[DECIDED Ford Escape Titanium, 2.0L I4, 4WD] In the market for new car (Mini-SUV)

[jav6454]

Do you have to unlock the car for it to work? It may be petty, but the one thing I like about just having a power liftgate is just press the button on the key fob, the liftgate will open, but the rest of the car is locked. So when I finish loading groceries and go to return the shopping cart just have to close the liftgate and the car is still locked while I walk the cart to the cart return.

You should consider the Equinox/Terrain( I prefer the design of the Terrain). You probably would go for the 3.6 V6, but my mom loves the 2.4 4 banger in hers. I managed to get 34.8 MPG with it on a road trip. My mom and I love it.

But, my second choice would be the Escape.

According to what I saw and tested, as long as you have the key fob with you, the car will unlock the liftgate with your foot. Yes doors remain locked; however, as soon as you touch the door handle (and the key fob is with you) the doors unlock automatically. No need to press anything.

I am looking into the Equinox. Given that I am eliminating the SantaFe Sport and Sportage, I need an extra choice just to keep thins in perspective.

Might I point out the overview I have so far given the Equinox, places it along side the Escape in terms of price and features. I need in both models to get the top level trim to access some of the features I'm looking for. Not a bad thing necessarily, but no the ideal situation either.

i am i a similar situation.
my shortlist is mazda cx5, subaru outback and jetta sortwagen tdi.
also waiting to see the new rogue which should come out in a few weeks

New Rogue in a few weeks? Sounds interesting, but by then I should have my mind made up. This is why I hate the car industry in terms of year models refreshes. Each year they release a next model (2014 in this case) in the middle or early Fall of the year in course (2013 in our case).

 

[hallux]

Why hate the model year release time? As long as you understand how they do it you can plan your shopping around that.

Generally, if the engineering went smoothly and they could ramp up the factory, a complete redesign could come as early as March, sometimes they'll use the winter holiday shutdown to re-tool the factory if they're WAY ahead of schedule, or had it scheduled that way as a short MY previously. If there were significant delays on components, or it was just a light refresh, June - Sept. is usually when the new models come out. The Outback gets just package realignments for 2014, the 2014 is out now. When I got my previous vehicle, I ordered mid-Aug. in 2005 and ended up with a VERY early 2006, that was also a package realignment year.

Sometimes, if the manufacturer has some inside info on a competitor or they think it'll be a "hot" model, they'll push the timeline for the winter shutdown re-tool to get a jump on the new model year, otherwise they shoot for summer.

 

[puma1552]

I'm absolutely flabbergasted that a Ford Escape, even a high-end trim model, goes for over $30k. I know that's the type of vehicle you're looking for, but that price seems absolutely ridiculous. I hope you can get a better deal than that.

I bought my Ford Expedition (mid-level trim) for a couple thousand more than that, brand new. Paying that much for a small crossover just seems like highway robbery (pun not intended).

Welcome to buying a new car today. Everything from every manufacturer has gotten ridiculous. Hell, you can spend $50k on an F-150. Can you imagine that, a $50k pickup truck?

Even a Jetta can run $30k these days. There are very few options (especially for anything other than bottom-rung trim) that are less than $30k outside of economy cars these days. That is to say, if something is loaded/top trim and less than $30k, it's almost certainly an economy car (with a few exceptions such as a mini Cooper or a Beetle or other niche car, etc.).

I still vote for the Tiguan, '14 R-lines are coming out right now and will be hitting dealer lots any day. Besides the Tiguan, the Escape Titanium is a nice choice and for me it'd be the Escape if not the '13 Tig SEL/'14 R-line. Everything else on the list seems to be in a different, lower-rent class. Equinox just looks like a typical cheap GM box of plastic, though I can't speak to its reliability or quality...just not a fan of how stale everything GM makes now is ('Vette/Camaro excepted). The others all remind me of what a 20 year old girl would drive who wants an SUV.

 

[Tomorrow]

Welcome to buying a new car today. Everything from every manufacturer has gotten ridiculous. Hell, you can spend $50k on an F-150. Can you imagine that, a $50k pickup truck?

Yes, I can, actually. I bought my Expedition brand new only three years ago, and I don't imagine prices have changed too radically since then.

