Compact SUV Ford Escape. Ford Escape I - model description Numbers and awards

In 1997, Ford decided to make a small SUV, but due to the love of Americans for big cars, it was decided to abandon the idea. But soon, in 2000, the company again returned to this idea, and the Ford Escape was born, which is formally no longer an SUV, but a crossover. However, it should be said that the technical characteristics of the Ford Escape were quite competitive, being a crossover by definition, it could very well “compete” with off-road vehicles on off-road.

First generation car from 2000 to 2007

Initially, the Escape was a medium-sized crossover, and had the following dimensions:

• length 4394 mm
• width 1780 mm
• height 1755 mm
• ground clearance 200 mm
• wheelbase 2619
• base weight 1470 kg, maximum weight 1932 kg
• fuel tank volume - 57 liters.

But after the update in 2004, the size of the car grew a little due to various forms of body parts, but the interior remained the same:

• length 4442 mm
• width 1789 mm
• height 1770 mm
• ground clearance 213 mm
• wheelbase remains the same - 2619 mm
• base weight 1670 kg, maximum weight 2000 kg
• fuel tank volume - 62 liters.

It must be said that for three years (2000-2003) Ford Escape was sold in Europe with the name Maverick and had basic configurations with two gasoline engines:

• 2-liter engine, 129 hp, 183 Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100 km / h took 11 seconds, and fuel consumption was at the level of 10.2 liters in the city and 8.7 liters on the highway. With all-wheel drive, the dynamic performance looked a little more modest - acceleration to “hundreds” took already 13.5 seconds, and fuel consumption increased to 10.7 liters in the city and 9.4 on the highway. The engine was paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The maximum speed in this case was 165 km / h.
• unit with a volume of 3 liters, 203 hp, 266 Nm of torque. With such a unit, the car accelerated to 100 km / h in 8.8 seconds and consumed 12.4 liters in the city and 9.8 liters on the highway. The maximum speed is 175 km/h. Only a 4-speed automatic was installed on this version.

But, as we have already noted, after the update in 2004, in addition to a slightly modified appearance, the Escape also received a number of new motors:

• the 2-liter was replaced by a 2.3-liter gasoline engine in two power options - 135 hp. and 155 hp, with a torque of 175 and 206 Nm, respectively. With such an engine, the car accelerated to 100 km / h in 9 seconds and consumed about 10 liters in city mode and 8 liters on the highway. It was possible to choose a car with a five-speed mechanics, a four-speed automatic and a stepless variator.
• a 3-liter engine already familiar from the first generation, with a return of 203 hp, which worked all with the same 4-band classic automatic.
• since 2005, a hybrid version has been admitted. A 2.3 liter engine was produced in combination with an electric motor with a power of 65 kW. In this combination, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption and obtain improved dynamics readings, since both engines participate in acceleration. Gearbox - automatic transmission with 4 gears.

Second generation from 2008 to 2012

The second generation Ford Escape was built on a different platform, the body became more streamlined, spoilers were added and the car itself became slightly larger. Its dimensions are now:

• length 4480 mm
• width 1845 mm
• height - 1730 mm
• clearance - 201 mm
• wheelbase 2620 mm
• base weight 1605 kg, maximum weight 1986 kg
• fuel tank volume - 61 liters.

However, special attention during restyling was paid to the "stuffing" of the car. There were the following types of motors:

• 2.5 liter engine power 171 hp (instead of 2.3 l). Operating characteristics: 10.5 s to 100 km / h, consumption: 12.9 liters in the city and 10.1 liters on the highway. Since the model was the most affordable, it had a manual gearbox with 5 steps.
• The base engine (2.5 L) was paired with an electric motor, turning the Escape into a hybrid. Such a tandem made it possible to save, according to the manufacturer, up to 20% of fuel. Like most hybrid versions, a variator acted as a gearbox.
• the already familiar 3-liter engine, which was upgraded and already produced 240 hp and 441 Nm of thrust. Up to a hundred Escape “shot” in 7.4 seconds and consumed 15.8 liters in the city and 10.9 liters on the highway. Instead of an outdated machine, a new one was installed, which has 6 gears and makes it possible to use the capabilities of the power unit to a greater extent.

