The 2010 Ford Escape represents Ford's continuing commitment to providing affordable, state-of-the-art safety, navigation, and entertainment technology to the ordinary driving public. This five-passenger, five-door compact SUV offers roominess without the bulk, performance without the price, and style without the rudeness of those full-size SUVs that are simply too big for civilized city driving. The 2010 Escape is available in three trim levels, the base XLS, mid-level XLT, and high-end Limited, with each available in either a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. All three trims also offer split-folding rear seats that provide 66 cubic feet of cargo space when folded flat.

A couple of engine and transmission choices are available for the 2010 Ford Escape SUV, with the standard being a 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and five-speed manual transmission that equips the base front-wheel-drive XLS trim. This pairing delivers 171 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 22/28 mpg. A six-speed automatic transmission is also offered as an option for the 2010 Escape XLS, and comes standard with each of the Escape’s other trims. Additionally, for both the ’09 Escape XLT and Limited trims, a 3.0-liter V6 engine is available with the standard six-speed automatic. This powerplant puts out 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque, and allows either V6-equipped trim to tow 3,500 pounds when the available Class II trailer hitch package is chosen. The EPA rates the 3.0-liter V6 at 18/26.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2010 Ford Escape XLS include 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth front bucket seats, split-folding rear seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, and an MP3-compatable single-CD player with four speakers. The XLT trim adds a roof rack, six-way power driver’s seat, front center and overhead storage consoles, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear floor mats, and Sirius XM satellite radio to the mix, while the 2010 Escape Limited offers standard leather upholstery, heated front seats and outside mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB connection. Each of the ’09 Escape AWD trims features a limited-slip rear differential.

Such options as the Ford SYNC Infotainment System, voice-activated DVD navigation, and integrated side steps are offered with the 2010 Ford Escape XLS. The XLT trim offers an available power moonroof, remote start, a Sport Appearance Package with leather and chrome upgrades, 17-inch premium black wheels with chrome ring, and a 320-watt premium audio system with seven speakers. The 2010 Escape Limited, of course, features all that, plus the optional Auto Park System that takes some of the stress out of parallel parking.

Newly added for 2010, the available Auto Park System, rear-view camera, integrated spotter mirrors, and MyKey speed and audio limiting system join together to add further luster to the 2010 Ford Escape SUV's long-standing, best-in-class safety performance. Four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, and supplemental front and rear head airbags, as well as available front fog/driving lights and dusk-sensing headlights remain among the safety features for the 2010 Escape. A fly in the safety ointment, however, is Ford's odd decision to replace the Escape's rear disc brakes with drum brakes in 2009, resulting in a noticeable degradation in braking performance.

Owners of the 2009 Ford Escape laud its fuel economy, SYNC Infotainment System, and Bluetooth technology, but complain of uncomfortable seats. Owners also praise the ’09 Escape’s roomy cabin, but have issues with build quality, including some shoddy cabin materials. By and large, however, owners of the ’09 Escape are wooed by its ideal size, value, styling, creature comforts, and strong safety ratings.