Devon Escapes with a Ford (Used)

The Ford Escape has been one of the best selling compact utility vehicles (CUV) you can buy in the U.S. With competition catching on to it's original formula the Escape lost ground to much better rivals. Now the Escape has been redesigned and given a much more attractive look. Will this be enough to win back those buyers? Or is it all style no substance? 

Performance: There are three engines to choose from. Base trim gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 168hp. Mid-range is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 178hp. While the top of the range trim gets a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 240hp. Pick of the range is the mid-range 1.6, which makes the most sense. It's  flexible and offers similar fuel economy as the 2.5, but the extra torque really does make a difference. Both 1.6 and 2-liter engines offer all-wheel-drive optional while the 2.5 is strictly front wheel drive only.

On the road: The Escape soaks up bumps quite well and has a smooth highway ride. Around town things can get a bit unsettled on some rough surfaces. The steering is nicely weighted and very responsive. Handling isn't as sharp as the CX-5, but the Escape manages to hold it's ground quite well.

Refinement: The engines feel very refined at low speeds and idle, even at cruising speeds on the highway. When you push the engines hard, it's presence will be known. This isn't a bad thing however, the lovely whirl from the turbo engines add a bit of sporty character. Some wind noise can be heard from the sides of the car at highway speeds, this isn't a deal breaker. The radio can drain this out. Road noise is well supressed.

Behind the wheel: The Escape offers supportive front seats. Visibility alround is excellent too. The dashboard layout is not very user friendly. It may take time to get used to the switchgear and vehicles equipped with MyFord have the fussy navigation system that takes a bit of getting use to.

Space & Practicality: There's plenty of room for both front and rear passengers to get comfortable. The optional sunroof doesn't eat into headroom either. With the seats up the boot space isn't the largets compared to rivals, but this isn't a deal breaker as there is 60/40 split folding seats to add extra cargo if needed.

Equipment: The Escape comes well equipped. All versions get air-con, CD-player and electric windows. You'll have to step up to the mid-range to get all-wheel-drive option. While top of the range trim adds larger alloy wheels. MyFord Sync system and LED daytime running lamps.

Buying & Owning: The Escape is cheaper than the Volkswagen Tiguan but slightly more expensive than the Mazda CX-5. The front-wheel-drive models are the cheapest to buy. We suggest sticking with those unless you really need the all-wheel-drive. You're better off paying the extra and get the titanium trim which offers it as standard. Running cost should be reasonable and resale value should hold up as the Escape has been very popular.

Quality & reliability: Reliability for the Escape has been a mere average. There have been a few recalls from Ford that should be looked into if you are considering buying the Escape. The fit and finish of the interior look and feel long lasting, the mechanicals are a bit iffy. The base trim materials feel a bit drab in areas and isn't as appealing as the more pricier irrations.

Safety: Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard across the range. All-wheel-drive is optional if you need the extra traction. Front and side curtain airbags are standard across the range as well. Deadlocks and a theft alarm keep theft at bay.

The Ford Escape has come a long way since it's previous generation. This Escape is more fun to drive, much more stylish and offers a much more compelling reason to consider one. However, the Escape isn't as fun to drive as a Mazda CX-5 and some trim levels just feel down right overpriced compared to keen rivals. If you can overlook these few negatives the Escape is a step forward for Ford and is worth a serious look.

Devon's Pick: Ford Escape SE 1.6 EcoBoost. You'll be surprised at how much this small engine has to offer in terms of fuel economy and performance. You won't really need the all-wheel-drive option unless you need the extra traction. With the all-wheel-drive the 2-liter EcoBoost is the better engine choice which isn't too much in terms of price from the 1.6 EcoBoost with all-wheel-drive. 

Likes: Stylish exterior looks with room for five. 1.6 ecoboost engine offers a lot more than figures suggest.

Dislikes: Base trim interior feels drab. Not as engaging to drive as looks suggest. All-wheel-drive adds a hefty premium that's hard to justify. Dashboard design not very user friendly.

Devon M

We 'escape' with the new Ford crossover

We love the Nissan Rogue but the Ford Escape has a few tricks up its sleeve that may make give the Rogue a good run for its money.

