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Three months is a long time to have a house guest stay, and if the Ford Escape ST-Line we’ve been testing was a person, I probably would have started dropping not-so subtle hints that it was time to mosey on weeks ago.
But instead, this final instalment of our long-term test finds us sad to see the Escape leave.
The mid-sized SUV has served my little family of four well. It’s safe, stylish, practical and great to drive.
But it could be better. The biggest room for improvement is literally its room. It’s only just spacious enough for us.
The packaging of that space could be better, too. The rear doors could open wider, there’s not much in the way of clever cabin storage, the boot is on the small side, and the cargo cover’s design can be a hindrance.
If you’re looking for more details on any of these grievances be sure to take a look at the first and second instalments of this three-month test.
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Still, the Escape was just big enough, in that there was room behind my driving position for a rearward facing baby seat and the boot was able to fit the pram and still have space for a few bags of supermarket shopping. So yes, still practical.
Where the Escape ST-Line shines is in how good it looks and feels, and what it’s like to drive.
The quality of the materials used in the cabin feels superb, the craftsmanship also appears outstanding.
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From the textured door trims to the sporty seats (with red stitching) there’s nothing cheap or budget feeling in the cabin. And this isn’t even the top of the line Escape.
This is the mid-range all-wheel drive ST-Line which lists for $42,490 and the front-wheel drive version is $3000 less. Admittedly, that is dearer than its rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage.
The sporty driving dynamics, responsive engine and great connection between the driver and the road are other big pluses in the Escape ST-Line’s favour.
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Most mid-sized SUVs for this money aren’t this good to drive and they don’t have to be. But if you love driving this is the SUV for you. More so than a Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage or Mitsubishi Outlander.
As I said, we covered more kilometres than usual this month, with weekends away, along with all the usual dashes to school, swimming lessons, supermarkets and birthday parties.
I’ve also come to appreciate some more convenient design features, such as the ignition button which is ergonomically designed in that you use your thumb.
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There’s also the capless fuel filler, which makes life a bit easier. Now, if only Ford could change the cargo cover so its attached strings don’t get caught in the wheels of our pram.
The Escape is also easy to clean inside and out. Even after three months of Berry family torture a vacuum and soapy bath in the driveway removed all traces of us. Well, don’t look too closely.
Acquired: July 18, 2022
Distance travelled this month: 1170.1km
Odometer: 3843.7km
Average fuel consumption this month: 10.3L/100km (measured at the pump)
Related cars for sale on CarsGuide
See more Ford Escapes for sale View cars for saleFord Escape 2023: ST-Line (awd)
| Engine Type | Turbo 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.6L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $38,390 - $45,210 |
| Safety Rating |
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Verdict
The Ford Escape ST-Line is a bit pricier than some of its rivals, but the quality feel of the materials and craftmanship appears better than most competitors, while the value is good, too.
Just big enough for a family of four the Escape ST-Line does feel cosy with all on board, but there's just enough space in the cabin and boot.
The area in which the Escape ST-Line shines is the way it drives. This is a sporty, responsive SUV with a comfortable ride and great steering. All-wheel drive increases stability on dirt and gravel roads, and certainly helps with traction on the bitumen in the wet, too.
Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| (FWD) | 2.0L, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $33,330 - $39,710 |
| (Fwd) | 2.0L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $23,430 - $28,930 |
| ST-Line (awd) | 2.0L, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $38,390 - $45,210 |
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