The 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD is a tech-packed crossover with ample room for a small family and sporty styling inside and out that matches the strong performance of its 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD | $30,850 | $36,065 | 240/270 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 21/28 Combined 24 | 24.1 Combined |
The Ford Escape got quite a makeover last year, shedding its boxy SUV image in favor of a more updated, car-like crossover design that makes it feel modern and stylish rather than boring and dated. It needed the update, and it’s making the most of its new image by delivering a versatile, small-family vehicle with plenty of technology, good fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly fun driving experience.
Exterior styling cements this as a crossover, with more than a passing similarity to vehicles like the Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Santa Fe. That long nose makes you think sport wagon, but the view from the back with the wide hatch lets you know it’s functional. Aluminium 18″ wheels and auto halogen headlamps are standard with 19″ alloy luster nickel wheels and HID automatic headlamps available. Fog lamps, and keyless entry pad are also standard. It looks like it’d be fun to drive hauling the family around town, and its looks aren’t the least bit deceiving.
The interior is more unique, not taking cues from other vehicles in the class, but providing its own Ford Escape experience. The dash is very upright, as is the driving position which is something shorter drivers will love. It’s not a delicate front console, but chunky and bold and aggressive. Controls are well placed, and there are a lot of them, from the dash to the steering wheel, buttons and knobs abound. It all wraps around you like a cockpit, making the buttons feel very appropriate. It’s also easy to figure out and becomes intuitive very quickly.
The centerpiece of it all is the MyFord Touch system with voice-activated features to help keep your eyes on the road like hands-free calling and Bluetooth. SYNC with turn-by-turn directions, 411 business search, personalized sports scores, news, and stock quotes is free for three years, and there’s also voice/touch climate control and navigation. You name it, the MyFord Touch system probably has you covered. Despite the voluminous number of features packed into that screen, it’s intuitive enough that you don’t have to spend undue time figuring out how to make it all work.
This isn’t a large SUV, but a small-family crossover, so though it’s plenty comfortable, it’s not going to haul half the neighborhood. There’s room for five, but truly four is where you’re all going to be happy. Cargo space behind the second row is 34.3 cubic feet or fold that row flat and take advantage of 67.8 cubic feet in total. It’s more than enough for the average family on a day-to-day basis and once those rear seats are flat there’s plenty to handle those weekend projects.
The 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD comes with a 240 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine with 270 lb-ft of torque paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Not only is it good on gas, with a 21/28 city/highway for 24 combined, but it’s one of the sportier well-mannered crossovers you’ll encounter. At the top of the Escape lineup for performance, the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD is as good in a straight-line as it is in corners. There’s no hesitation from the transmission which shifts smoothly, and one could only wish for some paddle shifters to take advantage of its abilities.
There is very little body roll or lean, something that’s often an issue with crossovers even on the smaller side, so you’ll almost forget that you’re not driving a sedan. Braking is strong and confident and steering is very tight and on center. It handles well whether it’s city streets, highways, or dirt roads. The 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD is an admirable crossover that combines utility, technology, and driving appeal with a sporty design that small families will love.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD a Buy It!
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
