2021 Ford Escape

The entry-level Escape S has 17-inch steel wheels, while just a step up to the SE gets you 17-inch alloy wheels and heated side mirrors. Add the Sport Appearance Package to the SE for 19-inch black-painted wheels and black exterior trim elements, or you can step up to the SEL for 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, and fog lights. The top-level Titanium comes with 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and the option for chrome exterior trim elements and a panoramic sunroof.

Most Ford Edge models come with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine that puts out 181 horsepower. It works with Ford's eight-speed automatic transmission and uses front-wheel drive. The Titanium gets a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with 200 horsepower and a CVT instead of a traditional transmission. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is available for the SEL and Titanium and generates 250 horsepower.

Any of the engines have the power for a smooth and efficient ride, but the turbo four-cylinder provides quicker acceleration and has the extra power you need for confident passing on the highway. The three-cylinder will get 28 mpg during city driving and up to 34 mpg on the highway.

There's room for up to five in the Escape, and its unique sliding rear seats can make extra legroom for the back seat passengers or expand the cargo area if needed. Cloth upholstery comes standard with simulated leather in the SE and the option for genuine leather in the Titanium. The SEL and up all come with automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, while the Titanium adds ambient lighting and a power-adjustable passenger seat. Technology features start with a 4.2-inch display screen and a Wi-Fi hot spot, while just a bump up from the base to the SE adds an 8-inch touch screen, satellite radio, and extra USB ports for the rear-seat passengers. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system is optional for the SEL along with a wireless charging pad, and the Titanium makes these standard.

Every 2021 Escape comes standard with driver aids such as a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with mitigation. Every trim also has forward-collision warning and automatic braking. The SE adds the option for the Co-Pilot360+ Assist package with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and an evasive steering assist system. The SEL also offers Co-Pilot360+ Assist, while the Titanium makes it standard and adds front parking sensors and an automatic parking system. Adding the Elite package to the Titanium gets you a head-up display.