2018 Ford Escape SE // review, walk around, and test drive // 100 rental cars

This is the rental car number 122 and today I'm (finally) driving the 2018 Ford Escape SE.
There's more details below, but I just wanted to quickly say ~thank you~ for watching my video. Please comment below and share your thoughts. Or just take a second and say 'Hey'. I'd love to hear from you. Cheers!
Patreon: / 100rentalcars
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NOTES:
Year: 2018
Make: Ford
Model: Escape
Trim: SE
Type: 4-door compact SUV that seats 5
MSRP: $25,700
UNDER THE HOOD:
Engine: 1.5L Inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission
Horsepower: 179 hp
Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs
MPG City: 23 city
MPG Highway: 30 highway
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.7 gallons
Cost for a full tank: $2.59 gallon x 15.7 gallons = $40.66
ACCELERATION:
0 to 60: Time all over the place. But Car and driver reported a time of 9.2 seconds on a model with more horsepower so....the Escape isn't super fast. I didn't really notice through. Frankly, I found the Escape to be responsive and easy to drive. And I didn't have any complaints with the speed of this vehicle.
HANDLING:
Handling on the other hand, I didn't like. I've driven a lot of SUVs recently and this is the first one I had in a while where I felt like the need to dramatically slow down when I went around a long curving exit ramp on the interstate. Maybe it's just me being overly caution, but I really felt like the back end was going to slip if I didn't slow down...and that's not a great feeling. I just didn't feel comfortable, or confident driving the Escape.
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CONTACT ME: [e-mail]
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TAGS: #100rentalcars #Ford #FordEscape

[@Honeybee907insta]

Just bought this vehicle today! Super excited! Love the features and happy to cal it my own 💛🥰

[@evanfagerty348]

I just bought the sport edition today blacked out. Absolutely love it

[@mayuresh51]

Please share the usage experience till 2022

[@metosoreru]

I recently purchased one of these except in a dark gray color, very happy with it so far. It feels sporty and is a lot of fun to drive

[@Brandon-dk6iw]

Hoping to get mine this Friday hopefully she's good as everyone says 🙏

[@NorthernUtahDashcam]

It’s missing 2 important things. The 2.0 L turbo Ecoboost engine and then big screen sync3 system.

[@100RentalCars]

Amen.

[@blackericdenice]

It want get 26 mpg mix driving with that engine.

[@Subjohny]

1.5L

[@Subjohny]

0:31 - he is talking about engine!

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Are these available without a turbo engine?

[@CRVgarage]

Good review as always. I just drove one & the ride was confident & sporty. May be you should try another time.

[@TheEnergydrinkguru]

Has anyone ever told you that you sound like Steve Carell?

[@10cpaul]

He needs a pod cast best voice.

[@jeffmorse645]

Waiting for one of his "Office" costars to hop in the passenger seat.

[@dalegribble3684]

Jeff Morse he needs Dwight as a co pilot

[@jenb8029]

I cannot unhear it and I'm not mad at it

[@xavihernandez6598]

I Agree with the other person, I can’t unhear now lol 😆

[@blackericdenice]

I rented a 2019 se last weekend and uploaded a video. I got 25.82 mpg mix driving. I liked the car much better than the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander I rented 2 weeks ago. The cvt suck.

[@naydacarmona2709]

I own a escape se, I honestly like t a lot. It’s extremely comfortable for me and driving it isn’t that hard, the ride is smooth and not too many blindspots. The rear camera is what I have found to help a lot. She transmission is also pretty smooth for me

[@antoniosparks8606]

Do you still like it ?

[@2buckgeo843]

Do you like it still bro ?

[@LogicTinkerer]

Does the rear view camera include trajectory lines?

[@jeremyshearer3885]

Good video there. If you where to go back to your review of the Ford Focus you will find it has the same key as well and many of the Interior Features are shared with both vehicles the good thing is Escape does not have the really bad duel clutch transmission that the focus has!

[@jeepguy95]

These are nice SUV's, I drove a 2014 Titanium 2.0T AWD awhile back and really liked it. The seats were a little flat, but overall, great vehicle.

