Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: The Ford Escape is a compact SUV sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer .
Simplified: jpg thumb ( 800x545 ) px right A 2009 Ford Escape ) ) The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that is manufactured by the Ford Motor Company . It was introduced during 2000 as a 2001 model year SUV .