Generation since 2013

The third generation, in fact, is a unification with another brand model for the European market - Kuga. Throughout the history of the model, it was the third generation that radically changed both the appearance and the internal structure of the car, making it more dynamic, economical and streamlined.

Modern Escape has the following dimensions:

• length 4524 mm
• width 1839 mm
• height 1684 mm
• wheelbase 2690 mm
• ground clearance 210 mm.

the technical specifications regarding engines has the following:

• Turbocharged gasoline engine with a volume of 2.0 liters and a power of 237 hp. develops 270 Nm of thrust and is sold only in an all-wheel drive version. It is completed only with a branded robot with two clutches.
• Turbocharged gasoline engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 178 hp. with a torque of 240 Nm, it can be either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It is aggregated together with mechanics and a classic machine gun.
• Gasoline engine with a volume of 2.5 liters and a power of 168 hp. Such a motor is placed on the basic front-wheel drive version paired with a manual transmission.

Complete sets and prices of 2013

Escape was officially sold in Russia only from 2008 to 2010 in one single configuration: 2.3 liters, 145 hp, four-wheel drive and a 4-speed automatic. Average prices in the secondary market range from 660 to 790 thousand rubles, depending on the year and the optional set.

But, starting in 2013, the Escape model with significant changes returned to the Russian market again, but with a different name - Kuga and is sold in four trim levels:

1. Trend - 949,000 basic version with a 1.6-liter engine and manual transmission. Includes the most needed options, including air conditioning, fog lights, six-speaker radio package, as well as all active and passive safety systems.
2. Trend Plus - from 1,049,000 to 1,129,000 rubles. It differs from the previous version in the possible presence of all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. In addition, this equipment includes the following options: dual-zone climate control, light-alloy 17th wheels, an alarm system with a volume sensor and electric windshield heating.
3. Titanium - from 1,226,000 to 1,341,000 rubles. In this version, the car has four-wheel drive and automatic transmission (classic or robot) and includes a richer list of options: combined leather and fabric trim, rain sensor, light sensor, cruise control, Sony Hi-Fi music system with 9 speakers and a color display on the front panel and a different design of rims.
4. Titanium Plus - from 1,470,000 to 1,520,000 rubles. The most expensive version is equipped as follows: 18th alloy wheels, a hands-free trunk opening system, bi-xenon headlights with a washer, a panoramic roof with a sunroof and an electric drive, leather trim, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a navigation system.

Conclusion

The Ford Escape is without a doubt a global model. Based on a sister model using Japanese technology, it was sold around the world under various names. In general, 2012 for the Escape model, which was born in 2000, can be considered the last. Yes, a model under that name is now officially sold on the market, but this is a different car, with a different platform and a different story. From a technical point of view, the 2013 Escape is a copy of the 2013 Ford Kuga, a car that was created specifically for the European consumer. Kuga and Escape are twin brothers and differ only in name. It was not Japanese engineers who had a hand in the creation of this tandem, but specialists from Volvo.

You can see how the modern masterpiece Escape 2013 is created from the following video:

Although the manufacturer referred the Escape to a line of SUVs that also included the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition, this model was a crossover with limited off-road capabilities. "Escape" of the first generation was produced from 2001 to 2007 with front or all-wheel drive and only in a five-door body. Production was established at two factories in the United States, and various modifications were later produced in the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The first generation of "Escapes" got on the conveyor at the end of 2000. In the Ford model line, this car stood one step below the large and frame Explorer, while surpassing the Honda and Toyota compact crossovers in size. At that time, most American SUVs were built and intended primarily for the transport of heavy loads. However, the Ford concern realized in time that not all owners of all-wheel drive vehicles drive off-road and carry concrete blocks with them, so the Escape was made according to the European recipe: and with an independent suspension.

In the European market, Escape was sold under the name Maverick, in addition, he had a Japanese twin brother - Mazda Tribute. In the United States, there was also a luxury version of this crossover, called the Mercury Mariner, which was discontinued at the same time that the Mercury brand was abolished.

In 2005, a restyling was made, and a year later, the Maverick disappeared from the European market. Thus, in the countries of the Old World until 2009 (), Ford did not have a single model that could occupy the niche of compact crossovers.