[@ruizezhao2671]

I realize you forgot to off the emergency brake before you start driving, lol. I had done the same. At 14:50

[@michaelchin3550]

This is my 2nd Ford Escape and I really like the car. Good handling and very good acceleration. Same model, same engine. I wonder if he was in the all wheel intelligent drive? I guess to each their own.

[@rockford2523]

Great review again!

[@mojorisin7317]

Thanks for another relaxing comprehensive review of this vehicle. Was wondering how the redesigned version was, I had a 05 Escape.

[@nwhit1]

I'm a little surprised about your thoughts on the handling in the Escape. I've got some pretty substantial seat time in a 2016 Escape Titanium with the 2.0, and I always felt the handling was very sharp for a CUV, with good amounts of grip and decent feedback. Admittedly, there is a lot I don't like about the Escape. The steering is a little too fast on the highway and feels twitchy to me, the amount of road and wind noise is far higher than it should be in a $36,000 vehicle, the interior has an air of cheapness to it that I don't like, and at 6 feet tall I can only comfortably sit in the driver's seat due to the shape of the dash and the back seats. In spite of all this, my mom loves her Escape, so I guess none of the things I don't like about it are too terribly glaring!

[@austinhowells5797]

I currently drive a Nissan Altima, but since I’m getting a repair, the dealership I got my car from gave me a 2018 Ford Escape to drive, in my opinion, the handling on this thing isn’t the greatest and it’s flat out uncomfortable to drive. Probably since most vehicles I drive are Full & Mid size sedans. But I’ve also driven the Ford E-150 Van for several months and drives a lot smoother than this smaller SUV. One good thing is it is incredibly spacious, as most SUV’s are ofcourse. But even more so than the 2011 Cadillac SRX I used to drive. I definitely say you have a fair rating for the vehicle.

[@100RentalCars]

Thanks!

[@resourcegyrl]

I just bought this car a week ago. I'm not sure yet, if I really like it. I really dislike the tiny backup camera. Its really small. So far, it's not good on gas. I dislike the hatchback. It don't go down automatically. You have to grab a handle to close it. So far, I'm still learning all about it. I will come back in a month, to see if I 100% like it!

[@kaceyhowell6570]

The only thing that I do not like about this level of the escape is that tiny center screen. They just need to make Sync 3 standard on all their trim levels already.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Motorcycle riders HATE those damn screens in vehicles. Especially when we are sitting at a traffic light, and we do not know what you are looking at. Hopefully the road ahead, so you do not wipe us out.

[@Zmrt457]

Ironically at the beginning of the video when you’re driving, you’re behind an older escape😂 Just traded in my 2012 for a 2018🎉

[@LogicTinkerer]

Does the rear view camera include trajectory lines?

[@motivationweightloss34]

Yes

[@maxlugo4418]

Just wanted to let you know your thumbnail shows 2019 instead of 2018, love your videos!

[@100RentalCars]

Oh crap! I made it late last night and didn't even notice. Thank you! I'll change it right now.

[@100RentalCars]

Fixed! (Although, it might take a bit before you can see the change.). Thanks again!

[@heatherbelk4089]

Curiosity....are/we're you in Ottawa, IL?! I can spot that bridge anywhere! Grew up there!

[@disneyfan9099]

I really like the Escape but the 2018 SE one I rented was Super slow in my opinion. It’s nice the SE comes with heated seats. They updated it for 2019 with new taillights and the touchscreen standard for 2019.

[@trentonhull5972]

Whoa! I’ve missed 2 reviews! I’ve got to catch up!

[@100RentalCars]

Thanks Trenton! Look how far we've come together. 10,000 subs is coming fast and the channel just hit 3 million views!

[@trentonhull5972]

100 Rental Cars great progress!

[@Anonymous-ji4sb]

Was that last shot the White River in downtown Indianapolis near the Eskenazi Hospital?

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Howdy, great review! I own a ‘17, same spec except for the colors (I have red) and the seats(I have charcoal)and I agree about everything you said in this review. You’re awesome!😸

[@randomnickname3246]

The car looks very similar Ford Kuga. Or Kuga and new Escape are the completely same cars?

[@7inchsoldier397]

Yes they are the same. Also the Kuga is now called the Escape too.

[@MrMyking2]

Looking at a 2018 Ford Escape SE - I want to buy American but everyone keeps telling me Ford has lots of issues... perhaps I’ll get the Subaru Outback

[@100RentalCars]

I've driven dozens of Fords the last few years and liked all of them. I don't see quality falling, but then again, I only drive these vehicles for a short time. So I'm not the best person to talk about long term reliability and performance. Personally, I'd feel comfortable driving/buying both the Escape and the Outback. I'd suggest test driving both if you can. You may find you like on more than the other.

[@MrMyking2]

@@100RentalCars thanks for the reply!

[@jakeadams5741]

Gas at $2.59... ahhh those were the days!

[@D.N.R.911]

Good review, how about doing one on the Rogue Sport?

[@100RentalCars]

I'd love to Donavin, but I can't find one! I'll ask for one the moment it's on my local Enterprise lot. 👍

[@greglindsey2804]

The 4wd model handles curves a lot better

[@10cpaul]

In the market for a 19 Jetta you need to request a rental

[@raydonovan9583]

Can this SUV be used for uber and how many mpg on highway

[@NorthernUtahDashcam]

Try to get a Titanium next time it’s like night and day.

[@100RentalCars]

I will. It wasn't an option this time, bit I'll see if I can get one soon.

[@disneyfan9099]

Northern Utah Dashcam Sadly Titanium Escapes are very rare.

[@davis6123]

Looks nice except for that infotainment system. Really tiny, especially compared to competitors. But looks like a nice car all around.

[@davis6123]

In fact, many parts of this seem to be behind the times. No standard push button start, tiny screen, and tons of buttons. Plus the sluggish acceleration and disappointing handling. There is a reasons sales for this are slipping while the industry average is skyrocketing. Sorry to be so negative! I do think that the higher trims are much nicer.

[@mowingman816]

I'd take a 2018 escape over a 2020 21 lexus rx any day! The 2018 has way more options then the lexus rx all you doing is paying for the name when buying lexus!... as for the driving and stirring yes it feels weird at 1st but you'll get used to it afterwards ive had my escape 2018 since June 2020 only 6,000 miles! Been a great vehicle so far!

[@chrisransdell8110]

A good review. The Escape is generally considered pretty nimble but its possible that yours had a hard life, worn tires or just wasn't your cup of tea. Though most Escapes and Focuses (which are based on the same platform) have the simple Ford Sync system like your rental, the Sync3 touch screen system is really above and beyond with lots of features, a really advanced traffic aware nav and Apple Car Play/Android Auto features. And at least on some Ford models you can get this even on SE level cars without a huge up charge. My main frustration with the Escape rental I had was that it seemed very small especially in terms of cargo space. Certainly not any better than the Focus hatchback that is my daily driver. On the plus side it doesn't share the Focus's notoriously high maintenance dry clutch automatic.

[@rmorenberg]

I use that exit every week or so i80 to i55

[@Snake-ms7sj]

Odd about the handling. You don't say if the one you drove is FWD or AWD. My 2018 Escape S (FWD) is just the opposite. Really stiff suspension. Sometimes a little too stiff and bad roads, but on smooth roads and highway no problem. I've gone around sharp turns better than some cars and can take a corner faster than many other SUV's. No rear end "slip out" like you describe. I have the same wheels & tires. The S with the 2.5L does 0-60 mph in 9.2 secs, I think the 1.5L turbo is maybe 1/10 th of a second quicker in FWD and like a 1/2 second quicker in AWD from reviews I've read/watched. The reason for the gas tank size is that modern cars' tanks are shaped to fit around the suspension components in many cases, so the location and shape determines the capacity. The old cars with the metal fuel tanks were just rectangular and symmetrical as the usually sat behind the rear suspension apart from it.

[@abdelhadi5770]

Kuga or hyundai tucso ?? Wich one is better please??😉

[@grissolable]

You should do a Q&A video

[@100RentalCars]

Sure. If people submit enough questions, I'll do another Q&A. What do you want to know?

[@xubious]

I’ll stick to 2nd gen V6’s, 60 more HP and half the price

[@joshuar9938]

Look up the ratings on iihs

[@TalismanPHX]

Interior has very unattractive plastics, looks cheap.... especially dashboard. Good review, thanks!

[@100RentalCars]

Thanks Daniel!

[@jeffmorse645]

Until they get some advanced safety feature on it such as front collision mitigation (at least optional) I won't consider it.

[@Natethegreat200c]

From what I know it’s on the top trim or it’s a option even in other models.

[@Axel-no8of]

Honestly for the msrp you don’t get your money’s worth Technology is not great, 1. Some people won’t agree 2. Don’t get offended So the screen is really small, I would expect this on a 2014, 2015 car but not 2018 I love Fords I own a Fusion hybrid titanium thanks to his video, the radio just looks ridiculous with so many buttons, again I would expect this on a 2014, 2015 but not on a 2018, it’s ridiculously small, it’s the only problem I have with this car, the technology, for example Toyota, puts adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more on the base model, I feel that Ford is cheaping out on its base models, that’s my opinion atleast, the only problems I have with the Ford Escape is lack of technology, and lack of safety systems.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

The small screen is the base. option on the 2017 & 2018 Escape SE. You could get a larger 8" Sync 3 touch screen as an option. Now for 2019, the 8" Sync 3 touch screen is standard for all SE + up models. As far as too many buttons, check out a review for a 2109 Subaru Forester. Buttons everywhere! A total mess.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

People keep saying this! There is a new one for 20, that’s why Ford is doing to much to this one. They are giving crazy deals!

[@alextran8188]

Suprising that my fusion 1.5 has a bigger gas tank than this. Also that key looks hideous lol

[@gene978]

Not my choice either. That cheap plastic dash and cheap looking and feeling buttons. Like you pointed out the handling and the fuel economy isn’t first place either. Dated for sure. The best thing here is the large roof. We test drove one for shits and giggle while comparing with a new Explorer, Ended up with a new Santa Fe’

[@100RentalCars]

Nice choice! I'm a big fan of the Santa Fe. I hope it works out well for your family.

[@joshuagillego9486]

Same inside as the focus se

[@joshuagillego9486]

I regret getting this car. Even my Focus sucks.... Never again!

[@yoribe]

Has anyone told you that you sound like Governor Newsom of California?

[@100RentalCars]

Nope, but I have been told multiple times I sound like Steve Carell. I'm guessing it's my midwestern accent.

[@ckyle89]

Don't do that to him man lol

[@fatbowe]

...have never heard of a 1.5 liter engine get 179 HP without a Turbo…???.....

[@Graham_Wideman]

It has a twin turbo

[@tbecherrypicker4700]

@@Graham_Wideman It only has one turbo.

[@Graham_Wideman]

Sorry, I meant a "twin-scroll" turbo.

[@tbecherrypicker4700]

@@Graham_Wideman right

[@gustavoacosta215]

It looks so old

[@100RentalCars]

I know, right?

[@mikemorales1725]

This vehicle is very outdated, just about ALL the competitors are brand new designs.

[@100RentalCars]

Agreed. Hopefully Ford with spice things up with a redesign soon.

[@mikemorales1725]

Now that Ford is discontinuing sedans, they need to update this thing and re-introduce a new small SUV. That Ecosport sucks and always comes out last in every comparo review I've seen. Inexcusable for a new model in the US

[@mikemorales1725]

Plus is overpriced as well.

[@disneyfan9099]

Mike Morales The Ecosport you can get a lot of money off of MRSP. In my Chicago area you can get a brand new SE one for $18,000 dollars.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

@@100RentalCars Coming in 2020. This is a pretty good idea of what it will look like: www.automobilemag.com/news/2020-ford-escape-what-we-know-specs-info/ It will draw heavily from the new Escape in design, just as the current design did from the Mk3 Focus as the Escape since the 2013 model year is really just a big Focus after all.

[@Mr8888X]

Looks pretty cheap. Not worth renting imo 👍🏻

[@100RentalCars]

Yeah, I don't think I'll ask for another Escape. Still, it was fun to try it out.

[@joshuagillego9486]

I never had so much problem with a brandnew car. This car sucks!

[@100RentalCars]

Sorry to hear that. What kinds of problems are you having?