My remarks were less about how much a vehicle costs these days, and more about how such a small, underpowered, crossover "SUV" costs almost as much as a full-sized truck-based SUV.

 

[G51989]

Welcome to buying a new car today. Everything from every manufacturer has gotten ridiculous. Hell, you can spend $50k on an F-150. Can you imagine that, a $50k pickup truck?

I bought a 2008 F350 Super Duty preowned for 25,000, it cost over 50,000 brand new ( and its not even a 6 tire model ).

New pickup trucks have lots of creature comforts, and safety and towing features the old models simply did not have, so of course their more expensive.

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Yes, I can, actually. I bought my Expedition brand new only three years ago, and I don't imagine prices have changed too radically since then.

My remarks were less about how much a vehicle costs these days, and more about how such a small, underpowered, crossover "SUV" costs almost as much as a full-sized truck-based SUV.

Expedition? I'd say go used and get a powerstroke excursion, better MPG.

The Ford Escape costs 22,000 to start for the base model, it only hits the 30K plus mark when you option it out with everything. And you get a 165 horsepower 4 banger for that price, while not a rocket, I would hardly call that underpowered. Considering the 2nd generation escape could barely crack 220 with its 3.0 V6. With the decked out 2.0 liter, you get 240 horsepower and 270ftlbs of torque. I would HARDLY call that underpowered. And with 30MPG+ on the highway, its easy on gas to.

My F350 V10 struggles to get 15mpg if I'm very light on the throttle.

 

[jav6454]

Yes, I can, actually. I bought my Expedition brand new only three years ago, and I don't imagine prices have changed too radically since then.

My remarks were less about how much a vehicle costs these days, and more about how such a small, underpowered, crossover "SUV" costs almost as much as a full-sized truck-based SUV.

True, but the more features come standard with the vehicle, the higher the price. Many of the vehicles I posted here have low price but come poorly equipped and will need extra add-ons which once factored in place both a high priced vehicle in same price point as upgraded lower cost vehicle.

So it just comes down right now to which one the buyer (in this case me), feels best with. Right now, the Tiguan, Escape and Cherokee (yes I looked and loved it) are battling for my attention. Whoever comes up with something good in terms of $/features that one will win.

Given that, I must say, Escape fell to 2nd place and Cherokee is doing a nice job, Tiguan is falling behind due to maintenance costs alone.

The Ford Escape costs 22,000 to start for the base model, it only hits the 30K plus mark when you option it out with everything. And you get a 165 horsepower 4 banger for that price, while not a rocket, I would hardly call that underpowered. Considering the 2nd generation escape could barely crack 220 with its 3.0 V6. With the decked out 2.0 liter, you get 240 horsepower and 270ftlbs of torque. I would HARDLY call that underpowered. And with 30MPG+ on the highway, its easy on gas to.

My F350 V10 struggles to get 15mpg if I'm very light on the throttle.

There is also this to consider. The 1.6L engine or 2.0L engines are not as underpowered as people think. Liter rating (and in many cases amount of cylinders) at this point in time has started to become like the Megapixels in cameras. Just because you have more doesn't mean it's the best or suited. 2.0L EcoBoost has trumped many engines that are 4-cyl and 6-cyl with either same or higher Liter rating.

Not that I am defending Ford's engine choice, but what I have tested and researched, this seems to be the case. Even among Escape owners I read this case about the engines.

 

[G51989]

Given that, I must say, Escape fell to 2nd place and Cherokee is doing a nice job, Tiguan is falling behind due to maintenance costs alone.

The Tiguan is not as reliable or as well made as the Escape, and will have higher maintenance costs. VW used to be king, but as of late they've been junk.

The problem with the Cherokee is that its a Chrysler product, they're not made to a very good standard, are unreliable, and generally junk, fall apart and don't last the course.

 

[jav6454]

The Tiguan is not as reliable or as well made as the Escape, and will have higher maintenance costs. VW used to be king, but as of late they've been junk.

The problem with the Cherokee is that its a Chrysler product, they're not made to a very good standard, are unreliable, and generally junk, fall apart and don't last the course.

I still have to factor in owner comments and question a few people I know who own Jeep vehicles. Like I said, I am still in the research stage and nothing is set on stone.

A Tiguan owner I know gave me his recommendation and let me borrow his car for a day to see what it felt like. During that day, everything turned out fine.

