Planning Your Escape: 6 Reasons Ford’s Small SUV is Perfect for Watsonville Drivers

Can you guess which SUV is a top seller for Ford? While the Bronco, Expedition, and Explorer are widely popular, the Escape has been a fan favorite for years. As the leading Ford dealer near Watsonville, we can attest to the Escape’s popularity. But what makes it so special? Why is it the perfect SUV to navigate the Central Coast?

#1 – A Proven History of Success

It’s easy to be enticed by new models, but there’s something to be said for an SUV like the Escape that has a proven history of success. Its reliability, value-oriented packaging, and performance are well-established, with Ford introducing the Escape in 2001 amid the rising demand for smaller SUVs. The compact Escape took its place in the lineup as a smaller alternative to the Explorer, Expedition, and later, the Edge.

The Escape garnered widespread praise for offering drivers the best of both worlds. Its sedan-like efficiency and handling defy expectations because of its higher driving position and spacious cabin. Moreover, the Escape’s high-strength build and a combination of active and passive safety features have earned it consistent top safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

#2 – Evolving with Each New Generation

Ford has maintained the Escape’s appeal by keeping the SUV relevant to reflect the industry’s ongoing advancements and the evolving needs of drivers. We see this progression over the Escape’s four generations, each introducing new features, more engaging powertrains, and modern styling. The first-generation Escape added the Escape Hybrid to its lineup in 2005, with the second-generation debuting in 2008 with a new grille, larger headlamps, and updated technologies inspired by the larger Explorer and Expedition.

The third-generation Escape, built from 2013 to 2019, introduced Ford’s MyFord Touch infotainment system, which Ford rebranded as SYNC 3 after the 2017 refresh. Today, fourth-generation Escape models built since 2020 are the most popular among Watsonville drivers. Ford expanded the Escape’s footprint, yielding a larger and more accommodating cabin for passengers and cargo. Likewise, this generation offers the latest connectivity, safety, and driver-assist tools that add to the Esacpe’s value on the new or used lot, especially with the 12.3-inch digital cluster that debuted as a first for Ford in 2020.

#3 – A Spacious and Accommodating Cabin

The Escape became America’s best-selling small SUV in 2001 and has aged gracefully ever since. The Escape’s popularity is intricately tied to its versatility, with the SUV capitalizing on its compact footprint to deliver engaging performance without compromising comfort. Its cabin defies expectations with a spacious two-row layout that comfortably accommodates passengers and cargo.

Ford expanded the Escape’s footprint with its fourth-generation debut in 2020. Sitting on a 106.7-inch wheelbase, the Escape measures 180.1 inches long, 74.1 inches wide, and 66 inches tall. These dimensions give the Escape its compact footprint, while the cabin’s interior dimensions showcase Ford’s ingenuity. With 104 cu.ft. of passenger space, the fourth-generation Escape offers 40 inches of headroom and 42.4 inches of legroom in the front row. Second-row passengers have ample room to relax thanks to 39.3 inches of headroom and 40.7 inches of legroom.

Cargo room is also plentiful and adds to the Escape’s versatility as a functional crossover. With the Escape’s growth spurt in 2020, the fourth-generation model offers 37.5 cu.ft. of cargo room with the second row upright. The Escape’s total cargo capacity is 65.4 cu.ft., which is plenty of room for luggage, backpacks, groceries, and other gear. The accommodations make it ideal for navigating life in Watsonville, whether managing your weekday commute or spending your free time at the local beach.

#4 – Available as a Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid

Navigating Watsonville isn’t always easy, with congested city streets and rush-hour traffic adding valuable time to what should be an efficient route. Fortunately, this isn’t a concern with the Escape, at least not when you opt for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Ford became the first American automaker to offer a hybrid in its lineup when it debuted the Escape Hybrid in 2005. Today, the Escape Hybrid shares the spotlight with a plug-in hybrid that offers local drivers outstanding performance and efficiency mile after mile.

The fourth-generation Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine that produces a base output of 163 hp. The engine’s hybrid components push that output higher, yielding a combined output of 192 hp and 155 lb-ft of near-instant torque. Even more impressive, the Escape Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway (2023).

Local drivers looking for a more efficient powertrain that puts them closer to adopting an all-electric lifestyle will appreciate options like the Escape Plug-In Hybrid. As a plug-in hybrid, the Escape PHEV sees a significant increase in output without a dramatic reduction in efficiency because of its larger battery capacity. For example, the 2023 Escape Plug-In Hybrid produces 210 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 520-mile range and a combined average of 101 MPGe.

#5 – Even the Gas-Powered Escape Is Efficient

The Escape’s availability as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid is appealing, but Ford also caters to those who want a gas-powered SUV that doesn’t compromise efficiency. The American automaker provides drivers with two EcoBoost options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5L that produces 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. This output yields an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG combined on 2024 models.

The Escape, powered by Ford’s 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost, is undeniably the most powerful and engaging to drive. Paired with Ford’s all-wheel drive system, the 2.0L powerplant produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The output is impressive and makes the Escape engaging and responsive, but that doesn’t come at a significant cost at the pump. Instead, the 2.0L-powered Escape averages an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined, with an EPA-estimated average of 31 MPG on the highway.

#6 – It’s Tech-Savvy to Keep You Engaged, Connected, and Informed

The Escape is often misjudged because its size and affordable price tag lead many to believe it isn’t well-equipped with the latest technologies and features. Fortunately, our Watsonville customers know the truth as soon as they climb into the driver’s seat. Ford’s compact SUV is packed with value, courtesy of an expansive suite of technologies that deliver an exciting experience behind the wheel.

The fourth-generation Escape is tech-savvy, with Ford introducing the 2020 Escape as the smartest in the SUV’s history. The 2020 Escape debuted first-in-class features, like Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist. In the years since, the technologies have become integral in the Escape’s driver-assist and safety suite, complementing the expansive Ford Co-Pilot 360 lineup and optional tools like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering.

Connectivity features are also plentiful throughout the fourth-generation Escape, especially following the 2023 refresh. The Escape’s standard 8-inch display sees a significant upgrade, with an optional 13.2-inch display that features Ford’s cloud-connected SYNC 4 infotainment system. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-In, navigational tools, over-the-air updates, and various in-vehicle apps, the Escape’s expansive touchscreen is a hub of connectivity, entertainment, and performance insights. These technologies fulfill Ford’s promise to deliver a transformative and engaging experience anytime you’re in the driver’s seat, whether navigating Watsonville traffic or running errands around town.