2014 Ford Escape Titanium (2.0L) AWD Review, As Rented from Avis/Budget Rent-a-Car

2014 Ford Escape Titanium (2.0L) AWD Review:

            Introduction: When Ford introduced their Escape compact SUV for the 2001 Model Year, it received little critical reception, though still sold in large numbers. When the time came to redesign their Escape in 2008, Ford kept the same, familiar design, yet updated the exterior and interior to give it a more up-to-date appearance. This design soldiered on mainly unchanged until 2013, when the third-generation Ford Escape debuted with an all-new design and platform. Let’s take a look at the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L AWD.

            Exterior: The Ford Escape shares its basic design with the European Ford Kuga compact SUV, and its platform with the Ford Focus/C-MAX compact cars. One look at the 2014 Ford Escape, and you’d never be able to tell that it is an Escape. This particular example was finished in White Pearl Coat. Standard exterior details on the Titanium model include rather attractive-looking eighteen-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels sitting on eighteen-inch BSW all-season tires, active front grille shutters to improve fuel economy, power rear tailgate that is activated by either using the keyless remote or by simply placing your foot under the rear bumper, which makes it much easier to open the Liftgate when you come back to your Escape from a day full of shopping. Also included are keyless remotes that are as unique in their design as the Escape itself, with sensors on both front doors that allow the driver and his or her front passenger to enter the Escape without having to remove the key from their purse, bag, or pocket. Of course, you can also use the lock and unlock buttons on the remote itself to use the same functions. Also on the remote are buttons to open the power rear tailgate and remote start the vehicle by simply pressing the lock button and then the dedicated remote start button. Pressing the remote start button once shuts off the remotely-started vehicle. The Escape features a front end design reminiscent of its Focus and C-MAX siblings, and features Ford’s new “global” corporate look. The door handles and side mirrors (which are both power-adjustable and heated, with integrated turn signal indicators) are both color-keyed to the Escape’s exterior, and the sides of the Escape are also made up of clean, flowing lines. The rear end of the Escape flows with the rest of the vehicle, with tail lamps that integrate nicely with the rear tailgate. Overall, the exterior design on the Ford Escape is very attractive.

            Interior: Step into the interior of the Ford Escape, and you’re reminded more of a compact sedan rather than a compact SUV that you’re driving. Most of the dashboard design is shared with the Ford Focus and C-MAX, and the instrument cluster is easy-to-read with blue backlighting and a full set of analog gauges, complemented nicely by a small, color informational display between the speedometer and tachometer. The steering wheel, identical to the Ford Focus’s, houses controls for the Escape’s audio system, SYNC voice-activated entertainment system, vehicle information system, and speed and cruise controls. Push-button allows the driver to start the Escape provided provided the keyless remote is inside the vehicle. The center stack houses the MyFord Touch audio system, which includes an A/M-F/M stereo with HD Radio technology, SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio (this includes a six-month complimentary SIRIUS-XM Select subscription courtesy of Ford), a single-disc CD/MP3/DVD player, iPod/USB input jacks, a microSD card slot for loading photos and music onto the system’s hard drive for later viewing or playback, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, and a set of A/V input jacks as well. DVD video discs can only be viewed while the vehicles in in Park. The eight-inch full-color touch screen display is divided into four quadrants (Phone, Entertainment, Information- this particular Escape did not feature GPS navigation and Climate). The system responds nicely to the touch. The SYNC voice-activated entertainment system responds to voice commands (you can control practically the entire vehicle with your voice), and pairing of our Samsung Galaxy S5 Android test phone was seamless and practically immediate. The Titanium model features a power front driver’s seat, dual heated five-level front seats, and memory positions for three drivers, though the front passenger’s seat did not unfortunately feature power adjustments, which is unacceptable for a $30k+ vehicle. The steering wheel was unfortunately only vinyl-wrapped, and was not heated. It also was only manually-tilting, and did not telescope. No paddle shifters for the automatic transmission were present. The glove box was dual-hinged and padded, with a shelf for owner’s manuals for the vehicle. Front SRS and all-around side airbags are naturally standard, though Ford’s inflatable rear seatbelt airbags were also not present. The dual-zone, automatic climate control is easy to adjust, and includes a display for easy viewing of current settings. The rear seat passengers have vents for the air conditioner and heater, but unfortunately, no separate controls from the main controls up front, and no heated rear seats. A sliding, adjustable rear seat would be a nice addition. LED ambient lighting adorned the interior, though the LED overhead lighting was not as bright as expected, and rear passengers cannot easily control their own light (which was only one light). The twelve-speaker, 390-watt Sony premium sound system sounded excellent, and even included a rear-mounted subwoofer for even more punch. The material used in the front and rear seats was rather firm, and should be softer. Black trim adorns the interior, though wood trim is expected on this model. A rear backup camera and parking sensors were present, and made backing up easier. Overall, the interior of the Ford Escape could use some improvements, but is acceptable.

