2011 Ford Escape Reviews

The 2011 Ford Escape ranks 19 out of 24 Affordable Compact SUVs. The Ford Escape lead the compact SUV segment back when it was first introduced in 2001. Ford has added HD Radio this year and this feature compliments the much loved SYNC entertainment system, programmable MyKey and active park assist, a system which allows the Escape to parallel park itself with very little driver involvement.

Consumers looking at the 2011 Ford Escape should be sure to check out competitors compact SUVs. The Escape, however, does start almost $600 cheaper.

The 2011 Ford Escape offers all but one new feature over the 2010 model: HD Radio. The 2011 Ford Escape is available in three trims -- the base XLS, XLT and top-of-the-line Limited. The Escape also comes in a hybrid version, which is reviewed separately and costs $9,000 more than the gas-only Escape.
Options available on the 2011 Escape include Ford’s SYNC in-car entertainment system, active park assist which can parallel park the car with little driver involvement and MyKey, a programmable key which can set a speed limit on your Escape among other things.

The 2011 Ford Escape adds HD Radio capability for receiving higher-sound-quality broadcast programming where it’s available. Should you buy a 2011 Ford Escape or wait for the 2012 Ford Escape? No question -- hold out for the 2012 Ford Escape. There are no changes to the 2011 Ford Escape’s old-school styling. Interestingly, the 2001 Escape was one of the very first crossover SUVs. The 2011 Ford Escape comes in base XLS, midline XLT, and top-level Limited trim.
The 2011 Ford Escape repeats with a choice of two gas engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. All versions are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base front-drive XLS model comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The 2011 Escape Hybrid again combines the four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 177 total horsepower. The 2011 Escape Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With the four-cylinder engines, Escapes can tow trailers weighing up to 1,500 pounds. Hybrid Escapes are rated to tow 1,000 pounds.

Escape feels old on the road and dated inside. Also available is Ford’s MyKey system.
The Ford Escape has been a staple in Ford’s SUV line-up for over a decade.

During test drives, the 2011 Ford Escape handled much as it always has. The "2011 Ford Escape" comes with a choice of engines. With one of the Hybrid Escape models, you will enjoy the four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for a total rating of 177 Horsepower.

With the traditional Escape models, a five-speed manual transmission is included with front-drive models, while the V-6 engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
If you like the handling and features of the older Escape models, you will be pleased with this one.

Other vehicles have advanced upon the features that the Escape once had. Nevertheless, the 2011 Ford Escape is better than many other vehicles in its class.