Ford Escape ST-Line first drive 4K

The new Ford Escape ST-Line has arrived in Australia, so I took it for a first drive to see how it performs compared to the established competition.
With improved equipment levels, better safety features and a class leading turbo charged engine, is the 2021 Ford Escape ST-Line good enough to top the mid-sized SUV class?
Please leave any questions in the comments section, and I will answer them as soon as possible for you
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Please watch: "2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid review #hyundaisantafe | Webby On Cars "
• Driving Into The Futur...
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[@gbw28]

Best looking vehicle in the medium SUV category.

[@WebbyOnCars]

I agree. Let’s hope those good looks help it steal sales from its competitors

[@jcai922]

cx5：hold my wheels.

[@WebbyOnCars]

The CX-5 and RAV 4 are both good alternatives

[@seth1455]

From the front, I agree with you, but what is going on with the back bumper ? It's huge and ugly don't know what the Ford designers were thinking

[@WebbyOnCars]

@seth1455 it’s not the prettiest rear bumper I’ve seen, but also not the worst!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

There are two Escape based vehicles sold in the Americas only. They’re both built in Mexico. Ford Bronco Sport: a compact crossover SUV with the Bronco nameplate. Completely different from the regular Bronco. Available with either a 181hp 1.5 litre turbo 3cyl or a 245hp 2 litre turbo 4cyl. Both engines are mated to an 8AT. Ford Maverick: pickup truck based on the Escape. Available with either a 190hp 2.5 litre hybrid or a 245hp 2 litre turbo 4cyl. The hybrid is mated to a CVT and the turbo engine is mated to an 8AT. The cheapest Ford you can currently buy in the US.

[@WebbyOnCars]

@Dave D’Video Maker it’s a shame they aren’t sold in other countries like here in Australia

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@WebbyOnCars I think the Bronco Sport would sell quite well in Europe.

[@WebbyOnCars]

@@DaveDVideoMaker it would probably be quite popular here in Australia too

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@WebbyOnCars Even though it’s not the same as the normal Bronco, I think a lot of people would buy them in Europe and Australia.

[@anthonysirait2963]

Very good looking SUV, looks like a mini focus. Indicators will be on the right hand side from 2021 apparently.

[@WebbyOnCars]

I agree, it looks really good. I haven’t heard anything about the indicators yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

[@paulchidgey2150]

Yep l have a 2023 ST-LINE and it on the right 😊

[@cameronburns7699]

I'm getting a dark blue one early next year. The thing I liked about this model ST line is the power. I test drove a Focus ST and the Escape ST Line isn't that far off the power. Plus it has alot more room and the insurance is alot less then the Focus ST plus the price. I think I'm going to be happy with this model

[@WebbyOnCars]

Great choice, I definitely think you’ll be happy with the ST-Line model! Did you add on the optional ST-Line pack?

[@cameronburns7699]

@@WebbyOnCars I thought about it but didn't get the option pack. It was around a extra $2500 I think. My car I'm getting early next year will have the indicator on the right side also, the dealer I went to said they are stopping the heated steering wheel now and only having the heated seats in the Escape ST Line

[@WebbyOnCars]

@@cameronburns7699 yes that’s right, it’s strange that they’re making changes to the specification so quickly after the car launched! Dark blue will look nice!

[@auPython]

My Escape Vignale FWD in Lucid Red was delivered on Tuesday the 24th of November. Only done less than 200kms so far, my biggest complaint is the grabby brakes. If you are not concentrating, you can brake harder than you intend. But I will adapt, as would any competent driver. The rest of the car is great, it is just adjusting to how it operates as opposed to my previous vehicle.

[@WebbyOnCars]

Congratulations! The Vignale is a lovely spec! It normally takes a week or so to adjust to a new car, then it becomes normal

[@auPython]

@@WebbyOnCars Still learning the car, it was delivered by truck so I did not get to sit in it with the salesman for instructions. I even had to look on the internet to find out what the button behind the electronic handbrake switch did. Apparently it is used to stop the Escape from moving after coming to a halt. That will prove handy in stop start traffic.

[@WebbyOnCars]

The auto hold feature for the handbrake is very handy.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Any idea on what happened to that code unlock in the door trim? Such a good idea overseas - you leave your key in the car, unlock with a code on the way back.

[@WebbyOnCars]

I’ve not heard about that, unless you mean the FordPass app?

[@conrafael9465]

Its a shame there not bringing the non plug in hybrid to Australia in the lower spec to compete against the Rav 4 hybrid

[@WebbyOnCars]

They probably wouldn’t sell very many because the ST-Line is more popular

[@conrafael9465]

Why don't they make the non plug in hybrid available in the St line trim .I believe they will sell like hot cakes look at the Rav 4 six month wait for a hybrid

[@WebbyOnCars]

I don’t know. I’m sure they have their reasons though

[@mgrimes]

thanks for mentioning indicator side.

[@WebbyOnCars]

@Matthew Grimes no worries at all. Sometimes it’s the small things you don’t think about that are actually quite important

[@photosinferno6870]

Concerning the 'Indicators' being on the left hand side. If you choose the 'St Line Option pack - HUD/Power tailgate etc - it moves the indicators from the Right hand side to the left some for some reason 🤷‍♂️

[@WebbyOnCars]

It’s definitely a bit confusing!

[@crashtestcal6484]

It seems they stuffed up the indicator position on the first Australian batch of Escapes fitted with the ST Line option pack. I just spoke to my local dealer and he says the indicators will be on the right hand side on all 2021 variants (regardless of option packs) and that those cars should be available late February.

[@WebbyOnCars]

@@crashtestcal6484 Yes, that's right. it means we lose the heated steering wheel to get this, but I don't think that's a big loss here in Australia!

[@crashtestcal6484]

@@WebbyOnCars Yeah, I can live without a heated wheel. Thanks Webby.

[@WebbyOnCars]

Haha no worries at all

[@tonys8243]

Test drove one today hard to find anything bad about it the indicator stalk has been moved the right side now ...probably the worst thing is that it runs 95ron so working on a average driver that's around $400 extra at the servo so if you keep it for 10 years it's like paying another $4,000 on the price.

[@WebbyOnCars]

@Tony S I’m glad you enjoyed your test drive. I personally put 98 in my car (Golf GTi) as I’m quite fussy, and would never put anything less than 95 in a car. I also only use BP, but again that’s just a personal preference.

[@tonys8243]

Webby On Cars ... I've had a couple of Turbo Falcons that where modified and tuned and had to use 98 but now have a Hyundai i30 sr turbo that runs happily on 91 I've used 95 and 98 and e10 but can find no feel in the difference in the performance just the weight of my wallet... I've driven all the wagons you would call the Fords competition at about the same price point and would give the Escape the edge I'd reckon .

[@WebbyOnCars]

@Tony S some cars do work perfectly well on all grades of fuel, but others are a bit more sensitive. The Escape is a really good car, especially the engine which beats all its competitors

[@tonys8243]

Webby On Cars ..with you 💯 % mate.

[@WebbyOnCars]

@Tony S thanks mate👍

[@crashtestcal6484]

Webby, is that the White Platinum?

[@WebbyOnCars]

No, it’s Moondust Silver. The video I did of the Escape Vignale has a White Platinum car in it though

[@crashtestcal6484]

@@WebbyOnCars Thanks.

[@WebbyOnCars]

No worries

[@ashokmeena8046]

Ford is better than Toyota

[@WebbyOnCars]

I guess you’re a Ford fan then?!🤣

[@trondeie6635]

Net time pls.try the safety equipment.

[@WebbyOnCars]

No worries at all

[@berdugosocials9854]

I’m trying to figure out if you’re talking about Toyota or Kia on that 2.0L engine 😅

[@WebbyOnCars]

Close, but neither actually!😉

[@berdugosocials9854]

@@WebbyOnCars i completely forgot about that brand 😄

[@WebbyOnCars]

In case you’re still not sure, I was referring to Nissan

[@berdugosocials9854]

@@WebbyOnCars I got it, I remembered my GP got a Qashai 😄

[@WebbyOnCars]

Haha. I can’t imagine how slow it must be to drive!🤣