Overall, the efficient powertrains and modern on-road dynamics are more than enough to make the Escape one of the two most popular utility vehicles in North America. At $27,780 USD, the front-wheel-drive Escape SEL is priced nicely, too.
However, Ford wanted the Escape to cover all bases, even the base where Lincoln should reside. From a low of $22,470, the Escape can climb to $32,945 before options. With White Platinum paint, a panoramic roof, full leather, and Ford’s famed parking technology package, the all-wheel-drive Escape Titanium is a $38,235 vehicle in the United States, just $1310 less than Lincoln’s MKX. In Canada, a loaded Titanium AWD Escape costs $42,999, 12.5% more than it does in the U.S. despite the fact that a basic Escape costs less in Canada.
Premium badging isn’t everything in this world, not when you can have a mainstream brand vehicle with ridiculous levels of equipment. But the idea of a $35,900 Audi Q5, $38,500 BMW X3 xDrive28i, $37,090 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, or a roomy $39,310 Lexus RX350 has me questioning the appeal of a $38,235 Escape. I’ve managed to do the parking myself so far. And in the future, I’d rather park a Q5 than have an Escape park for me.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Dodge Ram – BMW 328i
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – Chevrolet Suburban –
Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon – Porsche Boxster S –
Porsche Cayenne S – Land Rover Range Rover