by Dean Benjamin and Scott Goldenberg

Ford Escape raises the bar in small SUVs

While many in the media have been complaining about the growth of Jumbo-sized SUV’s, a new generation of small SUVs have appeared, with car-like refinement, rugged SUV looks, wagon utility and all-weather and all-road abilities. Where these small SUV’s were once the distant, second-choice alternative for those who couldn’t afford a larger SUV, these new models with their improved performance and comfort are desirable and sensible in their own right.

In the short history of the small SUV, the Jeep Cherokee is the senior citizen, rugged and useful, it remains a strong seller today. The Toyota RAV4, followed closely by the Honda CR-V brought us the next generation of SUV — based on a car chassis — they featured car-like comfort and handling, but were limited in size, partially due to smallish 4-cylinder engines. Now we are beginning to see the next generation of small SUV, car-based, larger (but not as large as compact players like Explorer and Trailblazer) and with more powerful 6-cylinder engines.

The Ford Escape is offered in 2- and 4-wheel drive models, and available with 4 and 6-cylinder powerplants. We tested the top of the line Escape XLT 4WD V6.

Ford likes its trucks and SUVs to have a family resemblance, and the Escape is no exception. Looking like a scaled-down version of the new Explorer (a handsome vehicle in its own right) the Escape has a rugged look, thanks to a lower body cladding finished in a tough pebble finish that matches the fender flares and front and rear bumpers. The standard 15-inch alloy wheels on the XLT gave our tester our roadworthy and substantial look.

To take it up another notch, we recommend the available Sport Group, which includes a unique No Boundaries rack system, chunky 16-inch alloy wheels, side step rails and privacy glass.

Inside, the Ford family resemblance is strong as well. Gauges are clear and simple to decipher, and all the controls are where you expect them to be. Sound quality was superior as well. Some may have a problem with the automatic transmission, which is column-mounted rather than on the floor as on most other small SUV’s.

It does free up some space between the front seats, but does lose some sportiness in the tradeoff.

Don’t be put off by that transmission lever though, as the Escape is a very athletic performer. Our tester was equipped with the optional 3.0-liter, V6 engine that produces a strong 200 horsepower and gave excellent acceleration around town and at freeway speeds. We highly recommend this over the 130-horsepower , 4-cylinder, especially if you are planning on the 4WD model. The All —wheel-drive system is similar to those found on other car-based competitors — excellent for poor weather and mild off-roading, and a no-brainer to operate. All together, the Escape is quite simply the most carlike small SUV we’ve driven.

The Escape comes extremely well equipped, with all models featuring standard air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors, keyless remote entry, AM/FM with CD player, tilt wheel and tachometer. Upgrade to the XLT model like our test vehicle, and you add ABS brakes, alarm system, cruise control, fog lights, premium CD/cassette audio system and alloy wheels.

The best news, the Escape starts at $18,035 for the 2WD 4-cylinder model — and for pure utility and a stylish way to get around town, tough to beat at that price. Our XLT tester with V6 and 4WD started at $21,210 and loaded with goodies topped out just above $25,000. ER