|
The disappearance of the four-cylinder XLT (all-wheel drive model), the XLS’s safety package has been rounded up, giving it an edge against the competition. Aside from the dual airbags from before, the XLS now receives anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, putting it at par with Honda’s two-wheel drive CR-V. However, despite the marked improvements, the XLS does suffer from a terribly spongy brake pedal. Funny thing, since in the nth time behind the wheel of an Escape, it’s only in this version that has the problem (so much for best-in-class braking). With such tremendous competition out there from Japanese and Koreans alike, the compact SUV is getting as mainstream as the compact sedan. Although all compact SUVs were supposedly designed to fit the person with the ‘active lifestyle’, it has now become nothing more than a glorified boulevard cruiser. At that, you won’t get the point if you spend just a weekend behind the wheel of the Ford Escape. It doesn’t turn as much heads as say, the Toyota RAV4 or be as frugal and comfortable as the Honda CR-V. Still, if long-term ownership proposition is being considered, the Ford Escape XLS ends up ultimately as a well-rounded package that’s worthy of a second look.● |
|
||
