The Ford Escape is one of the best-selling compact SUVs on the market. That's only to be expected since its many versions and numerous technological advances make it a vehicle of choice for families or adventurous couples who don't neglect driving pleasure.

The 2021 version offers even more, with the introduction of the hybrid versions, those of which we already knew, and the plug-in hybrid version, making the Ford Escape one of the most economical in the category.

Efficient engines

With the Ford Escape, economy and driving pleasure are its main personality traits. To achieve this, Ford has installed a set of engines capable of meeting the needs of the most demanding automobiles.

For example, the basic versions are available with the proven 180-hp, 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Ecoboost engine. It comes standard with 8-speed automatic transmission but is only available on front-wheel-drive models.

The 4-cylinder 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine, however, offers standard all-wheel drive and an impressive 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. And for added driving pleasure, the 8-speed Selectshift automatic transmission is available with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

And this is where the Ford Escape gets greener since the other versions are more economical than ever. A standard hybrid version offers a 4-cylinder 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine in a Titanium version. So we not only get power, but more importantly, an average fuel consumption of 6.9 L/100 km in combined mode.

The big news for 2021, however, is the launch of a plug-in hybrid version. Equipped with the same 4-cylinder gasoline engine as its hybrid brother, it boasts a larger battery and plug-in charging. It can deliver 209 horsepower and, more importantly, an electric range of some 61 kilometers in gas-free mode.

Comfort and convenience

But the Ford Escape is more than just safety. It's also about the comfort of well-thought-out, heated seats, depending on the version, and a spacious, well-designed interior.

For enthusiasts, the Ford Escape can also become a partner in your adventures. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows you to cross more challenging areas. The vehicle's maximum towing capacity, established at 3500 pounds when properly equipped, will also enable you to carry a small trailer or snowmobiles on a trailer.

And finally, the Sync technology implemented in the 2021 Ford Escape not only allows subscription-based Internet access but is fully compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play for better integration of your smartphone.

Spacious, comfortable, and more economical than ever, the 2021 Ford Escape is the compact SUV that will satisfy all the needs of modern families or occasional adventurers.