In Australia the Escape has one 2.0T engine paired with one eight speed torque converter automatic. I forgot to mention my thoughts on the auto - it’s entirely unremarkable most of the time but I found this car hunted around a little in harder driving. Still, it was a brand new car and would likely settle. The rotary shift knob isn’t to my tastes, though.

@brianheard4565

3 жыл бұрын

Hmm, pity they don't offer the drive train similar to the 2010 Focus I owned and which is still performing well in my family - 2L diesel /DCT - awesome combination which delivered the advertised 5.5L/100 fuel economy. Fantastic engine/transmission combination!

Great review. Having owned one of these for 3 months (exact spec) I can highly recommend. Enough room for 2 kids and the dog, gearbox did hunt in the beginning but quickly learned. The ride is actually very nice, even though somewhat firmer than it's rivals from all my test drives. Road noise is exceptional, on multiple occasions I've forgotten the ignition was on, and for an SUV it's seriously quick. Boot size could be better, but being able to move those rear seats forward is a great help. Night driving with those matrix headlights is also very welcomed experience.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Good to hear the gearbox settled down. Glad to hear you are enjoying the car.

@user-rx8qq8sk9ydv1ce5ib

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pete. If you are choosing now, Would you still go for the Vignale or PHEV version, or maybe the new Mazda cx50 phev of 330hp !

@pete6234

2 жыл бұрын

@@user-rx8qq8sk9ydv1ce5ib hmm.. tough one. I see the argument for the PHEV in CX5 spec. Honestly couldn’t be happier with the Vignale though. Tonnes of kit and lots of pace when needed. Still going strong.

@user-rx8qq8sk9ydv1ce5ib

2 жыл бұрын

@@pete6234 Thank you.

Great review Tom, I've noted your transmission comments since. This is a vehicle that could see me back in a Ford ; high enough for oldies, big enough for families , and plenty of grunt for those who like to drive with a bit of vigour. Cheers

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

It's not a bad package, John.

What happened to the cameraman. Unwilling to zoom in. e.g back air vents n y stand so far when talking bout boot space ??

Thanks Tom for the review, took delivery of escape vingale fwd 3 months ago. Vehicle has a long/great list of features and customer service from ford has been excellent. Vehicle drives really well and has plenty of power. Unsure why ford did not include any escape badging as I keep getting asked what it is, which I suppose is a great talking point. Very happy with purchase.

10k on the odo and still climbing. I love this car!

I love your car reviews, very detailed but brief, you don’t drag it out to the point they become boring. Thank you. On a side note, are you aiming for the Ed Sheeran look? It’s working. LOL 😂 Good on you mate, keep the reviews coming. 👍🏻

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that! The comparison has certainly been made.

Interested in the phev version, any chance of a review?

Wow this car looks terrific in every which way. Been really looking forward to a review of this new Escape. I'd definitely consider this SUV when next in the market for a new car. Great review Tom 👍👍👍👍👍

This looks like a decent SUV with excellent performance. My main concern with committing to a Ford is their reputation for not always getting the engineering or quality right and then burning their customers. Maybe they have changed their ways... however, I’ll probably consider a Mazda or a Toyota purely on the basis of ownership risk.

@Gdsamplify

3 жыл бұрын

Funny how times change huh? A decade or two ago, Mazda and Ford were buddy buddy and shared a lot of platforms and engines. Tribute/Escapes, 3/Focus' of yore come to mind. Ford really ruined their durability reputation with the powershift transmissions, and I really don't know how these small displacement, DI eco turbos will last in the long run. Oddly enough Mazda seems to have got the direct injection thing down OK though.

@sjb2471

3 жыл бұрын

@@Gdsamplify the particular engine in this can trace its lineage back to a Mazda-Ford co-development, meaning the basis of it is pretty solid, as Mazda have always done (rotaries excepted). The smaller displacement ones had some gasket issues etc, but the 2L is one of the better units out there.

@asimoford4994

2 жыл бұрын

We all should wait more to get its quality reports.

