2017 Ford Escape

What's under the bonnet?

The 1.5L engine produces 110kW of power at 6000rpm and 240Nm of torque between 1600rpm and 5000rpm. Combined claimed fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km. The auto produces more power (134kW) and uses 7.2L/100km. All-wheel-drive versions use 7.5L/100km.

Trend FWD models house a revised 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 178kW and 345Nm and uses a claimed 8.6L/100km. The Trend AWD uses a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder (carried over from the Kuga) with 132kW and 400Nm and a claimed combined fuel figure of 5.5L/100km.

What equipment does it get?

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, a rear camera, rear parking sensors as well as Ford's innovative MyKey system, which allows parents to code a separate key for young drivers that limits some functions that may be distracting.

Ambiente models have an a 8.0-inch touchscreen with digital radio, satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology, cruise control, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear fog lights, rear camera and parking sensors, rear air vents and 17-inch steel wheels.

The Trend front-wheel drive auto adds automatic headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-trimmed gearshifter, front seatback tray tables and 18-inch alloy wheels. A nifty hands-free opening tailgate (paired with keyless entry and push-button start) as a $1200 option.

The AWD Trend model gains the hands free tail gate, automatic reverse-park assistance and front parking sensors, heated front seats and power adjustable driver's seat, panoramic glass roof, nine-speaker Sony audio system, folding door mirrors, and leather trim.

The rear seat fold 60:40 that lower at the pull of a lever. With the seats upright the boot has 406 litres which grows to 1603L with the rear-seat folded.

How does it drive?

We sampled the Ambiente FWD 1.5-litre turbo with a six-speed manual and the Trend AWD diesel. The 1.5 is a spritely offering especially with the six-speed manual which has a light clutch and gearshift action that is great around town in the traffic and comfortable on the open road. It was zippy around town although out on the open road it did struggle a bit under full load.We didn't sample the 1.5 with AWD but the extra weight would dampen performance and hamper fuel economy.

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the pick if you plan to use the Escape for towing, with 400nm of torque it's got strong pulling power from low in the rev range. It's strong and punchy and works well with the dual-clutch gearbox, albeit with a slight hesitation off the line (not unusual with these types of gearboxes. The diesel can tow up to 1800kg (braked).

Both models soaked up the lumps and bumps of Melbourne's b and c- roads with ease with the Trend's model slightly firmer (it sits on larger wheels and uses a different suspension set up).

As you'd expect the Escape has the same great dynamic qualities of the Kuga. The steering is well-weighted and offers plenty of feel, there is minimal body roll, and the brakes have good pedal feel. While nimble in town, the Escape is also fun to drive on a twisty back road. On the long stretch of dirt roads we sampled the

FWD Ambiente rode better but didn't feel quite as planted as the AWD. The electrically-assisted steering offers plenty of feel and is weighty enough to feel sporty, while being easy enough to use at lower speeds.

As mentioned above, the Escape has had a refresh with the new multimedia system, and Ford has removed a lot of the buttons for a sleeker, more stylish look. The removal of the manual handbrake makes the centre console area much more useful with the addition of the covered storage area that has two cup holders, and side compartment.

Front and rear passengers have good head and leg room for although rear knee room will be a little tight for taller adults. The seats are comfortable and there are retractable tray tables on the backs of the front pews (in Titanium models) that will help keep the kids occupied. All models have rear air vents – a must for families in the summer months.

We did find the seating position a little hard to get used too though. The combination of the angled steering wheel and positioning of the seats felt odd. And, while we like the new centre dash area we were not able to reach the vents comfortably - they are perched high on the side of the dash area and required quite a stretch to change the positioning of the airflow.

At highway speeds, wind noise was noticeable around the side mirrors, but road noise was not as intrusive as some rivals. It also should be noted that the Ambiente model doesn't get the dual-layered glass that the Trend and Titanium do.

Should I consider one?

Like the Kuga, the Escape is a good proposition in the mid-sized SUV market. It's well priced, offers good equipment levels, is at the top end of the class for dynamics and, with the update in communication technology could well be the class leader for media functionality.

Given there is no option to add the advanced safety package on the Ambiente we'd not recommend it and opt instead for the Trend FWD with the Tech Pack.

However, the all-new Mazda CX-5 will be launched within weeks. The current model continues to be the most popular SUV in the class and, if Mazda continues its current trend, the all-new CX-5 will be at the top of the game. Unless you won't own anything other than a Ford, we'd be waiting the few weeks to test drive them both.