The latter produces a thumping 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. That's a lot of grunt for a smallish vehicle like the Escape and frankly, for around-town driving, it's too much. I found it difficult to drive the Escape smoothly. Every time my foot touched the accelerator, the car leaped forward like a startled rabbit. Pulling away from a stop sign or a traffic light, it's more than necessary.
Brakes are discs in front, drums in rear.
On the upper-end XLT model, ABS is standard. The suspension is fully independent, with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. With excellent steering response, the Escape handles exceedingly well for a vehicle of its type. There are two trim levels available - the XLS and XLT, with an XLT Sport model imminent. Add an option package or two and that XLT will top 30 grand with ease.