How the 2022 Ford Escape Became the Ultimate Commuter SUV

How long do you spend in your vehicle each day? The average commute in the United States is 27.6 minutes one way, but Buena Vista drivers have it better than most, with an average commute of 17.7 minutes. That’s only taking into account your commute to work; time quickly adds up when you add your commute home, school pick-up and drop-off, activities, errands, and everything in between. Now, with that in mind, how much do you enjoy your time behind the wheel? As your Buena Vista Ford dealer, we’re here to improve your commute with models like the 2022 Escape.

What makes the Escape a great option for commuters? Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in the city, while its capable engine gives it plenty of power to hold its own on the highway. Also fun to drive and accommodating for both passengers and cargo, there are plenty of reasons why the Escape can and will take your commute to the next level.

One: It’s Powerful Yet Efficient

The 2022 Escape gives you a choice between four capable powertrains that ensure the SUV delivers the power and performance you need exactly when you need it. The Escape comes standard with Ford’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology that balances performance and efficiency. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 1.5-liter delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, making the Escape quick to accelerate and fun to drive. This doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency, with FWD models averaging 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.

If you’re looking for more power, you’ll find it when you opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology. Also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, this pairing pushes the Escape to the next level of power to deliver 250 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum trailering capacity of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. This increase in power doesn’t drastically impact the Escape’s efficiency, with AWD models averaging 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

Two: It’s Building a Greener Future

Part of the 2022 Escape’s four-powertrain lineup includes two exceptional powertrains designed to engineer a greener future with zero emissions. The Escape Hybrid pairs the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and a 96 kW electric motor. This combination, which delivers 200 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, makes the Escape even more efficient, with an average fuel economy of 44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.

For those ready to make the leap into a fully-electric lifestyle, Ford makes it possible with the 2022 Escape Plug-In Hybrid. The Escape Plug-In delivers 221 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of near-instant torque for seamless acceleration, maximum power, and exceptional responsiveness. Its Level 1 and Level 2 charging ports make recharging easy and efficient, with Level 2 charging taking less than five hours. Don’t expect to spend a lot of time recharging since the model’s combined fuel economy of 105 MPGe gives you more time on the open road and more possibilities for adventure.

Three: It Puts You in Control

The 2022 Escape gives you more control behind the wheel with selectable drive modes–Eco, Sport, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Snow/Sand–that allow you to tailor how the SUV performs for the situation at hand. Eco mode optimizes efficiency while Sport Mode increases the throttle response and shifting pattern for a sport-like feel. Normal mode balances power and efficiency, and Slippery optimizes traction when traveling on various terrains like grass, gravel, sand, ice, and water. Deep Snow/Sand mode pushes the Escape’s capability even further by maximizing traction in more hazardous conditions.

Four: It’s Designed to Keep You Comfortable

Colorado winters are no joking matter, but Ford makes them more tolerable with options like the Cold Weather Package. This equips the 2022 Escape with several conveniences and luxuries that help fight even the harshest winter weather. The package includes electronic automatic temperature control with a rear air duct that maximizes warm airflow throughout the cabin. Heated front-row seats and a heated steering wheel add comfort while the remote start system eliminates any need to run out to the Escape in the morning to start the engine; instead, you can use a button on the key fob. With heated side-view mirrors, you don’t have to spend precious minutes of your commute scraping away ice before you get behind the wheel; simply let it melt away as the engine and cabin warm up in your driveway.

Five: It’s Helps You Stay Focused

The 2022 Escape puts all the information you need within eyesight and within reach. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is customizable, allowing you to configure the screen with the information you want and need. Opting for the head-up display moves this information to the windshield, where you’ll have vital information as well as driver-assist features right in front of you.

With the digital instrument cluster and the head-up display giving you important data at a quick glance, the Escape’s 8-inch center touchscreen display gives you access to your smartphone and a host of other apps and features at your fingertips. The display is home to the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which allows you to sync your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You’ll find Ford’s navigation system is also available on the display, along with innovative tools like Ford+Alexa. This equips the Escape with a virtual assistant that can make phone calls, schedule appointments, stream your favorite music, control your smart home devices, add items to your shopping list, and more with simple voice commands.

Six: It Engineers Confidence

Safety is a top priority for Ford, as you can see on the 2022 Escape, which comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and driver-assist tools. These features engineer confidence by enhancing your visibility, optimizing your awareness, and minimizing the risk for collision. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking keeps an eye on the traffic ahead and can automatically bring the Escape to a stop to minimize the potential for impact. Ford’s Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and the standard Rear View Camera add an extra set of eyes around the SUV that makes changing lanes and backing out of congested areas less stressful.

When a collision is imminent, you can rest assured that you have control of the Escape thanks to Evasive Steering Assist that provides additional steering support. The Lane-Keeping System helps you keep the Escape safely in its lane, while the automatic high beams optimize your visibility by automatically brightening in low-light conditions and dimming for oncoming traffic. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control is, by far, the most popular feature since it actively monitors the flow of traffic and adjusts the Escape’s cruising speed as needed to make your time on the highway more enjoyable.

It’s Time to Plan your Escape

The 2022 Ford Escape is an outstanding SUV that offers sporty styling, a wide spectrum of power, and impressive efficiency that puts more money in your wallet whether you opt for one of the two gas powertrains, the hybrid, or the plug-in hybrid. The Escape’s extensive suite of technology, from its connectivity features to its safety and driver-assist tools, add to the compact SUV’s value and are certain to upgrade your commute by keeping you connected, informed, entertained, and confident whenever you’re behind the wheel. So whether your commute takes you by our dealership on US-50, up US Hwy 285, or down 291 S, the 2022 Ford Escape will be the perfect vehicle to handle your daily commute.