 

[G51989]

I still have to factor in owner comments and question a few people I know who own Jeep vehicles. Like I said, I am still in the research stage and nothing is set on stone.

Well, I've owned a lot of Chrysler products over the years, they just aren't built to a good standard, and that inculds new models, I believe last year the Ram 1500 was the only recommended model they make. I've never had good luck with any Chrysler product.

A Tiguan owner I know gave me his recommendation and let me borrow his car for a day to see what it felt like. During that day, everything turned out fine.

Of course for a day it would turn out fine, however VW has been battling reliability and build quality issues for a few years now. While Ford has been doing very well.

 

[designs216]

I would go for the Ford Escape,

My aunt had a 2001 Ford Escape, 2005 Ford Escape, and most recently a 2011 Ford Escape.

I rented a 2011 V6 model on a vacation in Tallahassee Florida, Loved it. Felt stable, tons of power even with the AWD, I think its 270ish? Got over 25MPG most of the usage, and if my aunts Fords are any indication, they're rock solid reliable.
If you want to buy American, Ford is easily the best choice.

I really dig the Escape but I prefer the former body style. It also bugs me that manual transmissions are becoming very hard to find. OP, what was your beef with the CR-V?

 

[squeeks]

I have a 2013 Ford escape SE with the 2.0L Ecoboost

It has 14000 miles on it ive had it since November 1st

Overall I like it. The engine is great, though at times if you let off the gas, then hit the gas again really quickly it will take it a second to realize you're stepping on the gas again, not sure what that's all about.

My biggest problem is with the infotainment system MyFord Touch, its... a bit buggy. The sync voice commands work pretty good once you get the syntax down, but the system has a habit of crashing for no reason.

The only other thing I don't care for is the stiff ride with the larger wheels combined with the added suspension for having the tow package. The seats are really comfortable and the cabin is very quiet.

I also have the power lift gate. Not the kick open one, which wasn't available last year on the SE. Its one of my favorite features on that car, its terrific.

Ford changed the lineup for 2014 a lot of those features you want I think are now available on the SE, they dropped the SEL and made rear camera standard across the entire model. They also remove the 2.0L engine as standard from the titanium, which is a bit disappointing, but the 1.6L is pretty peppy as well, I just really enjoy blowing everyone off the line at lights with little to no effort on the engine.

 

[quagmire]

The problem with the Cherokee is that its a Chrysler product, they're not made to a very good standard, are unreliable, and generally junk, fall apart and don't last the course.

We may disagree with GM, but I am with G5 on Chrysler products. We have had nothing, but issues with them. From their minivans, a 2000 Cherokee, a Grand Cherokee, and a Chrysler Sebring.

Plus, you like the looks of the new Cherokee? That thing was hit with the ugly stick more than the Aztek and Juke was in my opinion.

Also, it isn't a Jeep. The Wrangler and Grand Cherokee are the only true Jeeps remaining. I hate brand dilution and that is what Daimler did and Fiat right now is doing to Jeep.

 

[puma1552]

Of course for a day it would turn out fine, however VW has been battling reliability and build quality issues for a few years now. While Ford has been doing very well.

Where did you get this information? Everyone knows VW's dark years were the late 1990s/early 2000s. They have a lot better build quality today than they used to.

My experience with my two new Volkswagens (2012 and 2013) says otherwise, both have been flawless through over the first 10k miles. One of those is also a first year car.

Ford has been doing well (I quite like Ford), but so has VW. The 2012 Passat was Motor Trend's car of the year, and they currently sell 180,000 Jettas a year. By 2018 VW is looking to sell 1,000,000 cars a year in America, and the answer is the insanely good and versatile MQB platform which has been called the holy grail of car platforms and chassis design, which even the BMW execs lamented that they don't even have anything remotely like it even on the drawing board. Don't knock other brands with random misinformation due to an obvious bias.

 

[wordoflife]

Overall I like it. The engine is great, though at times if you let off the gas, then hit the gas again really quickly it will take it a second to realize you're stepping on the gas again, not sure what that's all about.

Turbo lag.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbocharger#Turbo_lag

Where did you get this information? Everyone knows VW's dark years were the late 1990s/early 2000s. They have a lot better build quality today than they used to.