In 2006, the production of "Escapes" began in Taiwan. The cars, called ZC Escape, have changed a lot in appearance, having received different optics, new bumpers and a hood. As for internal and technical changes, the rear drum brakes were, and the 4-speed "automatic" became the only option when choosing a gearbox. In 2008, production of the ZD Escape began in Taiwan. External changes again affected the bumpers and optics. In addition, the only 6-cylinder unit disappeared from the engine line, only a 4-cylinder 2.3-liter engine remained.

Technical features

"Escape" had nothing to do with the older models: this car was not equipped with 8-cylinder engines, the volume of the trunk and interior, compared to the full-size Expedition, was quite modest. But most importantly, it could not be fully called an SUV. The all-wheel drive system, developed by the American corporations Dana, worked according to a typical "crossover" scheme: the rear axle was connected only when the front wheels slipped. This model did not have the ability to use a hard-wired permanent all-wheel drive with a 50 to 50 torque distribution, just as there was no downshift. Moreover, the AWD system was an option, a considerable number of "Escapes" rolled off the assembly line with a drive only to the front wheels.

There were only three engines, of which a 3-liter 200-horsepower unit was considered the most optimal choice, making the Escape a fairly dynamic car. The downside was increased fuel consumption, not far behind the larger and heavier Explorer.

The only recall of the model was made due to a problem: the car could start to accelerate spontaneously. In total, almost half a million Escapes were withdrawn.

Safety

According to the results of crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Ford Escape received four stars out of five for the safety of the driver and front passenger in a frontal impact, five stars for a side impact and three for the safety of passengers during a rollover.

Interesting Facts

In 2003-2004, "Escapes" were considered one of the most non-theft cars in the United States. Insurance company experts explained this, in particular, by the fact that all Escapes were equipped with the SecuriLock system. , if he found that the ignition key was not "chip" or the "chip" sewn into it was not related to a particular car.

In 2004, the hybrid "Escape" was built, which became the first hybrid SUV in the North American market. The total power of the electric and gasoline engines was 155 hp. The car accelerated to 163 km / h, and the average gasoline consumption was 7.8 liters. In the second half of 2004, 17 thousand hybrid "Escapes" were produced, four times more than originally planned. These cars were very popular with taxi drivers.

Competitors

The main competitors of Escape are Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 of the same model years. Ford is not inferior to them in reliability, more often it is richer equipped, and with a three-liter engine it is also more dynamic. In addition, the "American" is unpretentious in maintenance and inexpensive to repair.

Buyers

Ford has clearly defined the target audience of Escape buyers: people who want a compact four-wheel drive car for driving on the roads, not on rough terrain. Frame, heavy SUVs with “honest” all-wheel drive for this category of buyers are too big and voracious. In addition, those who fall into the target audience of "Escapes" do not need to transport bulky cargo or six passengers at a time. In Russia, used Escape and Maverick are still popular as an inexpensive and not too costly to repair alternative to Japanese crossovers.

Numbers and awards

The hybrid "Escape" in 2005 became the "Best SUV" according to the jury of the North American Truck of the Year competition.

The same modification became the best-selling American hybrid in the US market: by 2010, 106,467 hybrid Escapes were sold.

In total, almost 1,200,000 Escapes were sold in the North American market between 2000 and 2007.

The Ford Escape has replaced the compact Ford Maverick, which until recently was one of the most popular Ford SUVs (mainly in the US, where it has been in the top of sales for a very long time). In Russia and in Europe, things were not going well with Maverick, but the car was “know”.

New Ford Escape, by the way, is not so new. All units: transmission, power unit, all-wheel drive - all of them have long been known, they can even be called obsolete. Because Ford Escape technical characteristics and does not shine. But as a family station wagon for accomplished people, the Ford Escape is perfect.

In general, usually when a model becomes obsolete, the simplest and most common method of regaining public interest in a car is restyling. But in the case of the Ford Maverick, it happened differently - the positioning of the model remained the same, but almost everything else has changed, right down to the name. The fall in demand for the Maverick forced Ford to practically create a different car… although, in fact, the SUV was simply updated and renamed the Ford Escape.

