2022 Ford Escape: Want, Pass, Buy
The 2022 Ford Escape small SUV comes in four different trim levels. The small SUV includes great standard features and plenty of powertrain options. Which Ford Escape trims should you want, pass on, and buy?
The 2022 Ford Escape Titanium: Want
The 2022 Ford Escape Titanium starts at $37,305. It comes standard with intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition. This feature is an advanced form of cruise control that makes commuting and long drivers much easier. Intelligent adaptive cruise control improves the Ford Escape’s overall ownership experience.
The Escape Titanium also comes standard with all-wheel drive, electronic traction control, and rear parking sensors. It also includes curve control, a post-collision braking system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The small SUV’s final trim level features roll stability control, a keyless-entry keypad, and a lane-keeping system.
The 2022 Ford Escape Titanium comes with ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and selectable drive modes. It also features a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, an outside temperature display, and a universal garage door opener.
2022 Ford Escape S and SE: Pass on
The 2022 Ford Escape S base model starts at $27,185. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The small SUV achieves 27 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Escape S base model is too barebones compared to upper trim levels. The SEL costs $3,710 more than the S, but features like a heated steering wheel and heated front-row seats make the SEL a better buy than the S. The SE is a step up, but the SEL has better creature comforts.
2022 Ford Escape SEL: Buy
The 2022 Ford Escape SEL starts at $30,895. It comes standard with privacy glass, a remote start system, and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster. The Escape SEL also includes a premium-wrapped heated steering wheel, powerpoints, and heated front-row seats.
The Escape SEL’s seats are ActiceX-trimmed (synthetic leather). Car and Driver recommends the SEL trim because it’s affordable and offers great standard features. The SEL is the model to buy because of its value proposition.
The 2022 Ford Escape SEL is the best Escape trim for the money based on features and affordability. That being said, the Escape still doesn’t top small SUV rankings. It’s outranked by the popular Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson. If you’re looking for the best small SUV on the market, the Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium is a great choice. It starts at $31,335. The RAV4 XLE Premium comes standard with Sof-Tex trimmed seats, a soft-touch dash with armrests, and heated power outside mirrors with turn signals.
Read more about the Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium in the next article below.
