Because of its compact dimensions and good visibility, the Escape is a piece of cake to park. Aiding the process further is a new back-up sensor. Its small footprint contains a voluminous, versatile load space. This one was proven with a load-the-Escape contest. With its rear seats folded flat, the luggage bay swallowed a surprisingly large assortment of suitcases, boxes and coolers.

The new interior features a two-tone dashboard: black upper, dark-brown lower. Leather seats and steering wheel are standard on the 4x4 model. The center console is a large panel integrating HVAC and audio systems. The CD player (with in-dash changer on the 4x4) plays MP3 files.

For now, the 2.3 liter mated to all-wheel drive, is the top variant. The 3.0 liter V6, while delivering delicious doses of acceleration, comprised the minority of Escape sales; the V6 bows out due to the pressure of high fuel prices. Warranty is now at three years / 100,000 kilometers.

Though the car’s profile is still familiar, the front fascia has been revised with new bumpers, hood, headlights, and grille. Taillights are individual round lamps under clear lenses. Two-tone paint is standard on the four-wheel drive XLT, as are the now de-rigueur sideview-mirror mounted turn signals. The overall look is reminiscent of the previous-generation Range Rover, down to the split-three-spoke alloy wheels; the dark green color of our test unit must have added to this impression. Thanks to its timely update, the Escape’s surprising off-road ability and on-road comfort was not just a case of déjà vu. - Jason K. Ang.

Rejuvenation

Let's settle on one fact: the Ford Escape isn't exactly the newest compact SUV out there.  Originally launched in the early 2000s, the Escape endeared its way to Filipinos (us included) with its impeccable combination of space, comfort and of course, the Ford tough SUV styling.  Six or so years on, it's ripe for a major nip and tuck procedure to keep it fresh and rejuvenated for the next couple of years before its all-new replacement bows in.  Has it worked?  That depends on how you look at things.

If you demand that a mid-cycle facelift requires a complete overhaul of its body panels, then you're out of luck.  From just about every angle, the 2007 Ford Escape is exactly like its originating forbearer.  There are some elements already launched a couple of years back with the Escape's ultra-minor revision: dual bulb headlamps and the retractable antenna.  Of course now, more changes enter the fray.  For instance, there's more bright work: a horizontally slat chrome grille (as seen in Ford's other SUV line-up), chrome detailing on the door handle (shared with the Mazda Tribute) and chrome on the rear lift gate.  The side mirror now incorporates turn signal repeaters as well--but perhaps the ones on the front fender should have been deleted for the sake of aesthetics.  Perhaps the only real gripe comes from the rear lamp cluster.  Although incorporating nice new LED brake lamps, it looks too tacked on, too Banawe especially with the reverse lamps shrugged off to the lower side of the bumper.  Overall though, the new Escape looks more mature and toned down while keeping the rugged and tough look.  Some may find the styling too dated, but SUV purists will certainly like the no nonsense styling.

The interior was the Escape's biggest weak point before and it was addressed the most with this iteration.  The column shifter finally disappears and replacing it is a new floor-mounted system.  Although it robs some space for the front occupants, everyone but the truly obese will find it comfy.  The center console's also been replaced with a rotary dial heavy system.  The integrated audio system is quite nice with four 5 x 7 inch (plus 2 tweeters on the XLT) speakers with 45 watts PMPO.  By OEM standards, that's generous.  Both model variants receive MP3 capable systems, with the XLT receiving a 6-disc in-dash changer unit.  Sadly though, an auxiliary input isn't present.  The gauges have also been replaced with easier to read dials with blue lightning.  Dubbed "Ice" lighting, it's Ford's lighting system also seen in its other North American SUVs.  Overall interior quality is up compared to before with nice and sturdy plastics and high-quality leather (fabric on the XLS).  There are still minor trim issues, but it's a very big leap from before.

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