You may have heard of the Ford Escape, even if you've never driven it. After all, it's been on the list of 25 best-selling vehicles in the US for the past five years, so it's not exactly an obscure model. But just because you've heard an SUV's name doesn't mean you know all that it has to offer. As your Ford dealer near McKenzie, we here at Steve Marsh Ford want to let you know exactly what makes the Escape an excellent choice for getting around the area. Since we're conveniently located in nearby Milan, we know a thing or two about what Tennessee drivers are looking for. Today, we will share a few things that we think every McKenzie driver should know about this compact SUV.
It's Been Around for a While
The Ford Escape has been continuously in production since 2000, having been around for over two decades. In that time, it's been through plenty of shifts, both major and minor, adding new tech features and getting periodically overhauled to bring it in line with modern needs. It entered its fourth generation for the 2020 model year, getting a new lightweight design with sliding second-row seats, a more comprehensive selection of powertrains, and standard driver assistance technology across all trims.
The Escape is tried and true; you can count on it even when heading out on remote country backroads where gas stations and service centers are few and far between. That can be handy here in Tennessee, where not every place is as nice and easy to drive in as downtown McKenzie. Since it's been through four different iterations, you can rest easy knowing that everything from the body design to the engine under the hood has gotten plenty of attention and has been upgraded regularly to deliver more power, comfort, and efficiency.
It's Convenient for Everyday Driving
The Escape is a great vehicle for getting around McKenzie. When you're out and about, it's helpful to be able to stay connected, whether you want to ask your family if they have anything to add to your shopping list or confirm your meet-up spot with your friends. The 2024 Escape comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, so you can make and receive phone calls and hands-free text messages without even needing to plug in your phone. With easy-to-access automatic navigation directions, you can take to new locations without fearing wrong directions or fussing with maps. And, of course, you can also use the system to play music or listen to audiobooks, keeping you entertained as you check errands off your to-do list.
Whether buying furniture, going camping, or making an airport run, you'll appreciate the Explorer's highly configurable interior. The second-row seats can slide back and forth, so you can strike a good balance between cargo space and passenger legroom when they're up and in action. If you don't have backseat passengers, you can fold those seats flat to get up to 65.4 cu.ft. of cargo space. The 2024 Escape also comes standard with a power liftgate, making accessing the cargo area easy even if your hands are full.
It's Great for Road Trips
Want to take a day trip across Tennessee or even head out on an epic cross-country road trip? The Escape has you covered. Not only can it handle long days of driving, but it's also a fuel-efficient option that won't cost you an arm and a leg at the gas station. With front-wheel drive (FWD), a traditional gas-powered Escape gets 30 MPG overall and up to 34 MPG on the highway. The hybrid powertrain gets 39 MPG for city/highway driving combined, and you don't even have to remember to plug it in; the battery is charged by regenerative braking, so you can just drive normally and enjoy the extra hundred or so miles you can go between fill-ups. If you have a place to charge, a plug-in hybrid is also available; it gets 40 MPG on gas alone and 101 MPG equivalent with a fully-charged battery, plus it can drive up to 37 miles on electricity alone.
The Escape doesn't just save you money on a road trip; it also makes vacations on the road more fun. It handles well on the road, especially if you opt for one of the ST-Line trims, which offer an eight-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and paddle shifters on the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Upgrade to the premium B&O sound system, and you'll be able to really enjoy your road trip playlist as you drive down the highway. And for early starts where the sun hasn't reported for duty yet, there are available heated seats and a heated steering wheel to help keep chills at bay.
It's Ready for Adventure
If you prefer a more rugged adventure, the versatile Escape can handle that, too. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs on the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, so you can bring a trailer along for your next camping trip or a boat down to Lake Carroll for a day on the water. Available roof rails allow you to store equipment, bikes, or anything else you want to bring without filling up the interior space. With the selectable drive modes that come standard across all trims, you'll be ready for anything, whether you want to save on fuel for long trips through rural areas, improve performance on open stretches of road where you can let loose, or increase traction when things get slippery. For hitching up to a trailer or maneuvering in areas with a lot of obstacles, the available 360º camera can come in handy, giving you a full view of the area around you.
You Can Have It Your Way
McKenzie drivers have a lot in common, but at the end of the day, no two are exactly alike. That's why it's great that the Escape offers you plenty of choices. You can pick a trim that suits your needs and fits your budget, from the affordable Escape Active to the luxurious Escape Platinum. With your choice of four available powertrains, each strikes a unique balance between power, affordability, and fuel economy. You can choose between an efficient and affordable front-wheel drive configuration or upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD) to get extra traction on wet roads and loose surfaces.
You can also use available packages to upgrade to features you want without paying for things you don't need. For instance, the cabin's standard Dual-Zone Electronic Climate Control is plenty for many drivers here in our moderate climate, but if you regularly visit colder environments, you can add on the optional Cold Weather Package to get extra heat and extra comfort. There are also technology packages that let you get all of the features you want.
You Can Find It Here at Steve Marsh Ford
No matter when, where, or how often you drive, you can get a lot out of the Escape. Its versatile design makes it great for cruising around town, heading out into the country, or exploring nearby cities. It can handle work, play, and everything in between while providing a comfortable cabin and stylish exterior that will turn heads around McKenzie. If you want to learn more about the Escape and feel how it handles for yourself on a test drive, reach out to us today and learn the advantages of working with Tennessee's most trusted Ford dealer.