​A Closer Look at One of Ford's Most Popular Compact SUVs

The Ford Escape has been a go-to pick for drivers who want a compact SUV that's fun to drive, easy on fuel, and loaded with the right amount of tech. Whether you're running errands around Elkhart, heading to work, or packing up for a weekend trip, the Escape fits right in. At S&H Auto Group, we're big fans of this SUV, and we carry pre-owned Escapes across our locations so you can find one that works for your budget and lifestyle.

• The Ford Escape offers four different powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for those who want to save at the pump.
• Six available trim levels give you plenty of ways to match the Escape to your style, from everyday practical to sporty and loaded.
• A sliding second row and up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space mean this compact SUV is anything but cramped.

We put this guide together to help Northern Indiana drivers understand what makes the Escape such a strong choice in the compact SUV segment. Below, we'll break down the trim levels, powertrain choices, and the features that matter most so you can decide which Escape fits your daily drive best.

Powertrain Options That Fit the Way You Drive

The Escape offers three engines and four powertrains: a 2.5L I-4 Hybrid, a 2.5L I-4 Plug-In Hybrid, a 2.0L EcoBoost, and a 1.5L EcoBoost. That's a ton of flexibility for a compact SUV. The base 1.5L EcoBoost puts out 180 horsepower, while the available 2.0L EcoBoost cranks that number up to 250 horsepower, which gives you more passing power on the highway and a bit more fun behind the wheel.

If fuel savings matter most, the hybrid powertrain is worth a look. The 2.5L hybrid produces 192 total system horsepower and delivers combined fuel economy ratings that can hit around 39 MPG in real-world driving. The plug-in hybrid kicks things up another notch. With 210 total system horsepower and an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 37 miles, many daily commuters can get through their whole day without burning a drop of gas. And when the battery runs low, it switches over to regular hybrid mode on its own.

Six Trim Levels to Choose From

The Escape is available in six trim levels: Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. Each one brings something different to the table. The Active is a great entry point with a solid set of standard features. The PHEV is a dedicated plug-in hybrid trim built around electric-first driving. The ST-Line trims add a sportier look with bigger wheels and a more aggressive feel. And the Platinum tops the lineup with premium touches like an LED light bar, chrome beltline molding, LED fog lamps, stain-resistant ActiveX seating, wireless phone charging, and a 13.2-inch center display.

Feature	Active	ST-Line	ST-Line Select	ST-Line Elite	Platinum
Base Engine	1.5L EcoBoost	1.5L EcoBoost	2.0L EcoBoost	2.0L EcoBoost	2.0L EcoBoost
Hybrid Available	-	✔	✔	✔	✔
13.2" SYNC 4 Display	-	✔	✔	✔	✔
BLIS® Blind Spot System	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Wireless Phone Charging	-	-	✔	✔	✔
LED Light Bar	-	-	-	✔	✔
ActiveX® Seating	-	-	✔	✔	✔
Power Liftgate	-	-	✔	✔	✔
Panoramic Vista Roof®	-	-	-	Available	Available
AWD Available	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Feature availability varies by powertrain and configuration. Check ford.com for the latest details.

Tech and Safety That Keep You Connected

The Escape doesn't skimp on technology. The BLIS Blind Spot Information System helps detect and alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, while Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, and Lane-Keeping System are standard across the lineup. That's a lot of confidence built into every trip, whether you're merging onto the highway or backing out of a crowded parking lot.

Available adaptive cruise control uses camera and radar technology to keep a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even stopping completely if necessary. On longer drives, that kind of help makes a big difference. You can also connect your phone wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot lets up to 10 devices connect from up to 50 feet outside the vehicle.

Room for Everything and Everyone

Despite being a compact SUV, the Escape surprises you with how much space it offers. Behind the first row, there's up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo room, so loading up for a camping trip, hauling sports gear, or filling up at the garden center is no problem. The sliding second row lets you prioritize legroom for passengers or max out the cargo area, depending on what the day calls for.

This SUV can also tow up to 3,500 lbs. when equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package and the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, so a small boat or utility trailer is fair game for weekend plans.

Ford Escape FAQ

What powertrains are available on the Ford Escape?

The Escape offers four powertrains: a 1.5L EcoBoost, a 2.0L EcoBoost, a 2.5L I-4 Hybrid, and a 2.5L I-4 Plug-In Hybrid. That gives you options ranging from a budget-friendly gas engine to a plug-in model that can run on electricity alone for short commutes.

How far can the Plug-In Hybrid drive on electric power?

The plug-in hybrid has an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 37 miles. After the battery runs low, it switches to hybrid mode so you keep going without stopping to charge.

How much cargo space does the Escape have?

EcoBoost models offer 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have 60.8 cubic feet. Either way, you'll have plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or weekend gear.

Does the Escape come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, available all-wheel drive is offered across the lineup. For Indiana winters, that added traction on slippery roads gives you extra grip and confidence when the weather turns.

What safety features are standard on the Escape?

Every Escape comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, which includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and a Lane-Keeping System. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts is also included on every trim.

Find a Used Ford Escape at S&H Auto Group in Elkhart, IN

If the Escape sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to help. S&H Auto Group carries hundreds of pre-owned vehicles from a variety of popular brands, and the Escape is one of the models we see the most demand for. With three convenient locations, you're never far from a great selection and a team that puts your needs first. Browse our used inventory online, or stop by and take one for a test drive to see how it feels on the road.

Need help with financing? Fill out our online pre-approval form from the comfort of your couch, and our finance team will work with you to find a payment plan that makes sense. We also buy vehicles and offer quick trade-in evaluations, so you can put the value of your current ride toward your next one. Come see us and find out why Northern Indiana drivers keep coming back to S&H Auto Group.