The base turbo-three gas engine, while somewhat grumbly and unrefined, provides adequate acceleration and managed to motivate an all-wheel-drive Escape SE to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds at our test track the plug-in hybrid model matched this result. To tackle competition in the form of the Honda CR-V hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Ford offers two Escape hybrids-one of which is a plug-in-and those powertrains consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that combine to make 210-hp. The Escape offers a wide range of powertrains, starting with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. To increase the Escape ST-Line's digital footprint, opt for the Premium Technology package, which substitutes a 13.2-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital gauge display for the Escape's standard 8.0-inch units. The interior is dressed in all black with red contrast stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The ST-Line comes with unique 18- or 19-inch wheels, body-colored lower cladding, a mesh grille, and a rear spoiler.

Doing so requires the Select package, which also adds all-wheel drive. We'd go with the ST-Line model as it's the cheapest way to unlock the more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. While the Escape is a solid effort, a host of competitors in this large class offer more dynamic and attractive models-including those outdoorsy versions better suited to slogging along muddy trails. An abundance of cheap plastic is visible in the lower trims, though upgrading to the ST-Line or Platinum brings better materials. Inside, there's adequate space for passengers and generous room for luggage, though the cabin isn’t particularly plush. From the outside, the Escape’s conservative lines are handsome. Front-drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available with all but the PHEV powertrain.

To that end, the Escape offers a wide range of powertrain choices that includes a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder, a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-the latter making this two-row crossover zippier than many rivals. While more and more manufacturers are expanding their compact crossover lineups with models outfitted for light-duty off-roading, Ford continues to focus the Escape on a more traditional mission: straightforward, mainstream, on-road family transportation.

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