My experience with my two new Volkswagens (2012 and 2013) says otherwise, both have been flawless through over the first 10k miles. One of those is also a first year car.

Ford has been doing well (I quite like Ford), but so has VW. The 2012 Passat was Motor Trend's car of the year, and they currently sell 180,000 Jettas a year. By 2018 VW is looking to sell 1,000,000 cars a year in America, and the answer is the insanely good and versatile MQB platform which has been called the holy grail of car platforms and chassis design, which even the BMW execs lamented that they don't even have anything remotely like it even on the drawing board. Don't knock other brands with random misinformation due to an obvious bias.

VW is doing better but they are still more expensive to run compared to the competition. My friend's VW is falling apart in almost every regard. All the windows are broken, the passenger door doesn't open, interior falling apart (headliner falling, broken door handles, buttons breaking etc). Interestingly enough, the engine seems to work fine. I really like some of the new VW but I'd still be scared to buy one. Especially to keep it past the warranty period.

 

[Tomorrow]

Expedition? I'd say go used and get a powerstroke excursion, better MPG.

Three problems:

1. I wanted new, not used.

2. The Excursion is bigger than what I need. It's classified as a medium-duty truck based on GVWR, making the registration fees astronomical by comparison.

3. I get 19+ mpg in my daily commute. Even the smaller powerstroke engine isn't going to top that.

 

[jav6454]

I really dig the Escape but I prefer the former body style. It also bugs me that manual transmissions are becoming very hard to find. OP, what was your beef with the CR-V?

Didn't like it from the get go.

I have a 2013 Ford escape SE with the 2.0L Ecoboost

It has 14000 miles on it ive had it since November 1st

Overall I like it. The engine is great, though at times if you let off the gas, then hit the gas again really quickly it will take it a second to realize you're stepping on the gas again, not sure what that's all about.

My biggest problem is with the infotainment system MyFord Touch, its... a bit buggy. The sync voice commands work pretty good once you get the syntax down, but the system has a habit of crashing for no reason.

The only other thing I don't care for is the stiff ride with the larger wheels combined with the added suspension for having the tow package. The seats are really comfortable and the cabin is very quiet.

I also have the power lift gate. Not the kick open one, which wasn't available last year on the SE. Its one of my favorite features on that car, its terrific.

Ford changed the lineup for 2014 a lot of those features you want I think are now available on the SE, they dropped the SEL and made rear camera standard across the entire model. They also remove the 2.0L engine as standard from the titanium, which is a bit disappointing, but the 1.6L is pretty peppy as well, I just really enjoy blowing everyone off the line at lights with little to no effort on the engine.

Thanks, useful insight. I don't plan too much on relying on Sync or MyTouch as I'll let the iPhone and Siri do all the work.

About the cabin being quiet, that's what I absolutely loved. Very low noise levels. In regards to the features, I am looking for must have leather seats and unluckily the Escape has leather only on Titanium.

 

[squeeks]

, I am looking for must have leather seats and unluckily the Escape has leather only on Titanium.

Not sure where you heard that but that is certainly not true. Leather is available on the SE as well for 2014 and was available on the SEL and Titanium in 2013

See Below:

 

[G51989]

We may disagree with GM, but I am with G5 on Chrysler products. We have had nothing, but issues with them. From their minivans, a 2000 Cherokee, a Grand Cherokee, and a Chrysler Sebring. .

I like GM mostly, I daily drive my 2012 Corvette Grand Spot, run with the top down most of the time.

But they still make so many awful models, I can't recommend them to anyone.

The Cruze is about it. And the trucks are not so bad, but bested by Fords, I love my vette.

My family has owned more than a few Chrysler products over the years, mostly due to sales offers.

The ONLY one that turned out good was my uncles 1991 Lebaron Convertible GTC Turbo 2.2 liter, he put well over 350,000 miles on that car, and STILL has it, he recently had it restored from the ground up, and it runs great.

Maybe it was a fluke?

The only thing I ever liked about Chrysler, was up until about 1997, they were the engineering company, they were never afraid to try something new. I think many of the 1980s Turbo Chrysler products were really fun cars.

 

[GermanyChris]

X1 or Q3?

