Hermann
Site Donor 2023
Took the pickup in for a recall service and my loaner was a brand new 2021 Escape SEL 1.5 3-cylinder Eco-Boost. MSRP was $35005. First off the vehicle averaged over 30 MPG for the day. Driving included high speed interstate, mall parking lot slogging and everything in between.
The only drivability issue and it would be a deal breaker for me is the transmission is very eager to upshift. During normal driving if you accelerate softly due to circumstances or by choice, when the transmission shifts to 3rd at 12-14 mph the whole vehicle shudders and it is not a quality sensation. Then when you are able to give it a few beans, the downshift back to second is abrupt.
The interior was leather of good quality. and general fit and finish of the front seating area was good. This is a dark vehicle with a black exterior and black leather interior. We had to run the A/C on a 55f day because the interior was so warm due to the dark color. Wind noise was well controlled. The rear seating is generous, although the rear seats occupants will definitely feel second class.
I could never own this vehicle. All the controls and switches are small and the labeling hard to read. Took five minutes to figure how to adjust the fan speed. The fan speed switches are a rotary thumb control, that look like air duct shut off slides. Very odd. The adaptive cruise control is not a safety feature, its operation is very helter skelter. The suspension is very soft and has a nice ride. Cornering is poor, LOTS of body lean to the point the cloverleafs on interstates and round-a-bout's are scary. My pickup steers and handles much better.
In summary I would call this a 80K mile vehicle. After that this CUV could get real expensive. In general you do not get any impression that it is a high quality long lasting vehicle. This is the most Nannyfied vehicle I have ever driven and I don't like it. YMMV
The only drivability issue and it would be a deal breaker for me is the transmission is very eager to upshift. During normal driving if you accelerate softly due to circumstances or by choice, when the transmission shifts to 3rd at 12-14 mph the whole vehicle shudders and it is not a quality sensation. Then when you are able to give it a few beans, the downshift back to second is abrupt.
The interior was leather of good quality. and general fit and finish of the front seating area was good. This is a dark vehicle with a black exterior and black leather interior. We had to run the A/C on a 55f day because the interior was so warm due to the dark color. Wind noise was well controlled. The rear seating is generous, although the rear seats occupants will definitely feel second class.
I could never own this vehicle. All the controls and switches are small and the labeling hard to read. Took five minutes to figure how to adjust the fan speed. The fan speed switches are a rotary thumb control, that look like air duct shut off slides. Very odd. The adaptive cruise control is not a safety feature, its operation is very helter skelter. The suspension is very soft and has a nice ride. Cornering is poor, LOTS of body lean to the point the cloverleafs on interstates and round-a-bout's are scary. My pickup steers and handles much better.
In summary I would call this a 80K mile vehicle. After that this CUV could get real expensive. In general you do not get any impression that it is a high quality long lasting vehicle. This is the most Nannyfied vehicle I have ever driven and I don't like it. YMMV