In short, whatever it is, the Ford Escape is a family all-terrain wagon. The main buyers of the Ford Escape are people aged 35~45 years, for whom the striking appearance of the car is not a priority. Therefore, the design of the Ford Escape SUV is as simple and restrained as possible. The exterior of the Ford Escape is the strict forms of the classic station wagon - a slightly inclined front pillar and a vertical rear - forms that have been verified over the years. Is that a stylish plastic body kit around the perimeter and a wide grille gleaming with chrome, give the Ford Escape some recognition. Ford Escape stock light is halogen, but it does not shine in the best way.

Inside, the Ford Escape is just as simple as it is outside, but quite worthy: inexpensive and practical plastic, “gray” velor. What you might not like is the branded blue backlight of the dashboard (in the dark, it strongly “blurs” the eye, which makes it very difficult to read information from the devices). Three regulators on the center console are responsible for climate control in the Ford Escape. But it is not so easy to deal with them because of the non-standard inclusion algorithm. The zero position, Off mode, is in the middle, and not on the side, as is usually the case. Of course, you can get used to everything, but this decision cannot be called convenient.

But one of the most important features of a family car, which is the Ford Escape, is the spaciousness in the cabin. And at first glance, there is not much space in the Ford Escape. But this is not entirely true - this impression is created due to the high floor: the ground clearance of the Ford Escape is 21 cm. And there is enough space in the station wagon. An extensive range of adjustments and a high ceiling will allow even a very tall person to sit behind the wheel. And the back will not be crowded and the three of us, only an almost vertical sofa back can cause inconvenience. As for the trunk, with an SUV length of 4.5 m, a sufficient volume is also allocated for luggage. To load bulky things, you need to open, by the way, the fifth door, which is light, but you can throw a trifle through a separately opening rear window.

Also, last but not least, a family car is chosen for reasons of safety and behavior on the road. Well, in terms of safety, the Ford Escape is all right - belt pretensioners, front and side airbags, and an ESP stabilization system are installed here. But the dynamics and handling of Ford Escape, frankly, mediocre. It’s definitely not possible to drive a Ford Escape - only a measured ride.

The 2.3 liter petrol engine produces 145 hp. With. at 6000 min-1. This is a lot, but it can accelerate a car like the Ford Escape to 100 km / h in only 12.1 seconds. The obsolete four-speed “automatic” also contributes to the sluggish dynamics of the Ford Escape. It does not quickly adapt to driving style. To speed up this process, you can switch to a mode without fourth gear, but this will not particularly affect the acceleration dynamics. The Ford Escape reaches its top speed of 161 km/h in third gear. When switching to the fourth, the revolutions are reduced to 4000 min-1, and the speed gradually decreases to 155 km / h. This mode can be called economical or “highway”.

The steering of the Ford Escape is not informative. The steering wheel is light, but short-stroke saves it: only 2.9 turns from lock to lock. And with sharp alternating loads, the performance of the power steering drops, which is why the steering wheel begins to get heavier, but does not “bite”.

In terms of maneuverability, the Ford Escape has multi-link suspension front and rear. Front McPherson with anti-roll bars, rear - with double transverse and trailing arms. As a result, the suspension turned out to be as elastic and comfortable as possible. It easily dampens any irregularities without disturbing even noise. And the high ground clearance and high center of gravity caused modest performance in rearrangements and slalom. After loading the Ford Escape to full weight, the result decreased by another 2~3 km/h. Which proves once again that the Ford Escape is designed for a measured and comfortable ride, and not for racing.
In the braking test, the Ford Escape performed consistently well.

In general, the Ford Escape has become a worthy continuation of the Ford Maverick. It is reliable, simple and comfortable. Ford Escape does not claim leadership in its class. This station wagon is aimed exclusively at a certain segment of customers (adults 35-45 years old - a family that loves outdoor activities and country trips). The choice of Ford Escape may be dictated by exceptional practicality.
Ford Escape will provide the owner with a spacious interior with a good transformation. Its engine, although not new, is quite economical. Appearance is calm and, one might say, neutral.
Ford Escape already in the basic configuration offers a very wide range of options. There are only two trim levels (XLT and Limited) - differing only in the presence of a sunroof, leather interior, rear parking sensor and climate control instead of conventional air conditioning.

