The 2022 Ford Escape is a spacious, efficient compact SUV with intuitive technology and clean, handsome styling. The Escape was fully redesigned in 2020. It carries over to 2022 largely unchanged. The Escape provides up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. With the rear seats in use, it provides 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Trims for the Escape are S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The S comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, a 60/40 split-fold rear bench that slides fore and aft, a six-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 4.2-inch instrument panel screen, and a 4.2-inch audio display with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Moving up to the SE adds an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, satellite radio, push-button start, and remote keyless entry. An available Convenience Package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a power rear liftgate.

The SEL trim brings niceties such as LED signature lighting, exterior keypad access, dual chrome exhaust tips, remote start, and all the features from the Convenience Package. It also adds synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. This trim is available with a Technology Package that adds a hands-free power liftgate, wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium stereo system. The range-topping Titanium trim adds some features from the Technology Package, as well as leather upholstery, navigation, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.

The base engine in the Escape is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes 181 horsepower. It routes power to the front wheels, or to all four if buyers opt for available all-wheel drive. The upgraded engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends 250 horsepower to all-wheel drive. Both engines route power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ford also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains for the Escape—these are covered in separate reviews. When properly equipped, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The most efficient version of the Ford Escape pairs the 1.5-liter engine with front-wheel drive. It returns 28 mpg city, 34 highway, and 30 combined. With this engine and all-wheel drive, the Escape returns 26 mpg city, 31 highway, and 28 combined. The 2.0-liter engine with all-wheel drive returns 22 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.

The Escape comes with a terrific list of standard driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Available safety tech includes lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and traffic-sign recognition.

Base MSRP for the 2022 Ford Escape is $26,510 for the base S trim. The Escape SE starts at $27,895, and the SEL starts at $30,220. The range-topping Titanium trim starts at $36,630. The Ford Escape is backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.