ellaslist Review: We Got Away In The All New Ford Escape

  • Parents Only

After my recent weekend away in the all-new Ford Puma, a compact SUV that is triumphantly making its mark, I was equally excited to try its established predecessor, the Ford Escape. With two decades under its fan belt, this SUV stalwart has garnered a solid reputation as a classic, off-road people mover and my expectation was equally old-school.

However, the latest incarnation of the Ford Escape is anything but antiquated.

Frd Escape
Hitting the road in the all-new Ford Escape


While the Ford Puma could be seen as the cool, vivacious younger model about town, the new Ford Escape is its more mature and worldly big sister. Practically speaking, it is of course a bigger vehicle all around, with loads of interior space, and the capacity definitely helps when taking kids - and a weekend's worth of belongings and entertainment - on the road. The Escape also doesn't skimp on the incredible state-of-the-art safety and tech features that I loved about the Puma. It all contributes to creating a comprehensive, well-rounded vehicle that ticks a load of essential boxes both for cruising around the city and for weekend adventures further afield. 

Top 5 Things To Love About The Ford Escape

Ford Escape
From the city to the coast, the Ford Escape is the ultimate family getaway car

Never Lose Your Car Key Again

Keyless entry and ignition now come standard on most modern vehicles, however, the Ford Escape takes simplicity a step further. As long as the ‘proximity sensing key’ is in range, you can open the doors with the touch of a finger (and start it up with the push of a button). There’s no buzzing in and out, so the keys remain safely tucked away in your bag. This also extends to the rear tailgate (aka ‘the boot’) that can automatically open with a kick under the rear bumper. 

As a parent with my hands constantly full of indiscernible stuff, juggling a myriad of things at any one time, not having to even think about the keys was my single favourite (stress-free) virtue of the Escape. You can just... GO! It's a  game-changer.

Hey, Good Looking!

The exterior of the Ford Escape is sleek, sporty and modern, so you really feel like you're in a beautiful car and that puts a smile on your dial. It strikes the perfect balance between being attractive and luxurious, while not compromising on its credentials as a spacious, family vehicle, and without the bulk of a standard size SUV. 

Everyone wants to look good in their wheels, and with the polished form of the Escape, especially in our sophisticated charcoal grey hue, we definitely did!

Ford Escape
The ultra-modern Ford Escape has minimised the gear stick and handbrake

Minimal Design, Maximum Space

The Ford Escape has a thoughtful, minimalist design across all the internal controls. The gear stick is replaced with a nifty rotary gear selector dial and the handbrake has been reduced to a tiny lever that pulls up and pushes down with a finger. Plus, it has a wireless phone charging pad, so there are no more pesky cords getting in the way!

With lush cloth seats, matt black finishes and brushed aluminium details, the inner aesthetics also contribute to the refined, roomy feel of the cabin.

Keeping It Neat and Tidy

Car mess, be gone... There are loads of storage nooks and crannies in the doors and centre console plus cup holders, a deep glove box and a handy sunglass holder. All our iPads, drink bottles, snacks and travel paraphernalia could be neatly stored and easily accessible. A win for parents! These little highlights add to a more lux, relaxed experience, despite the restless wriggler in the back!

The generous proportions make it comfortable for longer journeys, with plenty of boot space for our motherload of luggage.

Ford Escape
The Ford Escape combines good looks with a host of clever gadgets

Safe and (Surround) Sound

As with the Puma, the safety features on the Escape are super impressive - always one of the most redeeming qualities when driving with precious cargo. With the reassurance of a five-star ANCAP rating, the Ford Escape has an array of intuitive driver-assistance technology that includes auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring. rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and a driver fatigue monitor. Once again, the LIM button that keeps your speed in check, and the genius traffic sign recognition, blew my mind! 

Another essential is the vibrant colour touchscreen, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, for the backseat DJ - a must on any family road trip. There is also in-built GPS navigation.

Ford Escape
You'll be a happy camper on a weekend away in the Ford Escape!


As a whole, the Ford Escape is an impressive ride that has left its former self behind and embraced the dynamic needs and capabilities of the moment. I love a smooth, easy drive, in a comfortable, generously-sized vehicle that isn’t laboured by its size, and this little number delivers.

The Escape has the power to take on the open road and changing conditions effortlessly, while also offering a little escapism from day-to-day driving humdrum thanks to the extensive suite of fun gadgets. Wherever your journey takes you, set your speed limit, turn on your tunes and enjoy a safe and exciting ride! 

Find out more about the all-new Ford Escape and book a test drive!

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Reviews


Peter Tzamalis

May 11 2021

This vehicle, the new Escape is very surpisingly good