Video: 2017 Ford Escape Review

Now let's take a look at some of those features and also how well they help the SUV stack up against some of the best in the business in cars.com's $29,000 Compact SUV Challenge. (upbeat music) The interior as a whole, doesn't look very different than the outgoing 2016, except for this right here. This is all new. And this is perhaps one of the best things Ford could have done to improve the 2017 Escape. The old Escape had this massive bulky center console that had two cup holders, a manual handbrake, and that was about it. There wasn't any storage. Now there's 25% more storage space, a much more traditional layout, and an electric parking brake that frees up a ton of space for pocket items. You got the cup holders, got a little tray for your phone. And then also the actual console here is 50% bigger than the outgoing Escape. They're also two USB ports and that connects to perhaps one of the most notable and important features in the Escape. We're in the Escape SE trim level, and that's one of the most popular trim levels. Now part of the SE technology package is Ford's SYNC 3. Now SYNC 3 was available in the 2016 model, but new for 2017 is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Now this was the only car in our challenge test that included both. And it's honestly the best way that you can pair your phone with a multimedia system. Connecting the SYNC 3's Apple CarPlay is as simple as plugging your phone. There's no Bluetooth pairing. There's no pairing procedures. It's just plug it in and you're good to go. Then once a screen pops up, you have all of the compatible apps just right at your fingertips. Now also with the SE technology package, you get access to the FordPass app with SYNC Connect. Now that gives you smartphone function for various vehicle controls, including remote start. You can schedule remote starts and you also can see how much fuel was in the car, and remotely lock and unlock from your phone and the FordPass app. The Escape is still the same great driving SUV that it always has been. And there's a new engine and some more sound insulation, but really it drives fantastic, very refined. What's new is a Auto Stop-Start feature and just like everything else about how the car drives, it is a very refined execution of this feature that sometimes automakers have trouble doing seamlessly. Fuel economy ratings aren't changed, but if you do a lot of city driving your real world fuel economy results may be a little higher than without the feature. Now, despite all of these new features, Ford is actually slashed pricing on the 2017 up to $900 on popular trends like this SE. At $28,300 of this test car though, you also have a blind spot warning system, as well as a power rear lift gate. Now you don't get all wheel drive, or you don't get a smart keyless access system with push button start, but it's still a bargain. These features and more helped the Escape win cars.com's $29,000 Compact SUV Challenge. For the full results read more at cars.com (upbeat rock music)