Auto Blogs | Car Forums

The compact SUV market is more hotly contested right now than any of the presidential primaries or caucuses. Fortunately, the only mudslinging that goes on in this race is off-road. While many compact SUVs have pigeonholed themselves into certain categories, the Ford Escape has always remained true to its SUV roots and continues to be a rugged and versatile candidate. The availability of a hybrid model just makes the Escape an all-around winner.

For 2008, Ford completely restyled the Escape both inside and out to give the company’s entry-level SUV a look to match its rugged capabilities. The Escape we test drove was the top-of-the-line, four-wheel drive Limited model with just about every option box checked.

On the outside, the Escape is arguably one of the best looking compact SUVs on the market. Still using the same basic chassis as the 2001 Ford Escape, the fresh looks should help spark sales in the highly competitive market. The 2008 Escape now shares many design cues with other SUVs and crossovers in Ford’s lineup including the Expedition and the Taurus X. The Escape Limited features extensive chrome accents that include the large front grille, wheels, roof rack and rear decklid center trim. Combined with the Black Clearcoat paint, this Escape Limited has the looks of an upscale, luxury SUV with the price similar to its compact competitors.

All of the powertrain options are carried over from the previous model Escape. The Limited model features a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, a four-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. With EPA estimates of 17 city/22 highway, our test vehicle averaged close to 21 (combined) mpg over mixed driving conditions.

In spite of its looks, value and fuel economy, the Escape suffers in two main areas: the transmission and brakes. Even with the powerful V-6, the outdated four-speed automatic transmission makes the Escape feel lethargic and underpowered at times, while the 2008 Escape takes a regressive step by replacing the four-wheel disc brake setup on the 2001-2007 models with an antiquated rear drum setup.

Ford has already announced that the Escape will receive more enhancements for the 2009 model year including a new six-speed automatic transmission and more powerful and efficient engine options.

Inside, the charcoal leather interior provides spacious, comfortable and luxurious accommodations that many of the Escape’s competitors can’t match. Among many other highlights, the all-new interior allows for dual-zone automatic climate control, touch-screen navigation and a center console that can easily swallow a large purse or laptop computer. Some may fault the Escape’s hard plastic dash as cheap, but it added to the SUV’s rugged yet luxurious theme.

The Escape gives the versatility of an SUV in the size of a compact car. The Ford Escape has the shortest length of any other vehicle with a wheelbase only slightly longer than the Ford Focus but still manages to offer adequate cargo capacity: 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 66.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. On the highway, the Escape’s short wheelbase tended to result in a bumpy and sometimes uncomfortable ride despite the updated four-wheel independent suspension.

Considering the size and prices of many compact SUVs and crossovers are very similar, potential buyers sometimes turn to safety rating to make their final decisions. Early production Escapes received a disappointing three-star crash test rating for frontal driver protection and rollover protection (later production Escapes were upgraded to four stars for frontal impact), while standard side canopy airbag helped the Escape receive a full five stars for side impact protection.

The 2008 Ford Escape has a starting MSRP of just $19,005, while our almost fully loaded Limited test model came in at just over $31,000.