2007 Ford Escape: Versatile Trims and Engaging Performance

The 2007 Ford Escape is offered in four trims: XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, and Limited. While its connection to Mazda once gave it standout handling, the Escape's driving dynamics now feel less remarkable compared to its competitors. However, it still delivers a stable and responsive driving experience, particularly on curvy roads, while remaining composed in daily driving.

The XLS and XLT trims are equipped with a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 153 horsepower. These models feature a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional four-speed automatic. The XLT Sport and Limited trims come with a 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 200 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission. The V6 is also available as an option on the XLT trim. Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, with four-wheel drive as an available upgrade.

A highlight of the 2007 Escape is its hybrid variant, which pairs a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid offers excellent fuel efficiency, achieving 31/29/30 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive. By comparison, the V6-powered Escape returns 17/21/19 mpg. While the V6 provides decent acceleration, the four-speed automatic transmission limits its performance potential. The four-cylinder engine, though less refined under heavy acceleration, handles most driving needs efficiently and offers better fuel economy.

Ford Escape: Practical Interior and Smooth Performance

The Ford Escape offers a practical, no-nonsense interior paired with smooth driving dynamics, making it a strong contender in the small SUV category. Designed to seat five passengers comfortably, it also boasts generous cargo space for gear and essentials. A standout feature is its back seat, which provides ample room for adults on long trips, enhancing overall comfort for families and road trip enthusiasts alike.

The Escape's innovative hybrid powertrain delivers remarkable fuel efficiency, appealing to eco-conscious drivers. However, it’s the smooth and powerful V6 engine that steals the spotlight, providing robust performance and a refined driving experience. Despite these strengths, the Escape’s aging design and technology are evident when compared to rivals from Toyota and Honda, which have made significant advancements in quality, comfort, and innovation.

2007 Ford Escape: Features, Trims, and Options

The 2007 Ford Escape comes well-equipped with features designed for comfort and convenience. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, keyless entry, a CD player, and power windows and door locks, providing a solid foundation for everyday functionality. These features cater to those seeking a practical and reliable small SUV.

Stepping up to the XLT trim adds cruise control and an upgraded in-dash CD changer, enhancing convenience for longer drives. The Escape Limited trim elevates the experience further with automatic headlamps and an auto-dimming rearview mirror for improved visibility and comfort. Optional upgrades include a sunroof, a powerful 320-watt sound system with a subwoofer, and heated seats and mirrors for the Limited trim, adding a touch of luxury.

For tech-savvy drivers, a CD-based navigation system is available, although its small screen and occasional sluggishness may not meet modern expectations. Despite this, the range of features offered across trims makes the 2007 Ford Escape a versatile choice for buyers seeking customizable options to suit their needs.

2007 Ford Escape Safety Ratings and Features

The 2007 Ford Escape offers mixed safety ratings from leading agencies. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it ‘Acceptable’ for moderate overlap front crashworthiness and head restraints/seats, and ‘Good’ for side crashworthiness when equipped with optional airbags. However, without these airbags, crash test dummies showed head injuries from contact with the B-pillar during side impacts, and forces on the driver’s legs were noted as injury-inducing.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Escape four stars for driver and passenger side front crash safety, five stars for side-impact tests (likely with optional airbags), and three stars for rollover protection. This lower rollover rating is typical for SUVs due to their higher center of gravity, making them more prone to tipping.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, front-impact airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and a vehicle security system. Models with the V6 engine feature four-wheel disc brakes for enhanced stopping power. For added protection, the optional Safety Package offers front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. The Limited trim includes an available reverse sensing system, further enhancing safety in parking scenarios.

2007 Ford Escape: Pricing, Features, and Hybrid Advantage

The 2007 Ford Escape starts with an MSRP under $20,000, making it an attractive option at first glance. However, its appeal fades when compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both of which have been recently redesigned and offer better handling, stronger acceleration, and advanced safety features like stability control—something the Escape lacks entirely across its lineup.

For families, the absence of a rear-seat entertainment system can be a drawback, especially when similar-priced rivals offer such amenities. Navigation is available exclusively on the Hybrid model, which starts in the mid-$20,000 range. Despite this, the Hybrid Escape shines with its excellent fuel economy and refined system that seamlessly blends electric and gas power, providing a driving experience that feels “normal” yet highly efficient. This makes it a standout option in the lineup.

Fuel economy for the standard Escape is adequate but not remarkable. The V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission delivers a combined 19 mpg, while the four-cylinder variant with a manual transmission offers better mileage. However, choosing a better-equipped model often means sacrificing fuel efficiency—a tradeoff some buyers might hesitate to make. While the Escape Hybrid mitigates this issue, its higher price point may limit its appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.