Major Options / Build: Leather Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation System, Technology Package, Bluetooth, Premium Wheels, Backup Camera, Remote Start, Premium Sound Package, Sound Package

Additional Description: A compact crossover typically stands out among its peers about as much as an Emperor penguin does while chilling on an ice floe with a hundred or so of his mates. Yet the 2015 Ford Escape manages to not only distinguish itself with its chiseled good looks, but also garner critical praise thanks to its sharp handling, comfortable seating and high-end interior touches. Based on the same platform as the Focus, this Ford shares its smaller sibling`s solid build quality, versatility and athletic demeanor. There`s also a choice of no fewer than three engines: the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a pair of turbocharged fours. Of the latter, one displaces 1.6 liters and is focused on maximizing fuel economy while the other, at 2.0 liters, provides V6-like performance while still achieving impressive fuel mileage ratings. That welcoming cabin we spoke of is furnished with high-quality materials and some impressive standard features, such as a rearview camera, an iPod interface and Ford`s Sync voice-control system. We`d suggest opting for the slick-looking (though occasionally finicky) MyFord Touch electronics interface that not only makes the 2015 Ford Escape feel like a more expensive car, but is also superior to the standard interface of form-over-function buttons under a smallish display screen. We`d avoid getting too enthusiastic about other options, though, as selecting too many can push this Ford`s price above its direct rivals. Keep the available equipment level reasonable, though, and the Escape still represents solid value in this class. The 2015 Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV that comes in three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. The S comes with 17-inch steel wheels, an integrated blind-spot mirror, MyKey parental controls, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, a rearview camera, the Sync voice command electronics interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack. Options on the S include remote start, roof rails, rear privacy glass and rear parking sensors. Upgrading to the SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, automatic headlights, foglights, a keyless entry keypad, rear privacy glass, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), upgraded cloth upholstery, a rear center armrest and satellite radio. The optional SE Convenience package adds roof rails, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, an 8-inch touchscreen with the MyFord Touch electronics interface, upgraded Sync services (including smartphone app integration) and a nine-speaker sound system. Picking the Leather Comfort package gets you heated mirrors, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated front seats. Also available as individual options are 18-inch wheels, the parking sensors, remote ignition, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a cargo cover and a navigation system. At the top of the line, the Titanium combines the content of the SE Convenience and Leather Comfort packages plus 18-inch wheels, remote ignition, keyless ignition and entry, the power liftgate (with hands-free operation), ambient interior lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat (with power lumbar), driver memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a Sony 10-speaker sound system with HD Radio. Options include a Titanium Technology package (xenon headlights, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, automatic wipers and an automated parallel-parking system), 19-inch alloy wheels and the panoramic sunroof and navigation system.4-Wheel Disc Brakes,Fog Lights,Rear Defrost,Rear Spoiler,Wheels - Aluminum,Front Bucket Seats,AM/FM Radio,CD Player,Premium Audio System,Air Conditioning,Cruise Control,Intermittent Wipers,Leather Seats,Leather Wrapped Steering,Power Driver Seat,Power Locks,Power Mirrors,Power Passenger Seat,Power Windows,Remote Keyless Entry,Tilt Steering Wheel,Bluetooth Connection,Heated Mirrors,Heated Seats,Roof Airbags,Satellite Radio,Trip Computer,Airbag - Driver,Airbag - Passenger,Backup Camera,Four Wheel ABS,Rear Backup Sensors,Side Airbags,Traction Control,Vehicle Anti-theft,Compass,Oil Pressure Gauge,Outside Temp Display,Tachometer,Trip Odometer,Volt Meter,Water Temp Gauge,Floor Mats,Fold Down Rear Seat,Steer Wheel Audio Cntrls,Vanity Mirrors,Compact Spare Tire,Four Wheel Drive,Power Steering,Ext Service Contract Avl,Financing Available