUV from the American car manufacturer Ford, and that is why we remember the 2000. It has been almost a decade now, and even though the Escape has got numerous changes in the form of its steering, engines, interior and styling, but still there are certain things in the 2010 Ford Escape that carries the essence of the vehicle which was launched a decade ago. Not unexpectedly, but yes the age seems to be showing on Escape.

What’s New for 2010 Ford Escape?

The 2010 Ford Escape enters its tenth year with quite a number of changes, such as the all new driver-side mirror which are said to improve driver’s skill to ensure the blind spot for the vehicle. There also are plenty of optional features for 2010 Escape, including a rearview camera, an spontaneous parallel-parking “Auto Park” feature and a feature called, MyKey, it lets the parents to limit audio volume and speed for their teen drivers. Also the Limited trim gets heated seats.

Body Styling and Features

The five seater compact SUV 2010 Ford Escape comes in three trim levels XLS, XLT and Limited trim levels. There also is a Hybrid model which is being addressed through a separate review.

The standard equipment set for the XLS includes comprises of an incorporated blind spot driver mirror, 16-inch alloy wheels, complete power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, a CD player with four-speaker stereo and auxiliary audio jack and cruise control. The optional equipments for the same includes the steering wheel audio controls and Sync electronics interface (comprises Bluetooth and iPod interface).

The XLT trim level brings foglamps, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, MyKey parental controls, steering wheel audio controls, satellite radio and a six-way power driver seat. The Leather package adds leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The Sun & Sync package comes with Sync and a sunroof. The Sport Appearance package comes with a wide assortment of upgraded internal and outside trim pieces and 17-inch wheels. There also is an upgrade available in the form of seven-speaker stereo.

To the XLT trim of the 2010 Ford Escape includes chrome exterior highlights, 16-inch wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a six-speaker and Sync stereo. If you upgrade to the Limited Luxury package it will add rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and dual-zone automatic climate control. There are the Tune and Moon packages which includes a seven-speaker stereo upgrade and sunroof. There are plenty of other features and options available for all the trim levels and you even can get some of the features of the high trim levels in to low trim level.

Under The Hood

All the trim levels of 2010 Ford Escape can be obtained in either front-wheel drive or either rear-wheel drive options. Powering the XLS trim is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine churning out maximum power of 171 horsepower engine, this is standard for all the trim levels, but you can also go for a 3.0-liter V6 engine churning maximum power of 240-hp, this is optional on all the XLS.

The 2.5 liter engine can be mated with either five-speed manual (for XLS only) and or a six speed manual transmission. The V6 engine is mated with only automatic transmission. The towing capacity for the properly equipped V6 Escape can be up to 3,500 pounds.

The estimated fuel economy for the four-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission model is 23 mpg combined, while the same for the all-wheel drive comes down to 21 mpg.

Safety Equipments

The 2010 Ford Escape ensures the safety of its passengers with antilock brakes traction control, (though with rear drums), front-seat side airbags, stability control and the full-length head curtain airbags. They are all standard on the 2010 Ford Escape. The safety scores for Escape are also pretty great, so you can be assured of safety while traveling

Verdict

The 2010 Ford Escape gets an enhanced set of novel high-tech features, which makes it a tempting choice in the compact crossover SUV category. But its competitors are more appealing and the model has started showing its age.

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