Prices for Ford Escape the following: XLT costs just over 900 thousand rubles, and Ford Escape Limited is sold at a price of ~ 1 million rubles.

Specifications Ford Escape:

• Overall dimensions LxWxH, mm: 4480x1845x1730
• Wheelbase, mm: 2620
• Front wheel track, mm: 1545
• Rear wheel track, mm: 1535
• Front overhang, mm: 920
• Rear overhang, mm: 940
• Entry angle, degrees: 27
• Departure angle, degrees: 30
• Ground clearance, front axle, mm: 201
• Ground clearance, rear axle, mm: 242
• Cargo compartment WxH, mm: 1335x950
• Curb weight XLT/Limited, kg: 1605/1625
• Gross vehicle weight, kg: 1986
• Engine:
  • Engine type: 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve / Electronic fuel injection with EEC V control system / Electronic non-contact ignition system
  • Engine size: 2261 cm 3
  • Maximum power: 107 kW (145 hp) at 6000 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 200 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Fuel tank, l: 61
• Recommended fuel type: 92
• Maximum speed: 160 km/h
• Emission toxicity level: Euro 4
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission
  • 1st gear 2,800
  • 2nd gear 1,540
  • 3rd gear 1,000
  • 4th gear 0.700
  • Reverse gear 2,333

5 doors SUVs

History of Ford Escape / Ford Escape

In 2000, the family of Ford SUVs with names that begin with "E" was replenished with another model - Escape. Work on the creation of this car began back in 1997, but Ford spent a long time analyzing how massive a small SUV could be, and whether the Escape would turn out to be just a small-scale product.

The car was created in collaboration with Mazda Motor Corp. Its dimensions exceed the Grand Cherokee by 165 mm, the length of the Escape is 4394 mm. The monocoque body and rack-and-pinion rudder provide improved handling and fuel economy. The off-road properties of the Ford Escape are guaranteed by a transmission with a permanent drive to both axles, while the driver can turn on the center differential lock and then the torque is distributed in a 50/50 ratio.

The range of engines is represented by two. The base version is equipped with a 2 liter 130 hp 4-cylinder Zetec. As an option, a 3 liter 200-horsepower 6-cylinder V-shaped Duratec is offered. Front-wheel drive, but - again as an option - it can be full. Transmission 5-speed manual as standard with 2.0L engine. Zetec or automatic complete with a 3.0 liter engine. Duratec V-6.

The front axle is equipped with a MacPherson strut design with reinforced lower control arms. The rear suspension, unlike many classmates, is made independent. Standard on the XLT and optional on the XLS, four-channel ABS is logically complemented by an electronic brake force distribution system.

The Escape chassis is a joint development between Ford and the Japanese corporation Toyota. Moreover, it is almost completely borrowed from the Mazda Tribute. This is done in order to reduce the cost of producing components, due to their interchangeability.

Outwardly, the Escape is quite sporty, easy to drive, and relatively economical in terms of fuel consumption. The carrying capacity is at a height, the car will help to transport both a small boat and a snowmobile.

Beginning in the summer of 2004, Ford's Kansas City plant produced the 2005 model year Escape, powered by a hybrid engine. The modification is called Escape Hybrid.

It is equipped with two power units: gasoline and electric. The first four-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection with a capacity of 2 liters and 127 hp. With. The second has a power of 65 kW. The battery that feeds it is located under the trunk floor.

Engines are used both together and separately. The choice of the source of thrust is carried out by electronics. During acceleration, both engines are running. The electric motor helps the gasoline counterpart, reducing fuel consumption. In cruising mode, the internal combustion engine recharges the electric battery. During braking, a special recovery system takes heat from the brakes, turning it into electricity and recharging the battery. At stops, the gasoline engine is automatically turned off, and the air conditioner, audio system and other devices are powered by a battery. The main advantage of the hybrid Escape is its economy: it provides the same dynamics as the flagship Escape with a V6 engine, while consuming much less fuel. Not only its owners will be satisfied, but also environmentalists - the American hybrid is certified according to the PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) standard, that is, it belongs to cars with an ultra-low level of pollution.

