Venerable, yet still packing some serious comfort, not to mention plenty of toys, the 2012 Ford Escape still has some life in it. Once a dominating force in the compact crossover market, this still-sprightly 5-passenger ute has been around since the 2000 model year. A sedan-like ride, with its unibody construction, complements fairly agile handling and adequate cargo area (109 cubic feet with the rear seats folded). Braking issues, however, continue to plague the Escape, and a number of reviewers wonder when Ford will equip its aging crossover with rear disc brakes to go with the ventilated front disc pair. Again, the 2012 Escape is expected carry the standard inline 4-cylinder engine (I4) of its forbears, with the V6 again available for the higher trims.

In any case, the 2012 Escape is expected to be available once more in three trims, the base XLS, midlevel XLT and top-shelf Limited. All three are expected to be delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), but each should again be available with full-time all-wheel drive (AWD). A word of caution: Though ready for wintry highways, the Escape's AWD system is not designed for off-road use. Finally, as is traditional, Ford loads even the base XLS with enough gizmos to satisfy at least more plebian tastes, while higher trims liberally sprinkle in more techno-features accordingly.

Major competition for the 2012 Escape abounds again, with the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester all considered by many reviewers as more refined and utilitarian. The Escape, however, has been consistently updated over the years and certainly deserves at least a kick of the tires. And its base MSRP of around $22,200 isn’t hard to take either.

Again, the standard 2.5-liter variable-valve-timed I4 powerplant is likely to be paired with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission in all 2012 Escape trims except the base XLS. The FWD base trim will pack a standard 5-speed manual transmission, though the 6-speed will be optional. No matter the transmission, this semi-crotchety I4 puts out 171 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, barely enough to tow its 1,500-pound maximum capacity. On the upside, the XLS with the stick shift is estimated to get 23 mpg city/28 highway, while those FWD trims with the 6-speed automatic should get 21/28, and all AWD trims are estimated at 20/26.

Should a bit more oomph be needed, a 3.0-liter V6 powertrain, again with the 6-speed automatic transmission, ought once again to be optional for the XLT and Limited trims. This matchup pounds down 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque and can lug up to 3,500 pounds of trailer with the optional Class II trailer hitch and wiring package. Mileage with the V6 is estimated at 19/25 for FWD trims, 18/23 for AWD versions.

In keeping with tradition and economics, the base 2012 Escape XLS is expected to offer 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery and power windows, door locks and mirrors. Cruise control, tilt-wheel steering and air conditioning are also standard for the base trim, as is a single-CD player with four speakers. Options will likely include the popular Sync voice-activated audio and communications interface, front and rear floormats, roof rails and, with the available V6, a trailer-towing package.

The midlevel Escape XLT should again add such standard goodies as a roof rack, power-adjustable driver’s seat, premium cloth upholstery, a leather steering wheel and Sirius satellite radio to the mix. Expect optional leather-trimmed upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats, remote engine start and a power moonroof to be offered with various packages, while 17-inch premium wheels, an integrated rear spoiler and numerous trim and accent upgrades should again be available with the XLT Sport Package. Standalone options, meantime, should include rear-seat DVD entertainment, seven-speaker premium audio and integrated side-step bars.

As befits its elevated status, the Escape Limited is likely to return with standard premium leather upholstery, a heated driver’s seat, heated outside mirrors, six-speaker audio and the traditional Bluetooth hands-free communications link for 2012. Options for the flagship trim should once more include voice-activated navigation and a universal remote, while the Limited Luxury Package tosses in rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control and a rear-view camera. Additionally, the Limited ought once more to be delivered with the available and very workable Auto Park system, which takes nearly all the challenge out of parallel parking.

Topping the list of standard safety features in the 2012 Escape lineup is the well-received Ford MyKey system, made standard in the 2011 Escape. This unique and highly touted system allows parents (or faithless friends) to program in speed and audio-volume limits when this nifty crossover is borrowed by Junior (or the guy next door). Additional safety features should include four-wheel (front disc/rear drum) antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags. A post-collision safety system finishes up the list of basic standard safety features, with the XLT and Limited also boasting standard front fog/driving lights and dusk-sensing headlights.

Owners of the 2011 Escape cite a dated design, tepid acceleration with the I4 engine, extended braking distances and a nagging “hoot” in the AWD's 6-speed automatic transmission as pet peeves. All this leads to what other owners complain about as some frustrating build-quality concerns that also include an overabundance of low-quality cabin trim materials. On the positive side, V6 power, ride comfort, almost car-like handling, high-end Michelin rubber and the highly respected Sync system draw nothing but praise from nearly all owners.