The camera angle was not so great. When Tom was talking about the central arm rest, wireless charging, and 2nd row air vent, these are not even in the camera frame. Then when showing the boot space, the camera was too far that the 12v socket, hooks, and spare tire are not visible.

The fact that the AU version of the Escape has the better European made chassis with the strong US 2.0T engine means it deserves more attentions and congrats Ford AU for being able to source this car for a small market.

I'll go for 2.5T Mazda CX-5

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

An excellent car and intelligently only offered with AWD

@Staff7A

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed

I just got one in the States, hybrid version and so far, really liking it. Nice room for me, nice cargo space, and a spare tire along with great gas. It is my understanding a fair amount of the newer hybrid SUV's are doing away with the mini spare tire and instead giving out a patch kit.

Test drove the base model with the Hud option pack today although I'm interested in the St-line Awd. The engine is a peach and you could easily loose your licence in this if you have a heavy right foot. The steering was precise and very direct and handling was fantastic. Only problem being is it's a 4-5 month wait if your dealer doesn't have one in stock.

The issue I have with Ford Australia is more with their interpretation of what constitutes a warranty repair than the vehicles themselves.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

So, tell us more - what went wrong

@CathodeRayNipplez

3 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars What you and I would consider a breakage Ford Au argues it's wear and tear. EG: For unknown reasons a ball joint developed so much slop the wheel aligner stated the car was dangerous and defective. Take car to Ford and service man pulls out big warranty bible and shows me the specification... +/-8mm. So go away. You're kidding right? It will completely fall off at 7mm! I hope Ford Au go the same way GM did. We dont need them.

@80serieslandcruisertv18

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve owned a few new Fords, Falcons and never had Warranty problems. Had a manual BF XR6 and it had diff clunks, common problem and Ford had upgraded diff bushes to replace the factory ones which cured the diff clunks. Fixed within a few hours and all good. Previously I had an AU Fairmont Gaia from new (well, ex demo) and the only problem I ever had in 90,000km of driving was a slight power steering leak, fixed on service without me even mentioning it and under warranty. I’ve only ever had good experiences with Ford Australia, maybe I got lucky. BTW, loved that car and miss the Falcons.

@GlowingTube

3 жыл бұрын

I won’t do business with Ford... they burn their customers.

@GlowingTube

3 жыл бұрын

@@brentonl1746 A more apt term. No wonder Toyota are smashing it in sales... looks like an own goal from Ford.

Simon really enjoy your reviews and more so now that in the latest ones you are including price, warranty and insurance. What I think would also be very helpful is to point out the reliability. We probably don't sell enough cars to have a JD Powers type index here, and not sure if that is directly applicable to the cars/models/variants we get here, but is there some benchmark in Australia for reliability that can be added to the review (I have friends who have bough range rovers and have nevery heard of their poor reputation!). Also, I can't seem to find any recent (24 mths) review of the Volvo XC60; lot of reviews of the new XC40 Plug in hybrid etc, but wondering how the volvo compares to similar cars in that range would be useful Thanks

Fantastic review, Tom. This is one of the highly under rated suv. I test drove it and I was impressed with the 2.0ltr turbo engine paired with 8 speed automatic transmission. The list of standard equipment was impressive too. Ford has made an earnest effort to turn a new leaf, looks like. Vignale- practical,comfortable with good exteriors and interiors. I wished Ford had made the interiors a little more luxurious and fine tuned the suspension. Having said this, its more powerful than the Skoda Karoq, Cx-5 and the VW Tiguan.

Remember it's a USA 2ltr turbo from a country that has traditionally done large displacement engines. The Europeans have small displacement turbo on lock.

Wish we got a better shot of inside the boot.

I am pretty partial to the ST Line model for a more than decent trim spec. For my money I would rather the alcantara style seats than cleverly stitched but ultimately less comfortable leather version.

You should do a comparison of fun small suv ( cx30, puma, yaris cross, HR-V, etc)

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

It's on the agenda!

@masterjejep1386

3 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars great

@waggaclint

3 жыл бұрын

Are any of those actual fun?

Nice! An obvious replacement for the Subaru Forrester XT.

