Fully redesigned in 2020, the 2021 Ford Escape sees little changes for this model year. It is stylish, with some impressive features and powertrain options, as well as offering a solid performance.

New for 2021

• Hybrid powertrain now available on SE and SEL trim and standard on the Titanium trim
• Traffic sign recognition added to models with adaptive cruise control, joining Co-Pilot360
• Technology package gains more features, including hands-free foot-activated liftgate

Trims/Pricing

The Escape is available in four trim levels, with options for Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid on all trims (except the S trim): S, SE, SEL, and Titanium

Starting price trims:

• S – $26,550
• SE - $29,730
• SEL - $32,200
• Titanium - $36,695

All-wheel drive is a $1,500 option in all trims except the Titanium, where it is standard.

Exterior

The Escape’s sleek lines of its exterior adds style and sophistication. It offers four new colors this model year, making a total of nine colors to choose.

Colors:

• Velocity
• Rapid Red Metallic (extra cost)
• Iconic Silver (new)
• Antimatter Blue (new)
• Star Whit Metallic (extra cost)
• Desert Gold
• Carbonized Grey (new)
• Bronze Fire (new)
• Agate Black

Sport Appearance package: 19-inch black-painted wheels and black exterior styling elements – available on the SE and above trims

Convenience package: upgraded headlights, power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver’s seat, and rear armrest – available on the SE and above trims

Interior

Ford’s sporty Escape offers buyers seating for five with a roomy interior and enough head- and legroom for most adults to sit comfortably. A sliding 60/40 split-fold down seat capability in the rear seats gives you more options for space in seating and cargo.

A Convenience package includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a rear-seat armrest with two cup holders – available in SE trim and above.

*A Cold Weather package includes heated front seats, automatic climate control, and heated steering wheel – available in SE trim and above

**Synthetic Leather upholstery is available on the SEL trim and Leather upholstery is featured on the Titanium trim.

Cargo: The Escape has between 33.5 and 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row, depending on how the sliding rear seats are positioned. A total of 65.4 cubic feet of space behind the first row meets its maximum cargo capacity.

Safety

There are plenty of standard advanced driver’s aids that are included with Ford’s CoPilot360 to keep you safe on the road.

Technology

The technology list is relatively short on the base Escape, but the Titanium trim adds some nice touches.

*Included in the Co-Pilot 360 Assist suite

** Standard on the Titanium trim, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging

A Premium package 2.0 is available on the Titanium trim for about $2,100 and adds a head-up display and panoramic moonroof

Technology package: hands-free liftgate, digital instrument panel, driver-seat memory settings, 10-speaker B&O premium sound system, and wireless charging pad – available on the SEL trim and Titanium (without charging pad)

Power and Handling

The Escape is powered by two different powertrain options, with improved power and acceleration to move your vehicle well. Its sporty performance and handling make it drive more like a smaller car.

• 180-horsepower three-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine – standard on all trims but the Titanium
• 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 280 pound-feet of torque provides plenty of power – Standard on the Titanium and available on the SEL for approximately $3,400
• Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission

Fuel: It earns respectable ratings of 28/34mpg in the city and on the highway.

Towing: When properly equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Warranty

A three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty is included

Conclusion

The 2021 Ford Escape offers a punch for its size with its power and acceleration; as well as impressive standard features. It was built for style, comfort, and fun. You will want to jump up to higher trims to get some of the conveniences and power.