As the automaker who revolutionized how Americans get from one place to another, Ford constantly evolves to meet the demands of its customers, generation after generation and mile after mile. This evolution is apparent in models like the Escape, a five-door compact crossover SUV that made its debut in 2001. Today, the 2022 Ford Escape is in its fourth generation and, as with its previous generations, effortlessly balances practicality and innovation while ushering Ford’s lineup of SUVs into the next era of cutting-edge technology and modern conveniences. Nothing shows that better than exploring everything the newest Escape has to offer.
Versatile Capability and On-Demand Power: Gas Powertrains
Ford knows that every driver has a different need, and that’s why Ford gives you a choice between two capable gas powertrains in the 2022 Escape lineup. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost comes standard on the Escape and features automatic start-stop technology that reduces fuel consumption when the Escape is stopped. This doesn’t come at the cost of power, with the 1.5-liter seamlessly restarting when the accelerator is engaged, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Balancing power and capability means equipping the 2022 Escape with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The upgrade adds Ford’s Intelligent AWD system that makes the Escape stable on a variety of terrain and ups the max towing capability to 3,500 pounds. Like the 1.5-liter EcoBoost, the 2.0-liter is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission but includes SelectShift with paddle shifters for seamless power. That power reaches 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Hybrid Power and Next-Level Efficiency: Hybrid Powertrains
As drivers look to a greener, electrified future, Ford makes the transition easier with two exceptional hybrid powertrains for the 2022 Escape. Smaller than the hybrid battery found in the third-generation Escape, the 2022 Escape’s hybrid powertrain lineup starts with a 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson-Cycle engine and a 96 kW electric motor. The lithium-ion battery, which is liquid-cooled, is now the size of a briefcase and is positioned under the floor of the second row. Together, the hybrid unit optimizes the Escape’s performance to deliver 165 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of near-instant torque with an average fuel economy of 44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
Ford sets a new benchmark in the hybrid segment with the 2022 Escape Plug-In Hybrid, which is one of the most affordable SUVs of its kind. The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-Cycle engine that’s mated to the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. It delivers the same horsepower and torque as its hybrid counterpart but pushes efficiency to an entirely new level with a combined fuel economy of 105 MPGe. Ford makes charging easy with Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging ports, the latter of which can bring the Escape to a full charge in less than 5 hours.
Connected at Every Turn: Connectivity Tech
The 2022 Escape is laden with innovative technology that keeps you connected and informed when you’re behind the wheel. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the available head-up display put the information you need right in front of you. The center touchscreen display is home to Ford’s renowned SYNC 3 infotainment system and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Ford gives you an easier way to stay connected with Ford+Alexa, which equips the Escape with a virtual assistant that can make calls, respond to text messages, add appointments to your calendar, navigate the quickest route, and so much more with simple voice commands. With the available FordPass Connect, you’ll find even more ways to stay connected with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that can support up to 10 devices within 50 feet of the vehicle, making the Escape a hotspot of productivity and a hub of entertainment.
Tools That Engineer Confidence: Safety and Driver-Assist
Ford wants you to get behind the wheel with confidence, knowing that the Escape is there to keep you safe while you’re navigating the road ahead. To engineer this, the 2022 Escape offers one of the most remarkable safety suites in the industry–Ford Co-Pilot360. The suite offers a variety of standard and available safety and driver-assist tools that actively extend your visibility around the vehicle to minimize the potential for collision.
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking monitors the traffic ahead of the Escape and alerts you to potential hazards, whether that means a vehicle is stopped ahead or a pedestrian is crossing in your path. If you fail to respond to the warning, the system automatically activates the brakes to minimize the potential for collision or impact. If you do respond, the system will enhance your braking and engage Evasive Steering Assist, the latter of which adds steering support to help you avoid a collision.
The Escape’s size makes it easy to maneuver, but tools like the Rear View Camera and Active Park Assist 2.0 add to the SUV’s agility. The standard rearview camera gives you an expansive view behind the SUV. Active Park Assist 2.0 takes the guesswork out of parking the Escape by locating a potential parking spot and navigating the SUV into and out of the space.
When you’re not navigating in reverse or parking, you can rely on tools Ford’s BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and the Lane-Keeping System to alert you to potential hazards. Ford’s Blind Spot Information System keeps an eye on the Escape’s blind spots while Cross-Traffic Alert notifies you of traffic crossing behind the SUV. As you’re cruising down the highway, you can change lanes with confidence, thanks to the Lane-Keeping System that helps you keep the Escape centered in its lane. You’ll also enjoy enhanced highway tools like Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control that actively monitors the flow of traffic ahead and adjusts the Escape’s cruising speed as needed.
Bold Design From the Inside Out: Design Features
Whether you opt for the entry-level Escape S or the fully loaded Escape Titanium, you’ll discover that every Escape offers a bold design, plenty of functional features, and many options for customization. The two-row Escape is spacious and feels even more so when outfitted with the panoramic Vista Roof that gives you and your passengers an expansive view of the sky above. The 60/40 split flat-folding rear seats add functionality to the cabin, allowing you to optimize the cabin to meet your cargo-hauling needs.
You can make the Escape truly match your style with available options like the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, or the Titanium Elite Package. The SE Sport Appearance Package makes the Escape instantly recognizable with its exclusive 19-inch Ebony-painted aluminum wheels, high-gloss black grille with chrome surround, high-gloss black skullcap mirrors, black bumpers, and black window molding. The SEL Stealth AWD Package puts the Escape in stealth mode and readies it for modest adventures on the trail by adding front and rear skid plates. The package also adds ActiveX seating upholstery with suede inserts and red accent stitching, black exterior Ford badging, and a gloss-black upper grille.
The Titanium Elite Package is for those looking for next-level luxury in the Escape. The package adds 19-inch Luster Nickel-painted aluminum wheels, silver skid plates, and a chrome front grille with horizontal bars and a chrome surround that make the Titanium instantly recognizable. Other upgrades include dual-colored leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless charging station, and a head-up display.
Plan Your Escape
The 2022 Ford Escape continues its legacy in the Ford lineup as a versatile and affordable SUV. It’s fun to drive with its car-like handling, easy to maneuver with its compact size, and efficient thanks to its gas and hybrid powertrains. This makes the Escape an easy choice for anyone looking for a spacious crossover with an affordable price tag and loads of innovative features that add to its value and ensure you have all the tools you need for your next adventure.