The standard 2.5 four-cylinder is only offered in the base S Trim. You'll have to step up to the SE or top of the range Titanium trim to get the optional 1.5ecoboost four-cylinder pumping out 180hp and the 2-liter ecoboost four-cylinder pumping out 240hp. We'd say the best way to go with the Escape is the 1.5ecoboost engine. It feels much more flexible than the standard 2.5 and you can option for all-wheel-drive if you desire the extra traction. Our tester car was the 1.5ecoboost in the Titanium trim which came ticked with all-wheel-drive and it did come in handy when we drove through a very severe rain storm. The Escape managed to offer really good steering feedback while the chassis managed to handle  the corners and bends well. We know that this isn't a sports car but the confidence that it provides is still really good. There's a little bit of road noise that sneaks into the cabin at higher speeds and some wind noise can be beard around the side mirrors. These are merely nitpicks at best though.

We enjoyed driving the Escape around especially on the highway. The 1.5ecoboost engine doesn't feel short on pull thanks to high torque at low revs. We've tested the Escape before and managed to drive both the 2.5 and the previous 2-liter turbo engine which only pumped out 230hp at the time. The 2.5 is fine for those who are on a budget and really do want an Escape. The running costs are so identical to the 1.5ecoboost that we wouldn't even bother choosing the 2.5. The Escape is easy to squeeze around tight urban streets and can hold its own well on faster paced roads.

The driver's seat offers plenty of adjustments and comfort for driver's of all sizes. The rear seat is comfortable with plenty of headroom and legroom. You shouldn't have any trouble squeezing cargo into the boot as it is plentiful in space. It may not offer the third-row seating option as the Nissan Rogue, but in this case we are willing to ignore that. Most buyers won't really need a third-row seat and besides the Explorer is such a good option to step up to if you do need that extra space. The Ford SYNC system is much easier to use than it was in the Escape we tested. The menus are much easier to navigate through and the dash board isn't as button happy as it once was. We do however wish that Ford made a little more effort in the standard S Trim which really does wear the budget starting price to a tee.

Our tester car came equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, voice-activated navigation system and of course the 1.5ecoboost four-cylinder with all-wheel-drive. Along with those optional features, the standard kit is really good and it should be considering the Titanium trim is the highest trim in the range and is the most expensive as well. We wouldn't bother with this trim as the mid-range SE trim will satisfy most buyers needs. You can choose from the same two engines as the Titanium and if you need all-wheel-drive you can also option for that. It seems though that the all-wheel-drive adds a hefty premium to the overall package and is best avoided unless you have to have the extra traction. We will repeat ourselves again, the all-wheel-drive is a nice added features especially when we were driving around the outer city limits through a rain storm. We however didn't feel it was needed as we've driven an Escape with front-wheel-drive in similar driving conditions and it managed to hold its own just as well.

It's hard to fault the Escape with this refreshened exterior and interior. The new engines on hand are flexible and offer decent running costs. We just feel that Ford has priced the Escape a bit too ambitiously as some keen rivals offer better value for similar money. The Titanium trim while it is good in its own right, we wouldn't bother with it because it can get too expensive for what it is. You'll have to badly want to pay the premium to justify it. The SE trim does the job well and is our pick of the range. Overall the Escape is a smart choice that's made even better.

Likes: The 1.5ecoboost engine is the best of the range. The touch screen infotainment system is much easier to use and the Escape refinement has improved.

Dislikes: All-wheel-drive is an expensive and probably a unneeded option for many. Exterior styling fell on mixed opinion.

(Used) Devon test drives a Hyundai Tucson

Looking for the best value for money? The Hyundai Tucson maybe one of those vehicles you'd want to consider. But with the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue, Hyundai has a tough gig on its hands.

The standard 2-liter four-cylinder produces 164hp. It's a great engine but feels gutless when you want to really put your foot down. The 2.4 is a much better choice. It produces 182hp and is much more suitable for those who want that extra oomph on the highway. Both engines can be had with optional all-wheel-drive. But we think that it's best to have this with front-wheel-drive unless you really need the extra traction.

If you want fun to drive you best look at the Ford Escape or Volkswagen Tiguan. You won't really find too much thrills behind the wheel of the Tucson. The suspension is geared more towards comfort rather than handling so there's a bit more body roll than we'd like. But at least the ride is smooth and decent around town. Its sad that the suppleness of the ride fades away over rough surfaces. It's not as composed as the class best. The steering is overly light and lacks feedback. At least wind and road noise are well hidden in the cabin.