            Performance/Ride Quality/Fuel Economy: The Ford Escape is rather peppy when it comes to its performance. This particular Escape, and all Titanium models, include a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4) engine that produces 240 horsepower, which is more than acceptable for an SUV of this class. This particular Escape also included all-wheel-drive (AWD), though the ‘4WD’ emblem on the rear tailgate is misleading, as the Escape does not include true four-wheel-drive, due to it being based on a car platform. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard issue on all Escape models (unfortunately, no manual transmission is available on the Escape), though buttons for a manual shifting mode, as well as a Sport Drive mode, which stiffens suspension and steering for a sportier driving feel, were present. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel would have been a nice touch. Overall, the Escape rides like a compact sedan rather than a compact SUV, and can even quickly accelerate when you press on the gas pedal, which is an excellent attribute, though lead-footed drivers may have to get used to this. The suspension was surprisingly very carlike, and road noise was audible, though the cabin was still rather quiet. Steering was effortless. Starting on a full tank of regular unleaded gasoline, the Escape achieved excellent MPG, with only one fill-up required on a 200-mile trip. Overall, the performance of the Ford Escape is more than acceptable for an SUV of this type.

            Summary: To sum up, the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L AWD is a nice compact SUV, though it could use a few more luxury features to match up to its price point. Vincent’s Auto Reviews says that the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L AWD is well worth a look if you are shopping for a compact SUV!

Price (MSRP), Base (2014 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L AWD): $30,850.00

Price (MSRP), as Equipped (2014 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L AWD): $32,685.00

Exterior Color: White Platinum Tri-Coat Metallic

Interior Color/Type: Ebony Full Leather

Fuel Type Required: Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane)

Engine Type: 2.0L “EcoBoost” Inline Four-Cylinder (I4), Turbocharged, 240 Horsepower, 270 Lb. Feet of Torque

Transmission Type: 6-Speed Automatic w/ Sport Drive and Manual Modes

Drive Type: All-Wheel-Drive, All-Time (AWD)

Price, As Rented from Avis/Budget Rent-a-Car, Total: $110.00 USD

-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

1993-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Changes

Let’s take a look at the year-by-year changes for the Jeep Grand Cherokee:

1993: The Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ debuts in early 1992 as an early 1993 model vehicle, replacing the aging Jeep Grand Wagoneer SJ, which was discontinued after a final sendoff in 1992. The Grand Wagoneer Limited model, based on the luxurious Limited model, with its faux wood paneling decals, luxury interior, and more luxury features, becomes available in mid-1993 and (temporarily) takes the place of its predecessor. A class-leading, 220-horsepower 5.2L Magnum V8 engine becomes available on all models (standard on the Grand Wagoneer Limited model) in early 1993.

1994: For its second year on the market, the Jeep Grand Cherokee receives some changes. To start things off, the Base model is renamed the SE to attract more buyers, and the slow-selling and poorly-received Grand Wagoneer Limited model is discontinued after a short production run for 1993. The AccuSound by Jensen premium sound system is renamed Infinity Gold, and side-impact door beams become standard on all models to further enhance the safety of the vehicle. The SE model gains the previously-optional fifteen-inch styled steel wheels as standard equipment, as well as an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player as standard equipment on all models.

1995: For 1995, the manual transmission is no longer an option on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. An Orvis Edition, in partnership with the Orvis Catalog, and based on the luxurious Limited model, becomes available with a unique color scheme of Moss Green (a Light Driftwood Metallic color for this model becomes available in early 1995 for this model, as well). The SE model gains standard keyless entry, power windows, and power door locks, as well as standard air conditioning, to further appeal to families. A power sunroof is a newly-available option on almost all models.