The same options, body colors and gearboxes are available for the Escape Hybrid. Just like the regular Escape, the hybrid is available not only in all-wheel drive, but also in a mono-drive version.

The second-generation Ford Escape crossover has two different versions. The Asian version has been produced in Taiwan since 2006, it was sold on the Russian market from 2008 to 2010. The Russian version of the Escape received a 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve Duratec series engine with a volume of 2.3 liters and a power of 145 hp. with 4-speed automatic transmission. Torque - 200 Nm at 4000 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km / h takes 12.1 s. The maximum speed is 161 km/h. The engine is quite economical and fits into the Euro-4 standards.

The North American Ford Escape has been made since 2008 at a plant in Missouri. It is designed for gasoline engines 2.5 and V6 3.0 with a capacity of 171 and 240 hp. respectively. The gearbox can be manual or automatic, and the drive can be front or all-wheel drive. Such cars were not officially delivered to our country.

The European and American versions look completely different, although they are built on the same platform. On the exterior of the Asian version of the Escape, specialists from the Ford Design and Technology Center in Taiwan worked. The design turned out to be as restrained and simple as possible. The exterior does not shine with bright details. The strict forms of the classic station wagon body are a slightly inclined front pillar and a vertical rear. Except that the stylish plastic body kit in a circle is a little out of the general outline, and the wide radiator grille, stretching from the left to the right headlight, invitingly gleams with chrome.

In the cabin, everything is as simple as possible, but quite worthy: inexpensive, practical plastic, “gray” velor. An important factor for a family car is the space in the cabin. The Escape has plenty of space to accommodate passengers comfortably. An extensive range of adjustments and a high ceiling will allow even a tall person to comfortably fit behind the wheel. Behind will not be closely three together. With regard to the trunk, with a car length of 4.5 m, sufficient space is allocated for luggage. To load bulky items, you have to lift the fifth door, and you can throw a trifle through a separately opening rear window.

Escape 2008 has lost the ability to hard lock the differential, instead getting an electric clutch and all-wheel drive system Intelligent 4WD System. It allows you to intervene in the operation of the transmission: by pressing the "4x4" key on the console, you can install a permanent all-wheel drive without a variable distribution of torque between the axles. Short overhangs and a decent ground clearance of 201mm make the Escape less vulnerable on bad road sections. Plus a long-stroke and rather energy-intensive suspension, equally confidently behaving both on asphalt and on potholes. The Ford Escape has multi-link suspension front and rear. Front McPherson with anti-roll bars, rear - with double transverse and trailing arms.

For the first time on Ford models, electric power steering (EPAS) appeared here. The level of passive and active safety has been increased - a set of six airbags and curtains, belt pretensioners, as well as the proprietary Advance Trac dynamic motion stabilization system with RSC function (prevention of rollover when driving uphill) are installed on all cars.

Time does not stand still, already in 2009 the Escape went through a restyling. If outwardly the car has changed slightly, then the insides have been seriously reworked.

All aerodynamic changes to the exterior had one goal - to reduce fuel consumption. A deeper front spoiler and a small spoiler at the rear, in front of the rear wheels, gave the car a more streamlined appearance against oncoming airflow.

The update also affected the interior, adding new composite materials. New soundproofing materials have also appeared, contributing to a significant reduction in the noise level in the cabin. As before, Ford has remained true to itself - all the keys are large and distinct. The controls for the various systems are clearly visible and illuminated if necessary. The standard audio system is capable of playing MP3 discs, in addition to AM and FM, there is also Sirius satellite radio. The auxiliary jack allows you to connect an external audio device. The system also has voice control, USB-port.

Between the seats there is a spacious niche where you can put a small laptop or bag. The rear monolithic seat is slightly delineated into two sections, but the passenger sitting in the center will hardly notice or feel uncomfortable. Thanks to the folding rear seats (60/40), you can significantly increase the capacity of the trunk.

Global changes have affected the engine. An economical 2.5-liter 171-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is now available in the range. The 3-liter 6-cylinder V-twin engine has been revised, resulting in its power increased to 240 horses at 6,550 rpm. Also, cars began to be equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.