My mom just got a 2014 Escape

"PanchoVilleneuve ST" (PanchoVilleneuve)
10/29/2013 at 15:52 • Filed to: Ford Escape, I'm so sorry

It's an AWD model with the 2.0 Ecoboost, and after driving it, I have a confession, one that will likely get me run out of here with torches and picthforks:

It is a fairly nice thing to drive. I actually enjoyed it. It's not a sporty car by any means, and it's not at all as involving as, well, most other cars, but it feels much smaller and lighter than it actually is. And that engine. Goddamn that engine.

It's also really nicely put together, the materials are all great, it's full of neat gadgets and I love the panoramic roof it has. She got it in Ruby Red, which is a great color, and I usually hate red cars. I'll try to get pictures of it when it's sunny out.

I would never buy one for myself, but it is one damn nice car. It does, though, make me want a Focus ST like, real bad, since if this behemoth was enjoyable to drive, I can only imagine how good it is when it weighs 3/4ths of a ton less and has proper ground clearance.

DISCUSSION (22)

Takuro Spirit > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 15:54

I don't like how low the front turn signals are. Makes them hard to see when one of them is behind you.

THANKS, $KAYCOG!

efme > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:01

hey I don't judge. I love driving my fiance's murano. total girl/mom car.

$kaycog > Takuro Spirit
10/29/2013 at 16:01

You're welcome!

$kaycog > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:02

I have a '13 Escape 1.6L, and I love it! Those EcoBoosts are awesome.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > $kaycog
10/29/2013 at 16:04

HOW DID THEY MAKE IT FEEL SO SMALL TO DRIVE?!

$kaycog > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:11

It doesn't feel small to me.

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:12

Behemoth? You've never driven an early '80's GMC Suburban.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > $kaycog
10/29/2013 at 16:13

I meant that relatively. It feels small for a 4600 pound car.

$kaycog > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:15

Oh. I never thought about it that way, but good question.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:16

You'll have to report back on MPG for me. A friend of mine had one for a short time with the "big" ecoboost and AWD and said he could barely get over 20 mpg on the hwy. I have a feeling he was stomping the gas pedal every entrance ramp.

Takuro Spirit > $kaycog
10/29/2013 at 16:16

I bet you say that to all the guys....

LuczOr > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:18

Modern small SUV engines are complete win. I bought a 2008 Rav4 V6 and I love that thing except for the automatic transmission, which is a dog. The 3.5L V6 makes pretty good torque down low, so you would expect it to start to die off near the top end, but that thing pulls harder and harder all the way to redline. 270 horsepower is just perfect for the weight. It's also really fun when you stomp on it from a stop and the front breaks loose. You can feel the rear engage and it just gets up and goes.

Squid > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:18

The Escapes have always been a small nimbleish crossover that was easy to drive. I actually did like the older model of the Escape/Mariner but they were noisy and chewed up tires really badly. Almost all the Mariners I would see had cupped tires. But Ford does like putting some power in those cars. There isn't any shame in liking the cars we like. Also you really need to drive a full size truck/SUV and also get behind the wheel of a Tundra with a V8. The newer Tundra's are just too easy to drive and it is disconcerting.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/29/2013 at 16:19

I'm sure it's great when my mom drives it and not so great when I do. I mean, it's got the kind of grunt to it that makes you want to floor it.

LuczOr > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:21

HOLY JESUS, my 2008 Rav4 V6 with AWD is only 3675 lb.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:22

I had a feeling a big part of it was his right foot...

I've always said it looks like a Focus with a lift kit so your connection to wanting a Focus afterwards makes sense.

DoktorZombie > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 16:22

for reference

Kinja'd!!!

Leadbull > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/29/2013 at 16:23

Turbos. Good until you floor them.

When they suck in more air, more fuel must be SUUUCCKKED as well.

$kaycog > Takuro Spirit
10/29/2013 at 16:25

Zing! I can't stop laughing. You also made me blush.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Leadbull
10/29/2013 at 16:31

Yeah that's what I'm getting at - that he basically has no control of his right foot. If you're going to bitch about gas mileage you can't stomp the pedal all the time.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > PanchoVilleneuve ST
10/29/2013 at 18:21

my wife has AWD 1.6L Ecoboost Escape and there is no way in hell that it is 4600lbs the escape is only a taller Focus with AWD and I'm pretty sure that AWD does not add 1400+ lbs. on wikipedia it is listed as 4620lbs but everywhere else I look it is listed between 3600-3800 lbs I don't know which number to believe but the escape is way too nimble to be 4600lbs so I say 3600-3800lbs is probably right.

SpeedSix > efme
11/01/2013 at 23:33

As long as it isn't a CrossCabriolet, you may remain on Oppositelock.