Road Test: 2019 Ford Escape Titanium

A quick look at the list of competitors that go head to head with the Ford Escape reveal a cruel reality: The current model was in need of a remake in order to keep up with the challengers.

And that’s exactly what Ford is doing with the overhauled Escape set to debut as a 2020 model.

But before it rides into the sunset, we took a ride in the 2019 Escape for one last hurrah.

And despite its long-in-the-tooth styling, there’s still enough to like about the current model.

Not to mention the fact that you might be able to get a good deal on one as dealers try to liquidate the 2019s to make room for when the 2020s arrive later this year.

Our well-equipped tester, the Titanium trim, retails for $43,239, but you could get deep discounts to make that price point more palatable.

The Escape comes with three engine choices, but the Titanium comes with the 2.0-litre 2.0-litre Twin-Scroll EcoBoost 4-cylinder version that is actually quite nice in the Escape.
With 245 horsepower and 275 ft-lb of torque on offer, there’s plenty of jump under the hood.

It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (replaced by an 8-speed on 2020 models) and on the Titanium moves power to all four wheels.

Fuel economy is rated at 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres but a week with the Escape that saw a fair amount of city driving returned an average of 12.9 L/100 km. Not great, but not brutal.

When the third generation of Escape came out, the design was one of the nicer ones among an ever-growing field of competitors.

But the rest of the field has caught up and, in many cases, surpassed the Escape’s design.

That being said; however, the Escape’s look remains appealing which can only help keep sales going until the new model arrives. The 2019 Escape has a boxier look when compared with today’s models but that isn’t necessarily a negative.

From the side, the Escape has a rakish look to it, with some accent lines – including one at the beltline. Exterior styling on the tester is accented by 19-inch wheels and optional roof-rail crossbars.
On the inside, don’t go in expecting an over luxurious cabin – that way, you won’t be disappointed.

Like the exterior, the cabin has been overtaken by more recent and luxurious-feeling interiors from the competition.

And it’s noisy as well, with engine and wind noise prevalent in the cabin.

It’s a functional interior that was, at one time, one of the best out there but time has not been kind to the design.

The 2019 Escape does come with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which is the latest iteration of the Ford system and it’s a good one when compared to the previous system. It is a very responsive system and one that is easy to use.

It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and allows you to link your Waze app to the system to provide navigation services.

The Escape we tested also is equipped with a $2,500 optional package that includes a panoramic sunroof, lane keeping system, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and a blind spot information system.

The aforementioned engine in our tester gives the Escape plenty of jump to zip around town. Acceleration is good and it has plenty of power for passing moves on the highway.

Steering response is quite good and makes the Escape a precision handler on the road.

With 2020 models on the way, buyers will have the urge to hold off for the latest and greatest models, for good reason.

But for those who want a solid ride with lots of cargo room, good power and a safe environment for your family, the 2019 Escape is still worth considering. Even more so when the steep discounts start rolling in.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium
Price as tested: $43,239.00
Freight: $1,790.00
Configuration: Front engine/Four-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre Twin-Scroll EcoBoost 4-cylinder/ 6-speed automatic
Power/torque: 245 horsepower/ 275 ft-lb of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (59.4 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 10.2 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.9 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain

Links:
Ford Canada
Driving.ca