the Oil filter location on the 1.6 Escape is not the bad in my opinion. I just push the hoses out the way and i can get the filter on and off without too much trouble and wipe everything off after the new filter is installed, I have a harder time on my 97 t-bird where you have to turn your arm in practically 3 different directions to get the old filter on and off.
I've changed oil on worse vehicles from the 90's where the filters are in such a location you have to reach over or around an exhaust manifold burning your arm in the process or sometimes even having to lift a vehicle up remove a wheel to gain access to the oil filter with a wrench because there isn't enough room to get a wrench on it from underneath.
the 2.7's aren't terrible to change oil on either as long as you research what you are doing and have an idea what is going to happen when the plug comes out. the first time we changed it one person held the drain pan up as close to the oil pan as possible and the other turned and pulled the plug and there was no mess. On a positive note most of the oil is drained in 10 seconds
the only thing I don't like about the 2.7 oil change is you have to wait 10 to 15 min to make sure all the oil is out from the top end and again wait 10 to 15 min to check the oil after you fill and run it.
I've changed oil on worse vehicles from the 90's where the filters are in such a location you have to reach over or around an exhaust manifold burning your arm in the process or sometimes even having to lift a vehicle up remove a wheel to gain access to the oil filter with a wrench because there isn't enough room to get a wrench on it from underneath.
the 2.7's aren't terrible to change oil on either as long as you research what you are doing and have an idea what is going to happen when the plug comes out. the first time we changed it one person held the drain pan up as close to the oil pan as possible and the other turned and pulled the plug and there was no mess. On a positive note most of the oil is drained in 10 seconds
the only thing I don't like about the 2.7 oil change is you have to wait 10 to 15 min to make sure all the oil is out from the top end and again wait 10 to 15 min to check the oil after you fill and run it.