The 2021 Ford Escape is a stylish looking compact crossover that just went through a complete redesign last year. More spacious and powerful than the previous Escape, with a broad selection of engine options, this SUV is a great value that will appeal to a wide audience.
Ford's Bestselling Compact SUV
Whether you're looking for a practical family vehicle or just need some extra space for road tripping, the Escape brings a lot to the table in terms of comfort, cargo capacity, and driveability. This is a vehicle that can be customized to suit your exact needs and budget.
There is an impressive selection of powertrains, ranging from a 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Both gas engines are partnered with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ford has also added the hybrid powertrain option to the SE and SEL trims – this is an update for 2021 that makes the hybrid option available at a lower price point.
Pricing on the 2021 Ford Escape
Starting at $26,800 for the entry-level S trim, this is a very reasonable starting point for a model that comes with plenty of standard features and safety technology. Our favorite pick of the lineup, though, is the mid-range SEL trim. For $30,750, the SEL adds some very nice features such as rear parking sensors, front-seat memory settings, faux-leather upholstery, a remote car starter, power liftgate, and some other perks that more than justify the extra cost.
What's New for 2021?
Ford has upgraded all of its optional custom packages with new state-of-the-art features that will make these add-on bundles even more attractive to buyers than ever before.
The Co-Pilot360 Plus package now includes adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. The Technology Package has added a hands-free power liftgate and memory settings on the driver's seat. As for the Convenience Package, it will now get you a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, keyless-entry keypad, and LED exterior lights.
Fuel Economy and City/Highway MPG
If you are looking at a non-hybrid model, the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder Escape with front-wheel drive is your best bet for great fuel economy. Rated for 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, these are very competitive numbers in the compact SUV space.
For buyers who really want to maximize fuel efficiency, the plug-in hybrid Escape is definitely the way to go. Hybrid models have earned an EPA rating of up to 44 mpg when tested in city driving conditions.
Staying Connected
There is no infotainment or connectivity feature on the market today that can't be had on an Escape. Even a small upgrade to the SE trim will get you an 8.0-inch touchscreen that connects to Ford's Sync 3 infotainment interface, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. All Escape models are set up for connectivity through a smartphone app that can give you remote access to digital menus.
For the ultimate sound system and all-inclusive access to premium features such as in-dash navigation and a head-up display, buyers need to upgrade to the very top-of-the-line Titanium model. This is a splurge for some of us but sure makes for some very enjoyable road trips!
If you'd like to take one of our Escapes on a test drive, visit us today at Matthews Ford! We have several 2021 models on the lot in a range of trims, but they won't be here for long!