Ford Escape Limited V6 2006 Review

7-day Test

Launched in 2001 along with its sister the Mazda Tribute the Ford Escape has always had reasonable off-road boasting rights. Now with a 2006 update and the addition of the range-topping Limited model Ford has one of the best soft roaders on the market.

The new range kicks off with the XLS 2.3L with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder and four-speed auto at $29,990, rising to $33,490 for the XLT 2.3L which shares the same drivetrain. Then there is the 3.0-litre V6 duo of XLT Sport V6 at $37,190 and the top-tier Limited at $41,990.

The Limited comes with a 3.0-litre Duratec V6 engine boasting 152kW and 276Nm; a handy increase over the base model's 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine which produces 109kW and 199Nm. The V6 is a very good engine but mated to a four-speed auto and with 1527kg to motivate the Escape V6 is no road burner.

Other mechanical improvements include the movement of the auto selector to the floor instead of the steering column and the disc brakes are now on all four corners, replacing the old-fashioned drums on the rear.

The Limited comes stacked with plenty of standard equipment including Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) -- coupled with the new four disc set-up means the Escape stops better than ever.

Driver and front passenger airbags -- including front seat side airbags -- add to the safety equation, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-disc CD player, cruise control, climate control and leather seat trim, mean passenger comfort remains adequate although the driving position remains quite upright.

Other features include remote keyless entry, roof racks, electric sunroof, front fog lights, colour-coded bumpers and body kit, 16-inch alloys, power door locks, windows and exterior mirrors, mirror-mounted indicators and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.

The Escape has a car-like feel to the cabin and comes complete with plenty of handy storage spots including big door pockets. And while the flat seats are not the most comfortable in their class there is the added benefit of occupants being able to slip in and out of the cabin unhindered by side seat bolsters.

While the Escape is a front-wheel driver its biggest drawcard is its 'on demand' all-paw capabilities. During normal conditions drive is sent strictly to the front wheels but when a loss of traction is detected the four-wheel drive system allows drive to be split between the front and rear axles. It's not instantaneous, but it works. Under heavy load or steep inclines and declines a dash-mounted button allows the driver to 'lock' the system permanently in place. It's a very handy feature. 

Enhancing its off road capabilities is decent ground clearance and short overhangs to avoid snagging. But with no manual option the Escape misses out on valuable engine braking, making it better on inclines than descents where the brakes are the only driver's aid.

It doesn't take a genius to realise that rising petrol prices will make a big dent in the sale of all large vehicles including four-wheel drives. Over a week we averaged 12.4l/100km, which shouldn't break the bank, but then again there are much better alternatives if all you want is a little space for the school run. The Escape is comfortable and reasonably roomy but its rear load carrying area won't take your breath away.

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