2017 Ford Escape Titanium new car review

Ford's transition from an Australian car maker to a fully imported brand hasn't been without a few speed bumps.

While the Ranger ute has become a sales hit, the brand continues to struggle in some of the key markets - notably small cars and SUVs. Specifically the Kuga mid-size SUV has failed to attract the same level of interest as the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson since it arrived in 2013.

So the blue oval is trying a old tactic with a new name. Or to be accurate an old one, dropping the Kuga badge and replacing it with the Escape name it abandoned a few years ago.

The new name is being introduced as part of a mid-life upgrade that also sees a new-look front end and tweaks to the specifications and minor price reductions.

But can the Escape really change Ford's chances?

What do you get?

Ford hasn't dramatically changed the Kuga range in the switch to the Escape. There are still three specification grades - Ambiente, Trend and Titanium - and three engines, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel.

It's the latter of both, a turbo diesel Titanium, that we're testing here. It's priced from $47,490 (plus on-road costs) which puts it at the top of the segment on price against similar flagship rivals like the Mazda CX-5 GT, Hyundai Tucson Highlander and Volkswagen Tiguan Highline.

As you'd expect from its price and position, the Titanium comes well equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power tailgate, dual-zone air-conditioning, leather-accented seats, keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth, navigation with live traffic updates and Ford's latest SYNC3 infotainment system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One area where the Titanium is arguably light on equipment is safety. While there is full airbag protection, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and Ford's clever MyKey system included, the latest in active safety features including autonomous emergency braking are only available as an option. You have to pay extra for the Technology Package to get AEB, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, rear cross traffic alert and high beam assist. It is a surprising move from Ford given the Titanium's position at the top of the range and premium price tag. Not to mention Ford was loud and proud when it originally launched the Kuga that it was the brand's "smartest" and "safest" SUV - now it feels a bit off the pace.

Rivals from Mazda and Volkswagen offer AEB as standard even on the entry-level models in the respective CX-5 and Tiguan ranges.

The Escape is covered by Ford's lifetime capped price servicing scheme that requires visits every 12 months/15,000km. Each service costs $325 so for the first three years you'll spend $975. Ford also offers a free loan car to every owner and a 12-month auto club membership.

What's inside?

While the exterior features a new look, incorporating the bold three bar grille from the rest of the SUV range, the cabin is largely unchanged from the Kuga.

The layout is quite busy by modern standards with a lot of buttons and switches as well as design flourishes. The console feels like it wraps around you, which makes the cabin feel smaller than it is. It also limits small item space, but there is enough room for occupants with good headroom and shoulder room for the front seat occupants and adequate knee room for those in the back.

In the Titanium there are folding tray tables for the rear passengers, something also offered by Volkswagen on the Tiguan (albeit on all models across the range).

The SYNC3 screen is mounted high on the centre console which makes it easy to see. The latest Ford infotainment system is a step forward, being both easy to operate but also offering the latest in technology - including compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the bonnet

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel is carried over from the Kuga and still produces 132kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

It's also paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system in the Titanium model.

But having said that it still feels more than adequately endowed in terms of performance with good pulling power from low down in the rev range, making it feel strong off the mark and when overtaking.

The engine is nice and refined for a diesel too, making it the engine to pick if you're willing to pay the price premium.

If there is a question mark over the Escape's drivetrain it's the dual-clutch transmission. While it is one of the better examples of the type, it still has the typical jerky performance at low speeds. Plus there are question marks over the reliability of it in the Focus and the company noticeably got rid of it in the small hatch.

On the road

The Kuga was always one of the better SUV in its class to drive and Ford has thankfully not messed with it.

The Escape feels well balanced and possesses a responsive chassis that reacts directly to the driver's inputs. The steering is nicely weighted, striking a good balance between precision, feedback for the driver and not being too heavy around town.

The ride is nicely balanced too, finding the middle ground between comfort and body control. It can thump over the occasional bump but otherwise feels compliant the majority of the time.

Verdict

The Kuga was always an underrated and under-performing SUV. The switch to the Escape name will hopefully bring renewed attention to what is ultimately a very nice mid-size, family-friendly offering.

It may not be the best-in-class in every area, most notably value and specification, but it is well presented, spacious and nice to drive.

This is exactly the kind of vehicle Ford Australia needs to rebrand itself in the mind of the Australian public. So the pressure is on.

2017 Ford Escape Titanium Diesel quattro pricing and specifications

Price: From $47,490 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 132kW at 3500rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 2000-2500rpm

Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 5.6L/100km

The Competitors

Mazda CX-5 Akera

Price: From $49,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 129kW

Torque: 400Nm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 6.0L/100km

Our score: Not yet rated

Volkswagen Tiguan 140TDI Highline

Price: From $49,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 140kW

Torque: 400Nm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 5.9L/100km

Our score: 7/10

Hyundai Tucson Highlander

Price: From $47,450 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 136kW

Torque: 400Nm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 6.4L/100km

Our score: 7/10

• For more information, visit our Ford showroom.