2019 Ford Escape

Ford is a juggernaut in the truck and utility vehicle markets, a fact affirmed by the evergreen success of the Escape compact crossover. While it's not quite the most popular small utility in Canada, it's hot on the heels of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, a fact that has led Ford to leave well enough alone for 2019.

With no notable changes, the Escape carries over with a choice of three engines and two drive systems. The entry-level S trim is the only one to use a decade-old 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Better performance comes in the form of 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinders that make 179 hp/177 lb-ft and 245 hp/275 lb-ft, respectively.

S trim comes in FWD only; SE and SEL start as front-drivers and can be optioned to AWD with either turbo engine; and the Titanium comes exclusively with the 2.0L and AWD.

The Escape is a smooth performer and boasts sharper handling than most of its competitors thanks to a design that originated with Ford's European engineers, but the downside is an interior that's snug compared to the CR-V and RAV4. And if you plan on using the back seat a lot, keep in mind the thinly-padded rear bench is low to the floor and doesn't offer a lot of under-thigh support.

S trim comes with a relatively light list of standard kit. There's air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, six-speaker sound system with the Sync infotainment system, power windows, automatic headlights, 17-inch steel wheels with covers and keyless entry.

SE adds a 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, fog lights, chrome exterior trim, keyless entry keypad and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

SEL brings leather-trimmed seating, power tailgate, leather-trimmed steering wheel and a backup sensing system.

Finally, Titanium models gets forward proximity sensors, 18-inch wheels, 10-speaker stereo, Sync 3, navigation, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 110-volt power outlet, passive keyless entry, heated steering wheel, cargo privacy cover and a hands-free tailgate.

Ford's 2018 fuel consumption estimates for the Escape are 10.2/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 1.5L engine and FWD; 10.7/8.3 for the 1.5L AWD combo; and 11.5/8.8 when fitted with the 2.0L and AWD. We expect 2019 ratings will be nearly identical.