Redesigned 2012 Escape

2012 Escape is a compact crossover with completely redesigned features and it is the top-selling SUV in America, one that’s technologically advanced and fuel-efficient.

Changes for 2012

For the year 2012, Ford Escape- redesign version receives evolutionary styling changes; the 2012 model will get absolute radical revision. It remains as a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon with split-fold rear seats and rear lift gate for cargo-carrying suppleness.

If you take a look at the older as well as newer version, you will get a vibrant demonstration of small crossover-SUV designs.

Inside the Escape

Inside the new 2012 Escape, you can see munificent use of silver plastic trim on instrumental panel, center console, and doors. Overall, the vehicle carries no-nonsense cool look.

2012 Escape instrument cluster features determined round gauges with compact monochromatic LCD screen to display fuel consumption as well as other applicable information.

The center panel on dashboard does have horizontal air vents, climate and audio controls, and large color display for accommodating GPS navigation system.

Engine Specs

2012 Escape rides on entirely innovative underpinnings pinched from the redesigned 2012 Focus compact vehicle. Instead of V-6 engine, you can expect four-cylinder version of EcoBoost turbocharged direct-injected engine as 2012 Escape’s best power-plant.

The company has committed to offer EcoBoost power-trains in its models to help average fuel economy regulations for the year 2012. The vehicle’s power-train remains unchanged for the year 2011 and it has got the same 2.0-L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. You can even find the 2.0-L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine on 2011 Explorer crossover. Unfortunately, new Escape is held back by deprived braking performance.

You can expect an output power of 237 hp, approximately on par with the departing Escape V-6 engine’s 240 horses, although the turbo-4 does offer 250 pf of torque when compared to V-6 engine’s 223 hp.

2012 Escape with the engine specified offers a fuel mileage of 23/28 mpg in city/highway with manual transmission and 21/28 mpg in city/highway with auto transmission.

Price

2012 Escape Base model with FWD will be priced around $22,000 (with manual transmission) and $23,200 (with automatic transmission). With the totally redesigned version coming for 2012, new Escape will get only minimal changes for next few years, and you cannot expect any major changes before 2016.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 version is more pleasant to drive; it lacks the sophistication and mechanical polish of newer models like Chevy, Kia, Honda, Subaru, and Toyota. Among all the compact crossovers, the new Escape feels most truck-like, and the handling is pretty low. Its Hybrid’s 300 pounds hardware makes it less nimble when compared to the regular Escape.

On the other hand, electric-assist power steering makes low-speed and parking maneuvers easy; suspension is quite smoother when compared to the rough pavement than the older versions. Acceleration is adequate, although the V6 engine is not as lively as the other powerful mills found in new RAV4 and Equinox.