Although the car has many class leading options, Tom seems to be talking them down flatly. Why? If it has class leading power, arguably the best handling, even acceleration curve via an 8 speed transmission, close to the largest storage in the boot, and reasonably priced capped servicing, how can all those qualities be spoken about so non-celebratory Tom?

It looks so odd and Consumer Report says it is one of the least reliable compact SUV in USA of 2020

@marcstolk6682

3 жыл бұрын

its a Ford, that's a default rating I would have thought

@sjb2471

3 жыл бұрын

Possibly true, however the US version while it may look almost the same, is quite differently built to the European version - built much more to a price for the North American market. Typically the euro version that we get is scoring quite well in the German and UK reliability index ratings

@leoesposito8762

3 жыл бұрын

@@sjb2471 yes that is very true..

@leoesposito8762

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah it is very nice and yes a st would also be good if was available here..

@ravingmad765

3 жыл бұрын

I've heard plenty of reports of issues with Ford's Ecoboost. Remember it's a USA 2ltr turbo from a country that has traditionally done large displacement engines. The Europeans have small displacement turbo on lock.

Please advise your opinion between Hond HR V and the Escape

Love ❤️ your video mate.

We get it people, Ford in Australia had a terrible reputation for customer service, which was much-deserved. A lot has changed in the last few years however with the brand rolling out what is now considered one of the very best after-sales care products of all mainstream manufacturers in Australia (someone in here compared to Lexus; obviously quite a different price point and not a mainstream brand, so not really a fair comparison - were this vehicle a Lexus, it would cost $75-85k for like-for-like specs). Customer care for them used to be appalling and the debacle around the dual clutch transmission failures was literally criminal, but in the brand’s defence, when it was fined $10m by the ACCC, it worked hard to improve its game.

@analysethis6061

3 жыл бұрын

Lexus is in a different league by itself. Its Premium Luxury. Its aftersales customer service is superb. So to compare it with a Lexus just because the car dealership offers pickup n drop facility for car service is foolish. Lexus looks after all their customers irrespective of new or used Lexus purchases. The average tenure of ownership in case of a Lexus for new car buyers is 6 to 9 years. For a Ford, its less than 3 years. Ford really needs to up its game in customer care, athough, in the present, Ford has improved leaps and bound in this area, it still falls short of a Lexus experience.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

It's true that brands should be allowed second chances if they do change their ways as Ford appears to have been doing, but they'll need to keep it up for the long term for people to know it's for real

Do you believe it will be reliable

I miss the old Ghia badge that signified the luxury for especially in Escort and Cortina days (showing my age) yet so glad a Vignale models makes it here as this would be top of my shopping list in mid size CAV (we must stop calling them inappropriately an SUV) market closely followed by a CX5 turbo I think yet I think I’d buy a base MG HS for carting crap around and a Fiesta ST for Sunday fun :)

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Ghia seems to have disappeared into the Ford ether.

@malcolmscott4150

3 жыл бұрын

They sold off the badge they bought from an Italian car design studio I think back to a coach builder to their own detriment as they’d trashed it with Ghia X models then Titanium was premium and now to Vignale - here’s hoping we gat a Focus and Fiesta Vignale to fill in the range

I see you’re frequenting your namesake street in this and many other reviews Mr Baker.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Coincidence!

Yes I will test drive the car for sure

WIth the number plates normally dealerships don't use those black holders, they use the standard kingpin ones.

It definitely would be on my shopping list if I were in the market for one. I checked out the new Escape at the dealer a few months ago without actually driving it, and I was quite impressed with the quality fit and finish. But then I learnt that it lacks power adjustment for the front passenger seat and for the steering wheel, both of which are standard in my Mondeo Titanium. I also learnt that Ford are going to be deleting heated rear seats and heated steering wheel from the Escape Vignale, among other minor equipment changes, which makes this more disappointing still. For now, I don't need an AWD SUV so my Mondeo ticks all the boxes, but if I had to have a mid size SUV, the Escape would be one of very few cars on the shortlist.

I am not a fan of SUVs. Personal taste, and this is not to be taken as a criticism of those who like them. Therefore the Escape will never be on my shopping list when I next buy a new car. I prefer a well sorted sedan or hatch with a good engine/transmission/suspension arrangement, and this is what my next car will be.