 

[jav6454]

Not sure where you heard that but that is certainly not true. Leather is available on the SE as well for 2014 and was available on the SEL and Titanium in 2013

See Below:

I checked and my dealer said, Titanium only.

 

[squeeks]

I checked and my dealer said, Titanium only.

Ah, I figured it out, the leather on the SE is going to be a late availability option:
Leather Comfort Package – Late Availability
• Leather Seats
• Heated Front Seats
• Global One-Touch Up/Down Windows
• Heated Power Side Mirrors
• Dual Illuminated Visors
• Leather Steering Wheel and Shift Knob

source:
http://www.escape-city.com/2014_Escape_Order_Guide.pdf

 

[iPhonemaster5S]

If you are willing to deal with finding a used Audi Q5 its an amazing car. We just bought our brand new 2013 Audi Q5 3.0T Prestige (clarifying the model for AutoUnion in case he shows up ). It's amazing handles well, great power delivery which is constant Throughout the rev range. Only thing is that bugs me is that doesnt get great mpg considering its a supercharged V6. When we bought ours we were looking at the certified used ones and the older models drove the same way, just down on a little power with the v6 models due to colorados altitude so it was between used 2.0 Turbo four cylinder or a supercharged new V6. We luckily got a good deal on the latter so we ended up with that. Now we are a complete Audi household. also Audi service is expensive but if you keep up with regular maintenance and get an extended service warranty you'll be fine.

On the other hand if you don't want to fork over the money for a new one and don't want the used models I would highly suggest the VW Tiguan. It's a great car for the value, VW service has gotten better through the years and its no longer terrible and/or ridiculously expensive. What model of Tiguan were you looking at? The SE model is one of the best for bang for your buck, the SEL is the top if the line so you may have to pay more depending on negation. Anyway good luck PM me if you have questions. I work in the auto industry so I might be able to help you if you have the questions.

 

[Gregg2]

I bought a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, new, in April of 2011. It's been great. For me, it came down to this or the CR-V. One of my main criteria is reliability. The Toyota RAV4 scored well, but I just couldn't get past the side hinged rear gate.

 

[jav6454]

Ah, I figured it out, the leather on the SE is going to be a late availability option:
Leather Comfort Package – Late Availability
• Leather Seats
• Heated Front Seats
• Global One-Touch Up/Down Windows
• Heated Power Side Mirrors
• Dual Illuminated Visors
• Leather Steering Wheel and Shift Knob

source:
http://www.escape-city.com/2014_Escape_Order_Guide.pdf

The whole "Late Availability" sounds like a Feb/March option to me.

 

[2298754]

If you are willing to deal with finding a used Audi Q5 its an amazing car. We just bought our brand new 2013 Audi Q5 3.0T Prestige (clarifying the model for AutoUnion in case he shows up ). It's amazing handles well, great power delivery which is constant Throughout the rev range. Only thing is that bugs me is that doesnt get great mpg considering its a supercharged V6. When we bought ours we were looking at the certified used ones and the older models drove the same way, just down on a little power with the v6 models due to colorados altitude so it was between used 2.0 Turbo four cylinder or a supercharged new V6. We luckily got a good deal on the latter so we ended up with that. Now we are a complete Audi household. also Audi service is expensive but if you keep up with regular maintenance and get an extended service warranty you'll be fine. )

Just saw this. Good pickup. The Q5 is one of my favorite CUVs out there, especially with the new 3.0TDI for MY14.

And Audi service isn't very expensive at all. I got AudiCare on my S7 for $880 and covers all services up to 45k. Not too bad for a $95k Audi. At that point, you can extend it. So far so good though. This is my second Audi (had a Q7 before) and have owned countless VWs. I don't buy the whole "German cars are junk" argument at all. I've never had any issues.
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On the other hand if you don't want to fork over the money for a new one and don't want the used models I would highly suggest the VW Tiguan. It's a great car for the value, VW service has gotten better through the years and its no longer terrible and/or ridiculously expensive. What model of Tiguan were you looking at? The SE model is one of the best for bang for your buck, the SEL is the top if the line so you may have to pay more depending on negation. Anyway good luck PM me if you have questions. I work in the auto industry so I might be able to help you if you have the questions.

x2. If you don't want to spend the extra coin on a used/CPO/new Q5, the Tiguan is a fantastic car.