The Ford Escape has received some spec upgrades for 2022, including a shift to a torsion-beam rear axle for front-wheel drive models.
The list of safety equipment for the range has grown, with all models now receiving a rear seat occupant alert and intelligent speed assist.
UPDATE, 11/01/2022 – Ford has confirmed prices are up $500 across the range, except for the still-forthcoming ST-Line PHEV which is up by $950. Updated prices are listed below.
There’s also a Reverse Cross Traffic Braking feature that’ll apply the brakes if it detects you’ll reverse into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
The standard blind-spot monitoring has also added a Trailer Tow Lite feature, which will account for the extra length of a trailer if you’re towing.
MORE: 2022 Ford Escape: Front-drive models lose independent rear suspension
ST-Line PHEV
Ford says it has also introduced Sensico artificial leather upholstery in some parts of the cabin. The Vignale, for example, uses Sensico for the bolsters and headrests.
2022 Escape models are expected to start arriving by late 2021, with the exception of the ST-Line PHEV.
The new plug-in hybrid, after numerous delays, will finally arrive in Australia early in the second quarter of 2022, giving Ford a rival to the MG HS Plus EV and the upcoming, redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Pricing
- 2022 Ford Escape FWD: $36,490 (+$500)
- 2022 Ford Escape ST-Line FWD: $38,490 (+$500)
- 2022 Ford Escape ST-Line AWD: $41,490 (+$500)
- 2022 Ford Escape Vignale FWD: $47,090 (+$500)
- 2022 Ford Escape Vignale AWD: $50,090 (+$500)
- 2022 Ford Escape ST-Line PHEV FWD: $53,440 (+$950)
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Vignale
Engines
The 2022 Ford Escape comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 183kW of power and 387Nm of torque, mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This engine is available with either front- or all-wheel-drive.
The Escape ST-Line PHEV uses a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined output is 167kW.
The Escape plug-in hybrid uses a CVT automatic and drives the front wheels exclusively.
ST-Line
Fuel Economy
The 2022 Ford Escape claims to use 8.6L/100km on the combined cycle, regardless of whether front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is specified.
Meanwhile, the Escape PHEV consumes 1.5L/100km and has a fully-electric driving range of over 50km.
All petrol-only models require 95RON premium unleaded.
FWD
Dimensions
The 2022 Ford Escape measures 4613mm long, 1729mm tall and 1882mm wide, with a 2710mm wheelbase.
With all five seats in place, the Escape offers 556L of cargo capacity, expanding to 1478L with the second row folded.
Petrol models offer a 1800kg braked towing maximum, while the PHEV is rated at 1200kg.
Servicing and Warranty
The Escape is covered by Ford’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which includes the Ford Service Benefits program for roadside assistance, yearly satellite navigation map updates, and capped-price servicing.
Scheduled maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
Each visit for the first four years or 60,000km is capped at $299, totalling $1196 for the life of the program.
Safety
The Ford Escape has a five-star rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2019.
The Escape scored 92 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 82 per cent for vulnerable road users and 77 per cent for safety assists.
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting (curtain) airbags are standard on all Escape models.
The entire range is equipped with:
- Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User)
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Emergency lane keeping
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention monitoring
- Intelligent speed assist
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear seat occupant alert
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
The Escape’s five-star rating applies to all petrol variants, while the plug-in hybrid is unrated for now.
Escape FWD
Standard Equipment
The Escape FWD features:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charging
- DAB+ digital radio
- Six-speaker sound system
- Ambient lighting
- Privacy glass
- Rain-sensing wipers
- LED headlights, tail lights and fog lights
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps
- Keyless entry and start
- Remote start
- 18-inch alloy wheels
An optional Technology Pack adds:
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Head-up display
A hands-free power tailgate is a standalone option.
ST-Line
The Escape ST-Line features the following extras:
- Sports suspension
- Body kit
- Paddle shifters
- Alloy pedals
The ST-Line PHEV loses the paddle shifters but adds:
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- 10-speaker premium sound system
- Partial leather upholstery
The ST-Line Option Pack adds:
- Power tailgate
- Heated front seats
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Head-up display
The Parking Pack, available only on the ST-Line PHEV, adds:
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Front camera
Vignale (2021 model shown)
The Escape Vignale loses the alloy pedals, sports suspension and paddle shifters but adds the features from both ST-Line option packages plus:
- 10-way power front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Aluminium sill plates
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Chrome exterior trim
Buyers can option a set of 20-inch alloy wheels on Escape Vignale variants for an additional $500.
Pictured: Escape Vignale in Magnetic
Colours
The 2022 Ford Escape comes standard with either Frozen White or Blazer Blue finishes (Escape and ST-Line models) or Agate Black (Vignale).
Optional finishes comprise:
- Blue Metallic
- White Platinum
- Solar Silver
- Rapid Red
- Magnetic
MORE: Everything Ford Escape