Luv your reviews, but fuel economy seems a regular miss. Please consider, I'm one of them, fuel $ in cost of ownership.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

We are building real-world running costs into our reviews - this one was shot about 3 months ago so it missed out. You will notice it becoming a regular fixture soon. Check out our recent Tiguan review to see what I mean.

Great review mate!

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

For 50k I’ll buy the xc40. Another great review Tom!

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

XC40 is a great value for around the same money.

@pastorofmuppets8834

3 жыл бұрын

Servicing costs will easily make the xc40 more expensive over time.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

That’s very true, but it’s easily 30 percent more refined. Depends what you want from a car.

@kmuinde

3 жыл бұрын

Or a fairly used xc 90 or 60

@pastorofmuppets8834

3 жыл бұрын

@@kmuinde or a really used bentayga

Didn't hear you mention the word 'transmission' once. Did I miss it?

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

8sp torque converter auto, silly rotary dial

Great review, I'm loving the local show with vehicles sold in Oz. The car looks fine. Great effort with the grille (very European) and look at those rims! Interior is ok but probably still Ford's best attempt at a mid range design. I'm not entirely sold though.

I have been waiting for this review, that engine in a mid spec would be marvelous. I have a Holden Equinox with a 188kw engine and I would probably replace it with one of these, as unfortunately they stopped the equinox in this country, as you would know when Holden closed down.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Oddly, it feels like a perfect replacement for an Equinox, if a little smaller. Seriously powerful motor for a mainstream SUV.

What about the Puma we have 2 Ford Focus a Sedan & a RS . 60;000 kilometres on both cars & looking to update. I am a Ford man. I like the Corolla,s

The title is bit misleading.. CX5 killer ?? If you remove ranger based vehicles out, Ford is performing very poor in Australia. I love your reviews by the way.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

There’s a question mark there, it’s not a statement

In almost everything, the middle is the best. Go for the trend

@waggaclint

3 жыл бұрын

They aren’t available in the trend spec, middle would be ST-Line

Champagne colour is nice

Loved Tom’s Mean Girls reference 😂 you’re a classic Tom

FYI all the dealers near me in Melb have no demos or showroom stock to have a look atop test drive. Dealer told me the factory has been shut for a month and no ETA on them getting stock. YMMV

@rod750

3 жыл бұрын

Ford dealer in Hoppers Crossing has a ST-Line demo. Pearl white FWD with ST Package. I had a drive of it last Saturday. Motor Scout told me yesterday that their dealer networks earliest delivery time is something like September!

I like this suv inside out, why they don’t put something else in stead of the traditional front blue logo

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Ford believe in their brand capital

@smule27

3 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars just like a ranger raptor, make the front grill look stunning please

The rear looks like the Corolla Cross

Was looking at the Honda HR V but the engine in the Ford looks better properstion

Thanks for the review. What’s your opinion on the CVT? That’s a deal breaker for me.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

This has a conventional eight speed auto in Australia

@robertceroli3512

3 жыл бұрын

CVT bis ok on Mitsubishi , Subaru hasn't been reported issues but stay well away from Nissan CVT known as crapco has a habit of failure between 120 and 180000km resulting in a 5+K repair bill

Sorry but you did not seem to mention what type of gearbox it had.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

8sp torque converter auto

Love ❤️

Worth mentioning that the Escape requires 95 RON fuel. Reason I mention it, when the CX-5 is fuelled as such it develops 185kW versus 183kW of the Escape. Also, CX-5 maintains 420Nm of torque regardless of which fuel you use, 38Nm more than the Escape.

@TheSpyNZ

3 жыл бұрын

BS

@JohnSmith-nz4bn

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheSpyNZ Dont agree I presume?

@sjb2471

3 жыл бұрын

Why is it still slower then?