All the controls are within easy reach of the driver's hand and the driver's seat does offer plenty of support for drivers of all sizes. The rear seat offers ample room and has enough space for five if the passengers are willing to share out the space. Boot space is about average with rivals but its not class leading.

Standard GLS trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, air-con, Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile phone, LED brake lights and six way adjustable driver's seat. You'll have to step up to the SE to get automatic headlights, roof rack, touch screen display and heated side mirrors. Top of the range Limted trim adds leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, push button ignition system and windshield wiper de-icer.

On paper the Tucson seems like a good deal. It's priced good and offers the longest warranty on any new car in America. But there are rivals that offer a more engaging driving experience plus resale value on them are much higher. However, if you prefer the peace of mind of a long warranty the Hyundai is a great choice. It's just not the best choice.

Likes: Long warranty. Decent amount of kit for a low asking price.

Dislikes: It's not engaging to drive and resale value should be a bit of a worry.

Devon's Pick: SE trim seems to offer everything that you'll ever really need without over paying. The engine offered is our favorite and the overall packaging is very compelling.

We sit in and (of course!) we critique

Hyundai Kona

Likes: Distinct styling with modern interior styling. The optional turbo engine provides extra oomph where it matters the most.

Dislikes: Distinct styling may not be for everyone. Rear seat passengers may feel shortchanged on space. Dual clutch auto gearbox is annoying at times.

Overall: The crossover craze (sigh) isn't showing any signs of slowing down.



Ford Escape (1.5-ecoboost)

Likes: The interior is roomy for five with a decent sized boot. It's easy to drive around town and is far more flexible compared to the standard 2.5.

Dislikes: At times the 1.5 turbo sounds overworked. It also can be seen as a false economy in terms of fuel savings over the 2.5 engine.

Overall: America's favorite crossover, certainly isn't our favorite.



Bentley Bentayga

Likes: The interior is pure and utter excellence. You certainly won't have a shortage of power with this one.

Dislikes: Eye watering price tag. Eye watering exterior styling. No diesel engine option.

Overall: Proof that money can't buy you taste.



Volkswagen Atlas (2.0t)

Likes: Slightly more affordable than the 3.6 engine. Seven seats and a boot that's actually useful when third row seat is in place.

Dislikes: Front-wheel-drive only. Running costs are almost identical to the 3.6.

Overall: We loathe the cartoonish exterior styling; but it does what it's intended to do well.



Lexus RX L

Likes: A seven-seat version of the popular RX. The hybrid option provides lowest running costs and emissions of the range. Interior feels very classy and refined.

Overall: Some controls are fiddly to use. The exterior styling is on the odd-side. The third row seat is a little cramped compared to the Volvo XC90.

Overall: Lexus will sell tons of these and it's easy to see why.

Devon test drives his top pick in compact crossovers

This will be the shortest intro ever. The Nissan Rogue is our top pick in the compact crossover segment. Here’s why.

Performance: The only engine choice offered with the Rogue is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 170hp mated to a continuously variable transmission. This engine is all you’ll ever really need. There’s plenty of pick up around town and on the highway. Plus fuel economy is actually really good too. We’d personally prefer a diesel engine option but that would be nitpicking.

On the road: The Rogue isn’t as sharp to drive as a Volkswagen Tiguan or Ford Escape but it does its intended job well. Around town the ride comfort can be a bit jittery but it’s far from annoying. On the highway the ride comfort smoothens out. Steering is communicative and weighs up nicely. Refinement is one of the Rogue’s strong points. Road and wind noise are well suppressed. You’d think that you were in a more expensive luxury crossover. The CVT transmission often at times makes the engine sound buzzy but this is far from intrusive.

Behind the wheel: There’s plenty of adjustment for the driver to get comfortable behind the wheel of the Rogue. Everything in the dashboard is easy to reach and logically placed. The infotainment screen can be distracting at first but once you get used to it, it becomes a breeze to operate. The Rogue is the best choice for small families that need versatility. There’s plenty of space for five with a spacious boot. If you need to carry two extra people you can option for a third-row seat. Although it is nice that Nissan offers this. The third row is best left for kids or short journeys for adults.

