![]() Standard wheels measure 15 inches in diameter, but 16-inch tires are available. The four-door Escape rides a 103.2-inch wheelbase, has a four-wheel-independent suspension and uses unibody construction. The rear liftgate has a flip-up window that opens separately. Traditional styling resembles Ford’s full-size SUVs and trucks, though on a smaller scale. The 2005 face-lift included new front and rear fascias, an eggcrate grille, new headlights and restyled wheels. Two new colors are offered on 2006 Escapes, and the 2.3-liter engine is now an option on XLT models.Ī new Escape Hybrid that operates with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor debuted in the 2005 model year. XLS, XLT, XLT Sport and Limited trim levels are available. A new Intelligent automatic four-wheel-drive system became available.Īntilock brakes are standard, and Safety Canopy rollover protection is optional. For the first time, four-cylinder models were available with an optional automatic transmission. Given a fresh look inside and out for 2005, the Escape got a new 2.3-liter Duratec four-cylinder that develops 153 horsepower. They promise carlike ride and handling and the security of available four-wheel drive. All are considerably smaller than traditional truck-based SUVs. Both models were developed in tandem and compete against other small, car-based SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. ![]() However, with even the inexpensive Korean marques already bringing diesel power and five speed autos to the table, Ford's reluctance to move with the times in this area could hurt the Escape's chances to dominate the sales charts.Ī fate the Territory seems comfortably impervious to, never mind SUV sales, the hugely popular wagon was the forth most popular vehicle sold in New Zealand in 2005.Ford’s first car-based sport utility vehicle debuted for the 2001 model year as a result of Ford’s controlling interest in Mazda, which produces the similar Tribute SUV. ![]() The entry-level 2.3 litre Escape starts at a price of $39,990, the 3.0 litre XLT, $42,490. On a short gravel road section, where the Territory couldn't use all of its power, the Escape didn't embarrass itself, a credit to its 4WD system. Neither engine option sets the tarmac on fire though, and we felt the potential of the engines were limited by the aging technology of a four-speed automatic transmission.Ī new electro magnetic coupling activates 4WD, as wheel slip is detected. The more user-friendly interior also enjoys new colour and fabric treatments.ĭepending on how quickly you wish to 'escape' the mid-size SUV is available with a 2.3 litre four cylinder developing 109kW, or a 3.0 litre, 154kW six cylinder power unit, both engines receive VVVT (variable valve timing) to aid fuel efficiency and power output. The interior has been modernized, the most welcomed change being the use of a central positioned T-shifter, dumping the column shift mechanism the out-going Escape offered. The new three-bar chrome grill looks good, but in our opinion lacks the handsome appeal of its Aussie stablemate. The resemblance is there, but not strikingly obvious, the two vehicle's really are more like cousins. The smaller escape, said Ford's Managing Director, Richard Matheson, "Has a distinctive Ford DNA, and now closely resembles its best selling bigger brother, the multi-award winning Territory." In between driving the new force fed Territory, we also got some wheel time in Ford's face-lifted Escape. Smart Charge – Intelligent Battery Charger.
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