@JohnSmith-nz4bn

3 жыл бұрын

@@sjb2471 you'll need to provide those statistics as I have no idea which is quicker. But, gearing would come to mind noting the Ford has 8 versus the Mazda's 6 speed

@jameshind6644

3 жыл бұрын

One point you missed is the Cx5 2.5l turbo is not available in lower spec cars so to get that power you would have to spend significantly more than the entry level Escape or the St line.

With 98 Octane, the CX-5 is not beaten by this, and the CX-5 has more torque. Definitely not a CX-5 Killer.

@sjb2471

3 жыл бұрын

Lol, yeah you might want to compare the acceleration figures...standing start and in-gear...

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Quite possible the Escape is producing even more again on 98, though, given it's rated for 95

Here in South Africa the "Kuga" brand has BURNED way all the trust from the public if ford is keeping that model name they wil have to work extremely hard to gain back the trust.. The HEAT is on indeed!

Looks okay. They’ve looked at the Tiguan’s wheels 😇

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Lol, quite true!

great suv

The Mazda will still sell in greater numbers over this new Ford , and will probably hold stronger resale values to...

@Peter-vn8ue

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you Scott it's only the strong sales of the Ranger and the Everest that keep Ford going in Australia. The majority of Australians prefer other brands when it comes to this class of vehicle tested here. You just have to look at the top 20 or 50 vehicles sold here to see how far down the ladder both Ford and even VW passenger vehicles are.

@scottedwards948

3 жыл бұрын

Yeh well summed up Peter , totally agree ...

The only thing I don't like is that rotary gear knob.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Rotary gearknobs are, in my opinion, horrible.

@kmuinde

3 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars I would pass from buying a car just because of it

People with some smarts would buy one of these and buy a luggage trailer rather then going to a bigger vehicle like a CX9 etc which is harder to live with in the CBD.

@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra

3 жыл бұрын

Most CX9 owners hardly live in the CBD

The Escape looks like it was designed for Florida retirees. I also see Ford is still crap at designing a modern interior. Always 10 years behind.

One year later, is it a killer? It is almost killed.

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it didn’t kill CX-5

I wish they had kept the territory.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Great car. If only Ford had taken it global.

in a daily use everything is just extra you forget the unnecessary shit you paid for that you dont even use

Someone say CX-5?

@rod750

3 жыл бұрын

Great car but a bit tight in the rear seats legroom-wise for lanky folk.

👍🏻👍🏻

For me, hyundai group is the best.. sorry ford, toyota, honda, vw, and others

Nope, good old Cx-5 still looks much better than this one & the interior is more premium. Never really understood that "Vignale" concept. It's like swimming against the current. It's Ford. It cannot be posh...

Had 3 fords including old Kuga. Never going to Buy Ford again.

The base models seats are terrible

Another failure for Ford? Probably. They just can't win. Vignale, Titanium, etc. Should of just kept that ghia nameplate.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

I generally agree with that.

Cx5 has greater torque ... At 420 nm ...

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

But less power, at 170kW.

@pauljam4122

3 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars But give a CX-5 premium fuel (as I suspect the Escape demands) then its pretty line ball on power output and still has a fair torque advantage.

@chasingcars

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, and the unknown is what the Escape is making on 98. It’s probably still ahead on power.

@scottedwards948

3 жыл бұрын

Ford doesn’t mention that 98 Ron fuel makes any difference ? Whereas Mazda does state that the premium fuel assists approx to 184kw or thereabouts ....

What have they done to the front... Looks so bland and generic 😷

Yeah but it looks crap 🤷🏽‍♂️

I will never understand, if someone buys an SUV surely it should be for comfort?? If one wants hunkered down performance, then get a sports back or wagon? (No SUVs don't provide more boot space) Ahhh yes, we are all sheep.

@michaelgrantsjustice

2 жыл бұрын

I think many prefer SUVs for the ride height and clearance, but may still want a bit of get up and boogie in the drive feel.

@patrickl6185

9 ай бұрын

I guess comfort in a way but more about ease of use. People with disabilities or the elderly find the suv style easier to live with. Speaking from experience I'd love something sporty but due to country roads and a disability can't do the ride height.

It looks outdated and boring

Why do all the wanker reviewer always do too of the range. Do a more realistic review

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

You seem nice.