Overview

The 2012 Ford Escape is a five-passenger compact crossover sport utility vehicle that offers more power, a quieter ride and an upscale cabin. The Ford Escape delivers the best-in-class fuel economy in the small SUV segment. The new 2012 Ford Escape, available in XLS, XLT and high-end Limited trims, includes HD Radio technology to an extensive list of family-friendly features like the MyKey programmable vehicle key and available Rear View Camera System. Its Active Park Assist allows owners to parallel park with the touch of a button, while Pull-Drift Compensation aids driving confidence by reducing the effects of side winds and road crowning. The Escape is one of the first Ford vehicles to feature SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information helping reduce distractions while accessing important route and safety information.

Power and performance

The 2012 Ford Escape comes standard with a mighty 2.5L Duratec I-4 engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, and it produces 171 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 city/28 hwy mpg with I-4 manual for FWD models. The Limited models can be equipped with a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine.

Body and styling

Mainly a carryover model from 2011, the 2012 Ford Escape is a comfortable and versatile vehicle with the choice of available leather-trimmed seating (standard on Limited, optional on XLT). The XLS' equipment include cloth-trimmed seats, AM/FM single-disc CD/MP3 player with four speakers, Ice Blue interior lighting, Urethane steering wheel with cruise control and 16-inch 5-spoke cast-aluminum wheels. The XLT features premium cloth-trimmed seats, six-way power driver's seat and an optional power moonroof. The top of the line Limited models come with AM/FM single-disc CD/MP3 player with six speakers and 16-inch 6-spoke bright machined-aluminum wheels. The standard and available technology features include SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with an initial six-month subscription, Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, ambient lighting, steering wheel audio controls, and auxiliary audio input jack.

Safety Features

The Ford Escape gets a number of new features that improve safety and make driving more convenient. Escape is the first Ford Motor Company vehicle to feature SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information - helping reduce distractions while accessing important route and traffic information. Integrated Spotter Mirrors, MyKey system by which parents can program the vehicle key through the message center to incorporate features that lead to safer teen driving, Anti-Lock Brake System and Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), Safety Canopy Personal Safety System, a suite of seven safety technologies, including dual-stage front air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger, side air bags and a front passenger sensor system, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system on rear seating positions are standard. The new Active Park Assist system uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, working in conjunction with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), to guide the vehicle into a parking space. Rear View Camera System is available.