2022 Ford Escape PHEV Titanium

2022 Ford Escape PHEV Titanium

“Escape from total fossil fuel dependency”

By Arv Voss

OVERVIEW:

The 2022 Ford Escape PHEV Titanium is a four door, five passenger hatchback compact SUV that is unchanged from the previous year’s model except for the addition of three new exterior colors added to the pallet. It is pleasingly sized and practical, but somewhat modest in its appointments and execution, which no doubt adds to its affordability. There are actually three trim levels from which to choose – SE, SEL and Titanium. Both hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains are available.

POWER SOURCES:

Both base turbo three- and upgraded turbo-four cylinder engines continue to be offered, with the latter being the preferred choice with its extra and more responsive energy. The 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. Moving up to the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the most favorable choice and both gasoline engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. yielding an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric-only driving. If you’re looking for the most efficient Escape model, the plug-in hybrid model is the ticket, earning fuel economy ratings up to 44 mpg city.

PLEASING FORM INSIDE AND OUT:

The Escape displays an attractive and pleasing exterior design while serving up a practical and comfortable cabin layout for those riding up front or in the rear seats. The Titanium trim level sports genuine leather seating surfaces, and behind the rear seats, there’s plenty of room for cargo. Convenience touches include a 60-40 Folding Split-Bench with Front Facing Manual Reclining Fold Forward Seatback, Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column, Power Rear Windows and Fixed 3rd Row Windows, Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button, Proximity Key For Doors, Push Button Start and Valet Function. FordPass Connect -inc: 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that connects up to 10 devices (includes a wireless data trial that begins upon AT&T activation.

CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT:

Titanium model Escapes are treated to a large touchscreen display with Ford’s newest Sync 3 infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. A smartphone app features remote access to vehicle telematics and remote start on all Escape models, but the best connected and high-tech Escape is the Titanium model, with a standard 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, in-dash navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. An optional pop-up head-up display is available..

DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES:

Ford’s Driver assistance features come in a suite called Co-Piot360 that’s offered as standard fare on all Escape models. Key safety features include: forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Also included are: AdvanceTrac w/Roll Stability Control Electronic Stability Control And Roll Stability, ABS And Driveline Traction Control, Side Impact Beams, Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Cross-Traffic Alert, Collision Mitigation-Front, Driver Monitoring-Alert, a Back-Up Camera and more.

AS TESTED:

Our Press fleet tester was the Titanium model PHEV and came with a sticker price of $40,270 and wore an exterior coat of Tinted Red metallic with a Black interior.

PERFORMANCE:

The added power output of the larger turbo engine provided more than adequate acceleration with the bonus of hybrid efficiency with federal tax credit eligibility. Handiing characteristics were agile with light, precise steering. The brake pedal feel was not as precise and the eight speed automatic transmission was often slow to downshift. Escape plug-in hybrid comes with a policy specific to its electrified powertrain and provides up to 100,000 miles worth of protection.

THE FINAL ANALYSIS:

Plug-in hybrid technology seems to currently be the most practical and efficient way to go for a great many consumers. Fuel Cell vehicles are superior in terms desirability, but unfortunately the infrastructure is not up to speed yet. So, the 2022 Ford Escape PHEV in Titanium trim presents itself as an affordable (in relative terms) compact SUV with a multitude of worthwhile features that contribute to the safety and comfort of up to five adults, and it’s good looking as well.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2022 Ford Escape PHEV Titanium

Base Price: $37,880.

Price as Tested: $40,270.

Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled inline-4 cylinder with direct fuel injection and hybrid electric motor system.

Horsepower (bhp): 250 @ 5,500 rpm

Torque (ft./ lbs.): 280 @ 3,000 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with overdrive.

Drive Train: Front mounted engine / full-time automatic All-Wheel Drive.

Suspension: Front – Strut type with shock absorbers and Anti-Roll Bar

Rear – Short and Long Arm with shock absorbers and Anti-Roll Bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS.

Tires: Michelin Primacy P255/55 HR 19 mounted on 5-“W””- spoke Machine Face alloys with Graphite painted inners.

Wheelbase: 106.7 inches

Length Overall: 181.3 inches

Width: 74.1 inches – without mirrors

Height: 66.1 inches