The 2015 Ford Escape delivers more than one might expect from a vehicle in this class thanks to numerous upscale features.

The Ford Escape has always been the king of its class, but for 2015, Ford has gone a step further by offering options that allow this compact SUV to feel like a true luxury vehicle. With an upscale cabin, powerful engine and top-of-the-line tech specs, the top-level Escape easily rivals some of the more upscale vehicles. The Ford Escape has all the potential to out-class its own segment and appeal to an all-new group of buyers.

The Titanium Trim Makes Things Better

The nice thing about the Ford Escape is that you can configure it however you like. There is still an opportunity to make this vehicle into an unfussy commuter compact, but there is also an abundance of ways that you can turn up the fancy and get some sweet (and useful) swag.

The Ford Escape Titanium is the top-of-the-line trim that sits above the lower-end S and SE trims. Opting for this trim level will buy you some great features that are normally reserved for luxury brands. The leather comfort seats are not only heated, but also eight-way power adjustable (with power lumbar!). There is a power liftgate with a hands-free option as well, which allows owners with full hands to simply pass their foot beneath the rear bumper to automatically unlock and open the hatch.

Some other notable features that contribute to making the interior of this vehicle a luxury-like haven include soft-touch materials on most surfaces instead of hard plastic, keyless entry and ignition and an available panoramic moonroof.

While the Escape may not offer these luxury-like interior features in the base trims due to their cost, the fact that they are available in the first place allows the Escape to appeal to a new demographic.

The Engine is Fancy

Under the hood of the Titanium trim is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. These numbers match what’s offered in the majority of base luxury models, including the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz B-Class. That being said, it’s the best engine the Escape has to offer, so don’t escape anything too fancy.

MyFord Touch Controls Everything

Like Mercedes’ COMAND, BMW’s iDrive and Audi’s MMI, MyFord Touch is Ford’s exclusive infotainment system. It comes equipped with several advanced tech options all connected to one eight-inch touchscreen display. The MyFord Touch controls the Escape’s 10-speaker sound system with HD radio, navigation system and Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity.

Ford has also introduced a Ford MyKey protection system, which allows owners to program vehicle top-speed limits and audio volume limits.

On top of everything, each 2015 Ford Escape comes standard with a rearview camera, which improves rearward visibility and safety.

Verdict

The Ford Escape Titanium has a feature list of a luxury vehicle and almost a price to match. Nonetheless, it’s still a great option that is sure to be approved by any driver who enjoys the finer things in life.

The 2015 Ford Escape is expected to hit dealership showrooms in the coming months. For more details on the specific features of the Escape, check out our full review!