1996: For 1996, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a mid-cycle update. A larger front grille becomes standard, new bumpers, and newly-revised dual SRS front airbags become standard. New seat styles become available, and low-back front bucket seats become standard. The Laredo model is now the “base” model, as the previously-base SE model has been discontinued. Both engines are improved as well. All models get new wheel and tire combinations, and the model designations are moved front the upper front fenders to the lower front doors, with emblems replacing the previously-equipped decals. A new instrument panel rounds out the changes, as does a digital odometer and trip odometer.

1997: For 1997, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets two new model choices. The Special Edition model is slotted below the Laredo model, and is based on the Laredo model as well, and adds value-added features, and exterior color-keyed trim. The TSi model, slotted below the Limited model, adds leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated front seats, an Infinity Gold premium sound system, and power dual front bucket seats, as well as exterior color-keyed trim and unique sixteen-inch alloy wheels and performance tires.

1998: For 1998, the Jeep Grand Cherokee enters its final year in its current ZJ design. A 5.9L Limited model becomes available, adding a 240-horsepower, 5.9L Magnum V8 engine, functional hood vents, a power sunroof, heated front bucket seats, unique sixteen-inch alloy wheels mounted on sixteen-inch Good Year Eagle BSW performance tires, and an even more luxurious interior. An A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players and a special ten-speaker Infinity Gold premium sound system with 180 watts are also standard features on this model. The Orvis Edition model is discontinued after 1997.

1999: For 1999, the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ is introduced. The models are reduced to base Laredo and up-level Limited, and a new 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine that produces 235 horsepower replaces the old 5.2L, 220-horsepower Magnum V8 engine for 1999.

2000: Getting a full redesign for 1999, the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets only minor changes. Upgraded sixteen-inch alloy wheels are now optional on the Laredo model.

2001: For 2001, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is revised. The gold-colored trim on the Limited model is deleted, and a 60^TH Anniversary Edition model, based on the Limited model, is available for one year only to commemorate 60 years of the Jeep brand. The Laredo model gains a new Sport Appearance Package, with seventeen-inch sport alloy wheels and performance tires, plus a leather-trimmed interior. The Limited model gets new leather-trimmed seating surfaces, as well as standard seventeen-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. Aluminum interior trim now adorns the base Laredo model, replacing the previously-available wood-grained interior trim.

2002: For 2002, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is once again revised. Sirius Satellite Radio is now an option on all models, as is a GPS navigation system. A luxurious new Overland model adds leather-and-suede-trimmed seating surfaces, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players and a rear-mounted ten-disc CD changer, side SRS impact airbags (also available on all model for 2002), seventeen-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels mounted on performance tires, and front heated bucket seats to the luxurious Limited model. A Sport model is now available that is priced below the base Laredo model, and adds a standard A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a six-speaker Infinity Gold premium sound system, dual power front bucket seats, and more to the base Laredo model. A 4.7L high-output Power-Tech V8 engine is now available on the Limited and Overland models, and a five-speed automatic transmission is paired to all V8 engine-equipped models. There are new radio options, and an A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD player is now standard equipment on the base Laredo model. New seat fabrics are now used on all Laredo models. A new Special Edition model adds power dual front bucket seats and exterior color-keyed trim to the base Laredo model.

2003: For 2003, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets multiple changes, including the new Freedom Edition model, which adds dual power front bucket seats, A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a six-speaker Infinity Gold premium sound system, and seventeen-inch graphite-finished alloy wheels to the base Laredo model. The Sport model is discontinued. High-back cloth front bucket seats replace the previously-standard low-back cloth front bucket seats on the base Laredo model, though the latter is still available as an option. Dual 12V front power outlets replace the previously-standard single 12V front power outlet and front cigarette lighter. A center front storage compartment replaces the previously-standard front ashtray on all models. 2003 is the shortest production year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with production of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee starting in early 2003.

2004: For 2004, all Jeep Grand Cherokees with 4X4 are now Trail Rated 4X4’s, as are all 4X4 Jeep vehicles for 2004. A new Columbia Edition model adds special trim to the base Laredo model, and a Columbia parka is included at no cost to owners of this special edition Jeep Grand Cherokee model. The Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ has early production starting in early 2003, and enters its final year of production before an all-new model is introduced for 2005.

