Ford Escape ST-Line 2019 Review

With the recent addition of an ST-Line version of its large-segment Endura SUV to its range, Ford now has semi-sporty variants of three models: The Endura, the latest-generation Focus and the mid-size Escape SUV reviewed here.

Introduced in mid 2018 alongside a full range of safety-upgraded Escape models and sitting a rung lower in the hierarchy than the top-spec Titanium, the Escape ST-Line is a slightly edgy, more dynamic variant of an already-wieldy SUV.

The ST-Line underpins some subtle cosmetic work with up-rated suspension and revised steering to hustle it along with extra on-road alacrity. It’s also a bit plusher inside, with its own red-stitched leather trim, plus all the usual “sports” garnishing including stainless steel pedals, dressed-up steering wheel/shift lever and badged scuff plates on the door sills.

The ST-Line goes straight for the jugular with its energetic 178kW/345Nm 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder that’s also available at Titanium and Trend levels, teaming it with on-demand AWD and six-speed auto transmission.

A $3500 step up from the AWD version of the 1.5-litre Trend, the ST-Line gives the 40 grand mark more than a good nudge at $39,990 before on-road costs.

For the extra outlay you get not just a big power lift above the 110kW/240Nm 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine: The ST-Line also adds “smart” keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, self-parking capability and rear cross-traffic alert, none of which appear on the standard equipment list at Ambiente or Trend level.

The ST-Line’s black 19-inch alloy wheels look a treat and are a non-negotiable. They colour-match the grille, roof rails and the faux-splitter dual-exhaust surrounds to complement the ST-Line’s fractionally lower-riding stance.

In some instances there are perhaps surprising omissions: There’s no sign of a power-adjusted seat, not even on the driver’s side, and they are neither heated nor cooled, while the headlights are halogen, not LED.

All Ford Escapes are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with “promised-price” servicing and, at “participating dealers,” loan car and low-price tyre guarantee programs.

The suspension re-work includes thicker anti-roll bars and a 10mm reduction in ride height, working in with the re-tuned steering to give the ST-Line Escape a sharper, more responsive feel on the road. But the differences are incremental.

The ride quality, though slightly firmer, remains absorbent enough and the always-communicative steering is only fractionally more eager.

The powerful engine, as always, delivers substantial, flexible punch through a paddle-shift-equipped six-speed auto gearbox though, with a claimed 8.6L/100km combined consumption figure that’s not difficult to exceed with a bit of press-on driving, it’s well short of economical.

We averaged 10.1L/100km over a week of regular commuting duties, glumly noting the requirement that the ST-Line be fed on a minimum of 95 RON fuel (or E10).

The CO2 emissions aren’t too flash either, with its officially-quoted 197g/km quite a way above petrol-fuelled competitors such as the 1.5-litre turbo Honda CR-V, the 2.5-litre normally aspirated Mazda CX-5, the 2.5-litre hybrid Toyota RAV4 and about equal to the (more punchy) 2.0-litre turbo Holden Equinox.

The ST-Line arrived as a new addition to the Escape range in June 2018, coinciding with Ford’s announcement that it was equipping all variants with standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Slotting into the model line-up between Trend and Titanium, the ST-Line is only available in AWD automatic form and is hopefully adding a few sales to lift the entirely-lovable mid-size SUV in its struggle to remain relevant in a segment where it barely makes a ripple.

Ford executives will be more than anxious to launch the all-new replacement Escape which arrives – complete with a 1.2L/100km plug-in hybrid variant – in 2020 using the same platform as the new Focus to bring extra passenger and luggage space, safety and technology.

The Ford Escape ST-Line adds a little bit of extra zest to an already well-regarded mid-size SUV. With the ability to tow trailers/caravans/boats weighing as much as 1600kg it pretty much equals most of its competitors such as Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-TRAILl (although it is down, by 200kg, on the Mazda CX-5 and even moreso on the two-tonne-rated Holden Equinox).

And it seats five passengers in comfort while providing competitive boot space that grows from 405 litres to a maximum 1603 litres with the neatly-designed, single-motion rear-seat folding mechanism deployed. It is overshadowed, nonetheless – like all others in the segment – by the Equinox which quotes luggage space extending from 846 litres to a massive 1798 litres.

Ford Escape ST-Line owners will appreciate its nine-speaker SONY sound system, the standard sat-nav and the provision of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus the handiness of the latest voice-activated SYNC 3 system.

The ST-Line Ford Escape adds a bit of an extra edge to a mid-size SUV that already knows how to deliver driver-pleasing on-road dynamics. If you are considering a vehicle in the segment you’ll find the Spanish-built Escape has all the right answers.

The leather-suede interior is spacious and cosy, the boot is decent and there’s little to criticise in the list of standard accoutrements. Its overall size fits neatly into the segment although with its curtailed rear end it falls a little short in overall length and, at 1749kg, is unexpectedly a bit heavier than all its direct, AWD competitors.

So, what do we think?

With a promising all-new replacement coming next year, the Escape ST-Line came a little late in the day to save the current model’s bacon, but it does underline what a good mid-size SUV Ford already has on its hands.

How much does the 2019 Ford Escape ST-Line cost?
Price: $39,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 178kW/345Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 197g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP