2022 Ford Escape SEL: Is It Worth It?

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2022 Ford Escape SEL: Is It Worth It? – A Comprehensive Review

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Ford Escape SEL, and we're going to break down whether this compact SUV is a good buy for you. We'll be looking at everything from its performance and features to its overall value proposition. So, if you're in the market for a new car and the Escape SEL has caught your eye, stick around. We'll explore if it lives up to the hype and if it's the right choice for your needs. Let's get started, shall we?

Performance and Driving Experience

First things first, let's talk about what's under the hood and how the 2022 Ford Escape SEL actually drives. The SEL trim typically comes with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, which is a turbocharged three-cylinder. Now, I know what you might be thinking: a three-cylinder in an SUV? But don't knock it until you try it! This little engine is surprisingly peppy, especially when paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers decent acceleration for everyday driving, like merging onto highways and navigating city streets. The turbocharger provides a nice boost, making it feel more powerful than the engine's size suggests.

Now, for those of you who want a little more oomph, there's the option to upgrade to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. This offers significantly more power, making the Escape feel more athletic and responsive. However, the base engine is sufficient for most drivers and helps with fuel economy. The Escape SEL's handling is generally considered competent. It's not a sports car, but it offers a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. The steering is light and easy, making it maneuverable in tight spaces, which is a big plus for city driving. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and composed ride. Road noise is relatively well-managed, although you might hear a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. One thing to consider is the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD). It's an optional feature that can significantly improve traction and stability, especially in areas with rain, snow, or icy conditions. If you live in a place with harsh weather, the AWD system is definitely worth considering. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a pleasant and practical driving experience. It's not going to win any awards for thrilling performance, but it provides a comfortable, efficient, and user-friendly ride. The engine options give buyers choices for their needs, ensuring a good balance of power and efficiency.

Interior and Features

Alright, let's hop inside and take a look at the interior of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL. The interior design is modern and functional, with a focus on practicality. The materials used are generally of good quality, with some soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The SEL trim usually includes upgrades like a power-adjustable driver's seat, which adds to comfort and convenience. Space is another key aspect. The front seats offer plenty of head and legroom, and the rear seats are also comfortable, even for adults. The Escape offers a good amount of rear legroom, especially for a compact SUV. The rear seats can also slide and recline, allowing you to customize the space for passengers or cargo. Speaking of cargo, the Escape has a generous cargo area behind the rear seats, and the rear seats fold down easily to create even more storage space. This makes it a versatile vehicle for carrying luggage, groceries, or larger items. The SEL trim is well-equipped with features. You can expect to find a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a range of driver-assistance technologies.

The infotainment system is easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen and clear graphics. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, navigation, and music. Driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are available, adding to the safety and convenience of the vehicle. Other standard features on the SEL trim might include heated front seats, a power liftgate, and dual-zone automatic climate control, all of which enhance the overall comfort and convenience of the driving experience. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL is a strong point. It offers a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped cabin. The design is modern, the materials are of good quality, and the features are abundant, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

Let's talk about the practical side of things, specifically fuel efficiency and everyday usability of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL. Fuel economy is a major consideration for many car buyers, and the Escape SEL generally performs well in this area, especially with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. You can expect to get decent miles per gallon (MPG) figures, making it relatively inexpensive to operate on a daily basis. The exact MPG ratings will vary depending on whether you choose front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), with FWD typically offering slightly better fuel economy.

Another aspect of practicality is the Escape's versatility. As we mentioned earlier, the spacious cargo area and folding rear seats make it easy to carry various types of cargo. This is a great feature for families or anyone who needs to transport items regularly. The Escape's compact size makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces, which is a big advantage. The user-friendly infotainment system and driver-assistance features also contribute to its practicality. The system's ease of use and the availability of features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring make driving easier and less stressful. The Escape also offers a comfortable and quiet ride, making it a pleasant vehicle for long trips or daily commutes. The fuel efficiency, combined with its versatile cargo space, user-friendly features, and comfortable ride, makes the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a practical choice for a wide range of drivers. It's a vehicle that can handle both city driving and longer journeys with ease, making it a great all-rounder for many people.

Safety Features

Safety is, without a doubt, a top priority when choosing a car, and the 2022 Ford Escape SEL comes well-equipped with a suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, which includes things like a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights.

The lane-keeping system helps to keep you centered in your lane, while blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, reducing the risk of accidents during lane changes. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically, mitigating or avoiding impacts. Automatic high-beam headlights automatically switch between high and low beams, maximizing visibility without blinding other drivers. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, and evasive steering assist, which can help you steer around an obstacle in an emergency. These features enhance the level of safety and provide peace of mind while driving. The Escape has performed well in crash tests, receiving good ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings indicate the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a comprehensive set of safety features, both standard and optional, providing excellent protection and peace of mind. The safety ratings and the inclusion of advanced driver-assistance technologies make it a safe choice for families and individuals alike.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Let's discuss the different trim levels available for the 2022 Ford Escape, and the associated pricing. The Escape generally offers a range of trim levels, starting with a base model and progressing through higher trims with more features and amenities. The SEL trim is usually positioned in the mid-range, offering a good balance of features and value.

At the time of its release, the base price of the SEL trim was competitive with other compact SUVs in its class. However, pricing can vary depending on the specific options and packages that are included. When considering the price, it's important to factor in the features and equipment that are included in the SEL trim. As mentioned earlier, the SEL often includes features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. These features add value to the vehicle and enhance the overall driving experience. In addition to the base price, you'll also need to consider the cost of ownership, which includes things like fuel costs, insurance premiums, and maintenance. However, the Escape is generally known for its reasonable operating costs. You should research the price of the Escape in your local market to get an accurate estimate of the cost. You can also compare prices from different dealerships and consider any available incentives or rebates. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a competitive price point for its class, especially when considering the features, performance, and overall value it provides.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's sum it all up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL.

Pros:

  • Fuel Efficiency: Generally offers good fuel economy, especially with the base engine.
  • Spacious Interior: Provides ample space for passengers and cargo.
  • User-Friendly Features: Includes an easy-to-use infotainment system and a range of driver-assistance technologies.
  • Comfortable Ride: Offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
  • Competitive Price: Provides good value for its features and performance.

Cons:

  • Base Engine Performance: While adequate, some drivers may desire more power.
  • Road Noise: Can be noticeable at highway speeds.
  • Availability of Options: Some desirable features may only be available on higher trim levels.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a Good Choice?

So, after everything we've covered, is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a good car? The answer is, it depends! If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a range of useful features, then the Escape SEL is definitely worth considering. It's a practical and versatile vehicle that's well-suited for both city driving and longer journeys. However, if you prioritize performance and want a more powerful engine, or if you're looking for the absolute latest in technology, you might want to consider other options. But, for many drivers, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL strikes a great balance of features, performance, and value. Do your research, test drive it, and see if it fits your needs. Hope this helps you guys decide!