Towing
A Trailer Package comes standard with the Limited model, which is great on Ford's part. No need to search for the correct hitch with the correct towing capacity. All you have to do is use the adaptors. The 3.0L V6 does a good job of pulling the Escape and the trailer; however, it seems to run out of breath when climbing hills. The 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive has to downshift regularly.
When towing, it's wiser not to rely on the overdrive function as the gearbox works better that way, especially when downshifting from third to second gear. The engine revs up and the entire neighborhood can hear it. That being said, the available power is appropriate in most circumstances and downshifts are still not frequent enough to irate the driver. During my trip to Mont-Tremblant, I felt that the steering was a bit too light, but the active AWD system reassured me.
I initially got the impression that the Escape's size was barely enough to tow such a load, but upon my return to Laval, I placed my car closer to the front of the trailer so as to create a better weight distribution. It worked like a charm. The truck felt safer and more stable, which was a welcomed feeling considering the long descents and strong curves on the highway when leaving Tremblant. It served as a reminder: with a compact SUV, you have to be more cautious and optimize the weight distribution both inside the vehicle and on the trailer.
As for braking, I found the pedal too high to my liking. Also, it required a lot of efforts, even with an empty Escape and trailer. (My advice is to use a trailer equipped with electric brakes.) When the trailer was load-free, I managed to stop from 100 to 0 km/h over an average distance of 41 meters.
Performance
In terms of fuel economy, I was more than satisfied: 14.1 L/100 km when towing a max load. However, the fuel tank's 62-liter capacity means that you have to stop a bit more often at the gas station (once every 440 km). With the trailer empty, accelerations are respectable, but you must remain careful when attempting a passing maneuver: 0 to 100 km/h in 11.65 seconds and 80 to 120 km/h in 8.8 seconds without overdrive (9.6 seconds with overdrive).
A good little truck
This experience proved to me that the Escape Limited represents a good choice for a small family who needs to tow a camper trailer or a midsize boat during their vacations. While you have to think about luggage quantity and weight distribution, this vehicle won't disappoint you on every other occasion. In fact, it offers decent room and versatility for all your daily needs.
Pleasant and comfortable interior layout
Cargo area versatility
Reasonable size
Visibility
AWD
No towing mode on the transmission
Steering is little responsive
Rear headrests need to be taken off when folding the seats
Weight is a constant preoccupation (trailer)
None
photo:Amyot Bachand
A Trailer Package comes standard with the Limited model, which is great on Ford's part. No need to search for the correct hitch with the correct towing capacity. All you have to do is use the adaptors. The 3.0L V6 does a good job of pulling the Escape and the trailer; however, it seems to run out of breath when climbing hills. The 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive has to downshift regularly.
When towing, it's wiser not to rely on the overdrive function as the gearbox works better that way, especially when downshifting from third to second gear. The engine revs up and the entire neighborhood can hear it. That being said, the available power is appropriate in most circumstances and downshifts are still not frequent enough to irate the driver. During my trip to Mont-Tremblant, I felt that the steering was a bit too light, but the active AWD system reassured me.
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| Not everyone has the same needs... |
I initially got the impression that the Escape's size was barely enough to tow such a load, but upon my return to Laval, I placed my car closer to the front of the trailer so as to create a better weight distribution. It worked like a charm. The truck felt safer and more stable, which was a welcomed feeling considering the long descents and strong curves on the highway when leaving Tremblant. It served as a reminder: with a compact SUV, you have to be more cautious and optimize the weight distribution both inside the vehicle and on the trailer.
As for braking, I found the pedal too high to my liking. Also, it required a lot of efforts, even with an empty Escape and trailer. (My advice is to use a trailer equipped with electric brakes.) When the trailer was load-free, I managed to stop from 100 to 0 km/h over an average distance of 41 meters.
Performance
In terms of fuel economy, I was more than satisfied: 14.1 L/100 km when towing a max load. However, the fuel tank's 62-liter capacity means that you have to stop a bit more often at the gas station (once every 440 km). With the trailer empty, accelerations are respectable, but you must remain careful when attempting a passing maneuver: 0 to 100 km/h in 11.65 seconds and 80 to 120 km/h in 8.8 seconds without overdrive (9.6 seconds with overdrive).
A good little truck
This experience proved to me that the Escape Limited represents a good choice for a small family who needs to tow a camper trailer or a midsize boat during their vacations. While you have to think about luggage quantity and weight distribution, this vehicle won't disappoint you on every other occasion. In fact, it offers decent room and versatility for all your daily needs.
 |
Cargo area versatility
Reasonable size
Visibility
AWD
 |
Steering is little responsive
Rear headrests need to be taken off when folding the seats
Weight is a constant preoccupation (trailer)
 |
None
photo:Amyot Bachand
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