STRENGTHS:
Smooth ride and handling; fuel efficiency across the lineup; competitive pricing; hybrid available; an eco-friendly vehicle inside and out
VALUE:
The 2010 Ford Escape is one of the most affordable and economical small SUVs, and its car-like ride and handling, along with good maneuverability, make it a solid choice for urban drivers. The Escape is a Top Safety Pick award winner from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has received a five-star government rating in all crash tests. Mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city/ 28 mpg highway. MSRP starts at $20,515. At the same time, the Hybrid model is one of the lowest-priced hybrids and offers a practical way to "go green." The 2010 Escape Hybrid offers a fuel efficiency of 34 mpg city/ 31 mpg highway. MSRP for the base hybrid starts at $29,750.
WHAT'S NEW:
The 2010 Ford Escape offers many of the new safety features that Ford is offering across its lineup for the model year. Options available include Active Park Assist, with sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle; Electric Power Assist Steering, to help guide into a parking space, and SYNC, which delivers up-to-date traffic, directions and information. Also new for 2010 are integrated spotter mirrors, which include a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, aimed at the driver's blind spot. An available rear view camera system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen, if equipped, to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse. MyKey, a programmable vehicle key exclusive to Ford, will be available on all trims. It allows parents to program the vehicle so that when a minor is driving, top speeds are limited to 80 mph, an alarm rings at speeds of 45, 55 or 65 mph, the audio system goes mute until the safety belt is buckled, and volume can be limited to 44 percent of maximum volume. It can also activate a persistent Belt-Minder chime and a traction control system that limits tire spin and cannot be deactivated.