
Option the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and the Escape boasts a slight performance advantage over much of this class. Fully optioned, the 2.0T AWD Titanium tops out at $40,820 - interestingly, a skosh higher than the loaded Hybrid Titanium's $39,435. The 2021 Ford Escape starts at $26,130, including a $1,245 destination charge, for a base 1.5T S model with front-wheel drive. Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow It's fine and that's OK Strong Sync 3 infotainment makes up for some of the cabin's shortcomings. The Plus upgrade also includes lane-centering steering assist and a feature called Evasive Steering Assist which works in concert with the emergency brake assist to help drivers to steer around obstructions. Stepping up to the Titanium trim - or optioning Co-Pilot 360 Assist Plus - adds adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic and traffic-sign recognition, both of which are new for 2021. The Escape also features Ford's Co-Pilot 360 Assist, a standard suite of driving aid features, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Voice-activated navigation has been a hallmark of Sync since its inception and continues to work well here, with excellent natural-language recognition for addresses. Its software is well organized and its feature set checks all of the right boxes, with USB connectivity, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, Bluetooth and satellite and HD radio tuning.

The main event where tech is concerned is the Sync 3 infotainment system. The Escape's cabin is nice, if you don't look too closely.