2005: For 2005, an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, dubbed the WK, is introduced. The Laredo and Limited are the only two models available for 2005. A rear DVD entertainment system, a U Connect hands-free Bluetooth phone system, GPS navigational system, and Sirius Satellite Radio are all available for 2005. A 5.7L HEMI V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is available on the Limited model, producing 345 horsepower. Five-speed automatic transmissions with manual shifting modes become standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokees for 2005. The 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine, producing 210 horsepower, replaces the aging 190-horsepower, 4.0L Power-Tech I6 engine that had been available since the Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1993.

2006: For 2006, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. A 65^TH Anniversary Edition, only available for 2006 and based on the base Laredo model, commemorates Jeep’s 65^TH anniversary. The luxurious Overland model returns for 2006, with the standard HEMI V8 engine, and a new performance-oriented SRT8 model with twenty-inch chrome-clad Alcoa forged alloy wheels and performance tires, plus a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine with MDS and VVT that produces 425 horsepower, becomes available.

2007: For 2007, the Jeep Grand Cherokee once again gets a few changes. First, a Rocky Mountain Edition appears and is based on the base Laredo model. In some states, the 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine is FlexFuel capable, and a new 3.0L Common-Rail Diesel (CRD) V6 engine that produces 215 horsepower, is now available.

2008: For 2008, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a mid-cycle restyling. The 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine now produces 305 horsepower, up from 235 horsepower, and the 5.7L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine now produces 360 horsepower, up from 345 horsepower. New radios are available.

2009: For 2009, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets only a few minor changes. The Rocky Mountain Edition model is discontinued midyear, and the Laredo model loses the previously-available 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine option. The 3.0L CRD V6 engine option is discontinued.

2010: For 2010, the Jeep Grand Cherokee enters its last year in its current form of the WK. The Laredo models gets an optional 5.7L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine, and the Overland model is discontinued. An “S” Limited model, previously only available in European markets, is available for 2010 only on the Limited model. Exterior color choices are significantly reduced for 2010, as well. The 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine is also no longer available after 2009.

2011: For 2011, the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 is introduced. A 282-horsepower, 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 engine, which is FlexFuel capable, replaces the previously-available 3.7L Power-Tech V6 engine, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 is the first Chrysler Corporation vehicle to use the new engine. The SRT8 model and its 6.1L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine go on hiatus for 2011. A new Overland Summit model adds more luxury details to the already luxurious Overland model, and a 70^TH Anniversary Edition model, based on the Laredo “X” model, is available for 2011 only to commemorate Jeep’s 70^TH anniversary. Sirius Backseat TV is now available when coupled with the rear DVD entertainment system.

2012: For 2012, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. First, a new 20” Tire/Wheel and Navigation Package adds a GPS navigational system and twenty-inch alloy wheels and tires to the base Laredo “E” model. The SRT8 model returns for 2012 with a new 6.4L MDS/VCT HEMI V8 engine that now produces 470 horsepower. A new Altitude model adds “blacked-out” accents and more unique features to the base Laredo model.

2013: For 2013, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. Two new SRT8 Special Editions become available (the Alpine and Vapor Editions), each with their unique details, and are only available for 2013. A new Trailhawk model adds unique details and red-painted accents to the Laredo “X” model.

2014: For 2014, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a mid-cycle restyling. The SRT8 model is renamed the SRT. A new 3.0L Fiat-sourced EcoDiesel V6 engine producing 244 horsepower is available on all models aside from the SRT model. The Overland Summit model is renamed the Summit. New infotainment system options, new seat colors and styles, and a new exterior design round out the changes. A base Laredo model becomes available, slotted below the Laredo “E” model. An eight-speed automatic transmission becomes standard equipment on all models.

2015: For 2015, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a few changes. First, the SRT model’s 6.4L MDS/VVT HEMI V8 engine gets 485 horsepower, up from 470 horsepower. The Limited model requires a buyer to option up for the Luxury II Package to get the previously-standard nine-speaker, 506-watt, Alpine surround-sound system in place of a standard six-speaker sound system. The Summit California Edition becomes available, with luxurious details added onto the Summit model.