The Ford Escape has seen running changes for the middle of 2021, with some tweaks to the standard equipment list on base and range-topping models.
Pricing remains the same for this iteration (MY21.25 in Ford speak) as it was for the car it replaces (MY20.75 – read our initial pricing and specs here).
The base Escape FWD picks up the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster already standard on the ST-Line and Vignale from around mid-2021, though it loses its paddle shifters.
Pictured: Ford Escape Vignale
Meanwhile, the flagship Escape Vignale loses its heated steering wheel and heated outboard rear seats. Lionel Santoso, product manager for small/mid-SUV at Ford Australia, says the removal of these features is to standardise a right-hand indicator stalk on all Escape models in Australia.
“The removal of these is linked to ensuring the indicator stalk is on the right hand side of the steering wheel, a decision made for customer convenience in this high volume vehicle,” Mr Santoso said.
“A heated steering wheel and heated rear seats are interconnected from an engineering perspective, and not available on Escape when the indicator stalk is on the right.”
Like the base Escape FWD, the Escape Vignale also loses its paddle shifters. That makes them exclusive to the ST-Line, which Ford says reflects “the sporty character of the vehicle”.
Pictured: Ford Escape FWD
Pricing
- 2021 Ford Escape FWD: $35,990 (arriving mid-2021)
- 2021 Ford Escape ST-Line FWD: $37,990
- 2021 Ford Escape ST-Line AWD: $40,990
- 2021 Ford Escape Vignale FWD: $46,590
- 2021 Ford Escape Vignale AWD: $49,590
- 2021 Ford Escape ST-Line PHEV FWD: $52,490 (arriving late-2021)
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
The 2021 Ford Escape comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 183kW and 387Nm mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This engine is available with either front- or all-wheel-drive.
Late in 2021, the range will be joined by the Escape ST-Line PHEV, which uses a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined output is 167kW.
The Escape plug-in hybrid uses a CVT automatic and drives the front wheels exclusively.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Escape claims to use 8.6L/100km on the combined cycle, regardless of whether front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is specified.
Meanwhile, the Escape PHEV consumes 1.5L/100km and has a fully-electric driving range of over 50km.
All petrol-only models require 95RON premium unleaded.
Dimensions
The 2021 Ford Escape measures 4613mm long, 1729mm tall and 1882mm wide, with a 2710mm wheelbase.
With all five seats in place, the Escape offers 556L of cargo capacity, with 1478L available in two-seat configuration.
Petrol models offer a 1800kg braked towing maximum, too.
Safety
The Escape was recently awarded a five-star safety rating in 2019, based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP last year.
The Escape scored 92 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 82 per cent for vulnerable road users and 77 per cent for safety assists.
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting (curtain) airbags are standard on all Escape models.
The entire range is equipped with:
- Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User)
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane departure warning
- Emergency lane keeping
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention monitoring
The Escape’s five-star rating applies to all petrol variants, while the plug-in hybrid is unrated for now.
Servicing and Warranty
The Escape is covered by Ford’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which includes the Ford Service Benefits program for roadside assistance, yearly satellite navigation map updates, and capped-price servicing.
Scheduled maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
Each visit for the first four years or 60,000km is capped at $299, totalling $1196 for the life of the program.
Standard Equipment
The Ford Escape FWD features:
- Adaptive cruise control
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charging
- DAB+ digital radio
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Remote start
- 18-inch alloy wheels
An optional Technology Pack ($1000) adds:
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Head-up display
The Escape ST-Line features the following extras:
- Sports suspension
- Body kit
- Paddle shifters
The ST-Line PHEV features the following extras:
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- 10-speaker premium sound system
- Partial leather upholstery
The ST-Line Option Pack ($2800) adds:
- Power tailgate
- Heated front seats
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Head-up display
The Escape Vignale features both option packs and the following extras:
- Proximity entry
- Leather seats
- 10-way power front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Advanced parking assist
- 19-inch alloy wheels
Buyers can option a set of 20-inch alloy wheels on Escape Vignale variants for an additional $500.
Click the images for the full gallery