Equipment: The Rogue is well equipped for the money. Standard S trim has Bluetooth, rear-view parking camera and LED daytime running lamps. SV trim adds push button start, 17inch alloy wheels and dual zone automatic climate control. Top of the range SL trim adds 18inch alloy wheels, navigation system and leather appointed seats. All-wheel-drive is optional across the range.

Buying & Owning: The Rogue is priced roughly with its competition which may seem a bit pricey. But with strong resale value you will be reassured of your investment. Fuel economy is actually best in class so your running costs should be low if you stick with the two-wheel-drive form. We think the all-wheel-drive option is best avoided unless you really need the extra traction.

Quality & safety: Everything feels so solid and well built in the cabin. Many of the materials used feel classy and long lasting. Nissan has scored very well in reliability as well. All versions of the Rogue have six-airbags, stability control and emergency brake assist. Lane-departure warning as well as collision warning systems is offered as an option. Immobilizer helps protect against thieves.

The Nissan Rogue is a compelling option in a sea of compact crossovers. If you are looking for the most sensible choice with good fuel economy, snazzy looks and is well put together. The Nissan Rogue is the perfect choice. So it’s no wonder why it is our top pick for compact crossovers.

Likes: Fuel economy is best in class. Exterior and interior are classy and well put together. Third row seat can be had as an option for the Rogue.

Dislikes: A diesel engine option or a more powerful engine option would be nice. But these are just nitpicks really.

Devon’s Pick: SV trim offers keyless start, 17inch alloy wheels and automatic climate control. You may have to pay extra for this trim. But we feel that this one offers the best overall compared to the S and SL.

Devon test drives a Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander has a lot to prove in a heavily competitive crossover segment. There are some heavy hitters from Ford, Nissan and Toyota. Does Mitsubishi have what it takes to lure buyers away? Or is it all too late to save the ailing brand?

ES and SE trims both only come with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder which produces 166hp. The SE trim offers optional all-wheel-drive. While the top of the range GT offers a 3-liter six-cylinder producing 244hp. It’s nice that Mitsubishi offers the six-cylinder but we question if it is really needed. Unless you are looking at the more spec’d up versions of the Escape and Rogue, the SE trim is the pick of the range. It comes with just enough kit without being too expensive and offers all-wheel-drive optional.

The Outlander just doesn’t feel as composed to drive as a Ford Escape. The ride comfort however isn’t as firm as the Escape. But ride is too easily upset over some road surfaces, which causes the ride to feel bouncy especially at higher speeds on the highway. At least there’s plenty of grip, but the steering doesn’t really weight up at highway speeds. At least road and wind noise are well suppressed and you won’t really hear much from the engines at relaxed speeds.

There’s plenty of space for passengers to get comfortable. Drivers won’t struggle to find a comfortable seating position. All but the third row seat which is best left for children. With the third row seat folded down the boot space opens up and offers plenty of space. The dashboard is somewhat easy to navigate through. We dislike the fiddly to operate touch screen display which is too distracting to use on the go.

The ES trim comes with auto-off headlights, keyless entry, power windows and a hill start assist. Our favorite trim SE comes with climate control, alloy wheels, touch screen display with rearview camera, keyless start and an eco-mode switch. Top of the range GT trim adds HID headlights, all-wheel-drive and Sirius-XM satellite radio.

The Outlander is priced competitively among its keen rivals like the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue.  Even though you get more kit than both vehicles, we think you’re better off picking one of the two. Running costs with the Outlander should be average but resale value should be a bit of a worry. Reliability is above average though.

The Outlander is a great option for those who want something with good value for the money. However the Outlander just isn’t as polished as its keen rivals and resale isn’t great. But if you want something a little different from its rivals and you really want seven seats at a discount this is your best option.

Likes: Seven seat crossover at a reasonable price, running costs with four-cylinder are decent. The kit level is very impressive at this price range

Dislikes: Resale value is questionable. Exterior design is on the bland side. This is not the halo car Mitsubishi desperately needs.

Devon’s Choice: SE trim offers optional all-wheel-drive, and comes standard with alloy wheels, keyless start and a rearview camera. It’s the only trim that makes the most sense without over paying for the GT trim.