Ford's small 2010 Escape SUV filled with techno-wizardry

Ford sold almost a half million Explorer SUVs in 2000, the year the smaller Escape started showing up in dealerships around America. In the last 10 years, the Escape has emerged from the shadow of its bigger s tablemate and now outsells the Explorer. With plenty of usable space for small families and singles, the Escape is a serviceable small SUV. For 2010, Ford has added top-of-the-line electronics to the Escape's available options, including a "My Key" system that allows parents some control over teen drivers. "You can limit the speed to 80 miles per hour and lower the (radio) volume by half if the seat belts aren't buckled," explained Kenneth Cone, senior sales consultant at Mountain View Ford Lincoln Mercury.

TEST DRIVE

DRIVING EXPERIENCE: If you hate parallel parking, the 2010 Ford Escape Limited comes with an optional Active Park Assist Package. The feature uses sensors in the front and rear of the vehicle to detect an available parking space and steer the Escape in smoothly. This is a technology that was pioneered by Lexus on cars costing more than twice as much as the Escape Limited. Our Gold Leaf Metallic tester was equipped with Ford's 3.0-liter Duratec sixcylinder engine (base models have a four-cylinder engine). On a test drive, the Escape charged up an on-ramp and merged onto I-24 with confidence. Camel-colored leather seats and glossy wood-grain accents give the Escape cockpit an upscale feel.

FEATURES AND STYLING: The Escape is a conservatively styled SUV. However, our tester was equipped with eye-popping chrome wheels, which blend well with the Escape's dramatic fascia. Options on our tester included a 7-speaker premium sound system, heated front seats, a reverse-sensing system with backup camera and a moon roof. Mileage estimates are respectable, 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Escape also features Ford's popular Sync system, a seamless interface for mp3 players and cell phones.

BOTTOM LINE: The Escape enters its second decade as a solid package made even more desirable by highly refined electronics. Our tester based for $25,625 and topped out at $30,070 with a generous helping of options.

SEE MOUNTAIN VIEW FORD LINCOLN MERCURY SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT KENNETH CONE DEMONSTRATE THE FEATURES OF THE FORD ESCAPE.

View Mark Kennedy's Facebook page for his Test Drive and Life Stories columns.

Upcoming Events