Performance and Efficiency:
- Choice of Engines, Including EcoBoost: The 2016 Escape offered a selection of engines, including efficient EcoBoost turbocharged options (1.5L and 2.0L). These engines provided a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making the Escape suitable for various driving needs, from city commuting to highway cruising.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Escape was known for its respectable fuel economy, especially with the smaller EcoBoost engines, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Handling and Ride:
- Agile Handling: The Escape generally offered agile handling and a responsive driving experience, making it more engaging to drive than some competitors in its class. It had a more car-like feel than traditional SUVs.
- Comfortable Ride: The ride quality was typically comfortable, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well, making it suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys.
Interior and Technology (SE Trim):
- Well-Equipped Mid-Level Trim: The SE trim offered a good balance of features and value. It often included features like a user-friendly SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and comfortable cloth seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
- SYNC 3 Infotainment: The SYNC 3 system was a significant upgrade over previous Ford infotainment systems, offering a more intuitive interface, faster response times, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Practicality and Versatility:
- Decent Cargo Space: The Escape offered a usable amount of cargo space for its class, suitable for carrying groceries, luggage, or other belongings. The rear seats could be folded down to expand the cargo area for larger items.
- Compact Size: Its compact size made it easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces, making it a good choice for urban environments.
Safety:
- Standard Safety Features: The 2016 Escape included standard safety features such as multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and stability control.
- Available Advanced Safety Features: Depending on the packages, some SE models might have included available advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert