Ford Escape Off-Road Misadventure & Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The new Ford Escape has what Ford calls intelligent Four Wheel Drive. However the smart AWD system is very sophisticated and monitors 25 different parameters over a 100 times a second to keep the new Escape on the road. When you take the vehicle off-road, the system automatically send power to the wheels with the most traction. Of course we wanted to know how well the new 2013 Ford Escape would do in the rugged and snowy Colorado Mountains. In another fun and informative TFLcar review we really put this new small Crossover to test and find out that sometimes technology is no substitute for the right, or perhaps wrong, tire choice for serious off-road driving.

[@milehighac2738]

The Ford Escape 4WD works great in snow. I drove home from snowboarding in a blizzard. It took 5 hours to get home. I70 was closed. We had to take loveland pass as a detour. I passed by many stuck vehicles.

[@lindalee6199]

Was your tires winter or all season??

[@unvcht5046]

@@lindalee6199 all season. He’s my friend

[@trevjhowell]

I remember Lovelands pass in the snow. My intro to CO in 2014.

[@milehighac2738]

It was all season Firestone tires.

[@milehighac2738]

@@unvcht5046 who are you?

[@Tomskii5]

All season tyres and a guy that doesn't even know if his wheel is straight like wtf is this review

[@DJMAZ514]

these guys are idiots

[@allthingsharbor]

Given the conditions, and those tires, I am surprised they drove as far as they did.

[@TFLcar]

We used the tires that come standard on the new car. That's why we call this real world testing.

[@AFRO_KEEN]

Lol

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Anyone unfortunately knows that on nearly all AWD vehicles, the standard tires are just terrible. When I bought my wife an AWD car, and she complained it was worse than her FWD car in the snow - I told her we needed to replace the tires. We did and now she loves the AWD car. IT makes all the difference.

[@theprfesssor]

My 2015 escape handled snow quite well last year with the all terrains Now I never went offroading like this ground isn't enough for my liking

[@jamesfranko5098]

This isn't real world test. Off road snow testing in the real world is done with off road tyres. You might as well test a ford focus with stock tyres.

[@transportationoic]

Why you were off-roading or out in deep snow with one of the crappiest all-season tires is beyond me.

[@hbic3]

That's NOT deep snow.

[@gedisdiop]

Slap on a set of Blizzaks, and you're ready for the snow.

[@boostseason]

I like the somewhat dramatic music during the close call with the ditch haha

[@agm5148]

Going in deep snow with those all-season tires is stupid.

[@Thriving257]

that's a understatement lol

[@lxy0709]

+Nick Glenn ford did not give them winter tires for the snow test.......lol

[@love4lust7301]

Driving in snow with a Ford is stupid

[@John.D123]

That was a good one. I am a skier and its good to see what works and what wont when things get sketchy.

[@NathanDAdlen]

You must remember: we do these tests with the setup provided by the automaker. If Ford opts for reviewers to use snow tires (some automakers do) then we will happily attempt it again. Thanks for watching!

[@00000anand]

wow - the mountains are beautiful!

[@Basketballer43]

I got the Escape for rental to drive to the Outer Banks and got stuck in the sand there, this car is ABSOLUTELY NOT made for off-road -.- Luckily a stranger with a Lincoln Navigator came to pull us out. I still give this man props every day

[@rhydynamic8306]

Are you making this up? lol

[@interdimensionalsteve8172]

Lincoln Navigator off-road? Are you smoking crack?

[@TheKjlongtine]

This is why I always carry a small come-a-long, sand and traction mats. If you were by yourself in this video you would be screwed.

[@Dankcatvacs]

damn that escape did damn good , more videos like this!!!

[@haradbl]

This is why I love your videos. Keep it up and don't get stuck.

[@Ovrful]

I like these videos, but you should do separate test for all season tires and test for winter tires.

[@JimmytheBankerTireGuy]

and also the ability to turn off traction control, which can help you rock the car when stuck like you were

[@2424Goldie]

Nice job guys! Would never see this anywhere which is good for you guys!

[@TheOzthewiz]

Yeah! Was a fun video!

[@dillk71]

Fair enough. Love your videos guys, you have the best job in the world. Keep reviewing, and I'll keep watching.

[@fgeiger41]

Great vid. Keep pushing the boundaries. You never know what an owner may PERCEIVE that their vehicle is suppose to do!

[@JazzyCupcake]

omg thank you soo much for this video. Not only was it informative but entertaining. I have been debating between purchasing a crossover or a small SUV and this most definitely gave me some insight on the aspects I was questioning. Great job guys!

[@DancinRandy54]

roman and nathan this was my favorite video from tflcar!! it was great and so real!!!! great job! and if u needed a tow truck how would it get up the trail???

[@ritarevell7195]

Thanks for the post. Great tutorial.

[@bcooperca]

Perfect! These are the reviews which will give us the real deal. Good job on reviewing with the all season factory tires .... it gave us a good idea of what we can do and what we can not do with these tires .... Ford should watch this review and change the tire name in summer/fall tires. I do believe that these tires supposed to do a better job. Keep it real! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sebibarberena]

I was hoping for a review when it was dry, but this is still very helpful. I drive on a lot of muddy roads do ill just put some off road tires on it. Thanks guys!!

[@TheOzthewiz]

Snow tires will do just fine!

[@chrislucy1589]

I like watching you guys, you know how to turn a otherwise boring car review of a boring car, into something fun and entertaining. Excellente homies

[@akaluptosae]

Guys you have to test the Escape with winter tyres , to kick some ass over here

[@frh-freerangehuman]

Funny watching these old videos and seeing how you’ve grown …😬and how your production values have improved.

[@bojanzivkovic387]

I was searching for off road review for this vehicle from you guys for months. You even took mini cooper off road (which was a joke and test lasted until the first stone was placed in front of it) and now, finally you get Escape off road in the winter in ALL SEASON TIRES :-(. It should be only fair to repeat the test with proper winter tires on it, or do another off road when there's no snow. PLEASE, in the name of all of us that really like Escape but can't find any real off road review!

[@Mrblonde361249]

Roman "the beast" Mica glad to see y'all got the car out without damage or a tow truck! Haha

[@05Forenza]

This was a great video, and while nerve-wracking, was probably quite fun to shoot lol

[@W65B61S]

such a simple road and it made quite a dangerous situation! looks fun :)

[@pongpongpiano504]

If worse come to worse , tire pressure usually has to be dropped to really low to gain that traction before calling tow truck.

[@RMSx3-hx3po]

Wow, the guy driving seemed hopeless in the beginning....

[@michaelconrad3]

Yes, Good winter tires like Blizzaks are a very good improvement over normal summer or all-season tires. Nothing is more important than snow driving practice. Know how your car handles and take it easy when driving in the snow.

[@citeke]

summer tire good job !

[@StreetersGarage]

Great real life review. You wouldn't see this on Consumer Reports.

[@BalmyJESUS]

I'd Love to have this Job

[@FrostedCold]

Definitely needed some winter tires. Awesome review. I have been waiting for a good off road video on the Escape.

[@davidolson930]

I have an escape. It's all about the driver.. I've seen big trucks get stuck because the driver didn't know how to control it. Either way I will agree the stock tires are a little slick on ice and snow. I'd like to see it with different tires.

[@jabirbrown9953]

David Olson just got my wife this SUV and how is it

[@TFLcar]

Black Bears, Mountain Lions, Coyotes are the bigger animals. Luckily the bears are all asleep now.

[@evropakhan1137]

Winter tires would make a difference.

[@SwPiotrek]

Very cool video! I like yours 0 to 62 videos.

[@chewsir]

The tires failed, not the AWD system or driver. At 2:51-2:53 you can hear Nathan's muffled "Oh sh*t!, Oh Sh*t!. Thanks for the entertainment. guys. Thumbs up!

[@pk509]

Aptly titled. Great review and (mis)adventure. Thanks!

[@austinsnow5964]

Put some winter tires on it and do another review on snow.

[@danhellerjr]

We have a 2003 Escape XLT V6 with Cooper AT3 tires - I have went up a snow-covered mountain trail MUCH worse than this with no drama whatsoever. Almost too easily.

[@bojanzivkovic387]

To add to previous comment, Ford Escape 2013 is by far the most sold vehicle in small SUV class, so large owner and potential owner community (including myself) would greatly appreciate FAIR off road test for this vehicle (personally, for me this is one of few remaining reasons for delaying the purchase since I frequently go deep woods hiking and canoeing which requires taking the vehicle of the paved surface)

[@TFLcar]

The CR-V is mostly front wheel drive. Not great off-road but OK in the snow. And yes many people in Colorado switch to snow tires in the winter but we feel most people in places like Chicago and New York stick with the tires that come on the car.

[@danhellerjr]

I want them to drive this trail in a '13 Raptor. They'd be sipping on coffee and texting. lol

[@TheOzthewiz]

NO DOUBT! The "Raptor" WAS built for this, not so much with the Escape!

[@sun281jon]

Mother of god that car is HIDEOUS. It looks and functions like minivan without the convenience of a sliding door. Front looks like a fat kid's chubby cheeks. If you want to buy this car because you love the looks and so you can haul your family to school and the grocery, get a minivan. People like you are crowding out this segment, they used to have some really nice looking, versatile cars. Look at the old CR-V, RAV-4, and escape, they used to be SPORT-UTILITY vehicles, not jacked up minivans.

[@Cuseball121]

Those Continental tires are meant for comfort. Not offroading or deep snow traction.

[@Jashpal1011]

U both rock best reviews

[@mlps93]

This video can be used to those who are still ignorant enough not to use winter tires

[@marekostrowski850]

This test should be named "all-season tires in deep snow" because it's not Escape's fault that couldn't drive out. Even Wrangler with this tires could have a problem in that snow.

[@andycoin9998]

sport mode has got me out of those situations a couple of times

[@TheOzthewiz]

These guys didn't have a clue! LOL

[@rtube275]

Thanks Roman and Nathan

[@cXcon7]

you guys are awesome. what trails in boulder do you use?

[@Tigerfire75]

Maybe you need actual snow tires?

[@robertrichardson9953]

Ford didn't supply winter tires. The vehicle is tested as they're sold

[@patw9175]

@@robertrichardson9953 Which is completely fair for 95% of the reviews they do. However, they say that they test as people drive them as well. People driving down dirt roads with 3 inches of powder on top of hardpack and dirt probably won't be on all seasons. I can't blame them for not changing tires on cars the review though, that would get expensive!

[@aaronb1301]

My 17 Escape Titanium is getting a set of winter tires this coming winter. Even with awd, I get stuck on and struggle to stop on hills with the all season tires.

[@brihamlin1]

My rwd G35 with Blizzak snow tires would have handled that road better. Spot on with your comment that the problem is the tires...snow tires make a HUGE difference on snow and ice. Good stuff.

[@nathanbeaner928]

now that was a cool vid.. its always cool to see someone get stuck, it would be nice if u went down and changed the tires and went back up.....

[@FickleCA]

It's probably what they drove to the offroad test track when they tested the F150. Minimal ground clearance and all season tires do not work well for offroading as you easily demonstrated

[@rozchristopherson648]

I’m laughing !!!! Great video !!!! 😃👍

[@Richter.Belmont]

When keeping it real... goes wrong. Haha, awesome video guys! Keep it up!

[@niuhuskieguy]

Comparing the Forester and Escape off road makes perfect sense. They compete in the same class and are likely cross shopped. They should also add in the RAV4 as well.

[@niuhuskieguy]

I do have one and love it, but I do know people buy different cars for all kinds of reasons. I had considered an Altima if I wanted FWD, but I found I really wanted to keep AWD after having owned an 2007 Legacy as well. If you want AWD in a sedan, you don't have many options, especially for under 25k, but if you consider SUV's/CUV's, you have a few more. Just go with what your gut is telling you to go with.

[@Stere0guy]

Great vid guys! I wish you had the 2014 Subaru Forester that day as well to try it in the snow up that hill. I am curious to see how the Subaru's four wheel drive system compares to the Fords. Hope you get the Forester before the snow disappears this March.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Yes! And use the SAME tires on the Subaru. I used to be a Subaru fan-boy until I leased a '94 Legacy "L" , with FWD ONLY (yes they made it as a price leader ) in WAGON trim. I leased it in Summer, in Minnesota. When Winter came, that vehicle was a TOTAL NIGHTMARE! I couldn't even make it up a 5% incline when the snow hit! I blame myself for being STUPID and NOT realizing that I had a FWD STATION WAGON, designed to have a 50/50 weight distribution for a 4-wheel drive set-up! That vehicle SHOULD NOT have been sold anywhere but Florida or California, least of all in the SNOW BELT states! Otherwise, it was a GREAT 3-season vehicle!

[@irish3313]

After watching the videos on the escape I have made up my mind thank u for the videos

[@Aaron171553]

The Irony of the "Escape" getting stuck in the snow, haha!

[@narcisbaralija]

No stfu

[@HDmanzano1995]

I would love to see what it could have done with snow tires. You guys should do it over if you can :)

[@mrN3w7]

All that is missing from the video is the BIG shoes and red noses... and multicolored Afro wig :D :P. A good video to teach people why they need winter or off-road tires when going off-road.

[@Philc231]

you guys are nuts to try this with those tires.

[@lukesamconnorvideos]

You guys should do this test in the summer (that way you don't need the snow tires).

[@JFernandoPT]

that was the best video ever, wooooooooooowwwwww, yea snow yeeeeaaaaaa

[@themallard1515]

You guys were struggling in places that my Corolla with snow tires would walk-through. This isn’t an issue issue of the vehicle. It’s an issue issue of the tire.

[@wmsantiagophotography]

Glad to see the two of you doing things I did as a teenager on some of those off roads around Boulder and near Estes Park. I am currently cross shopping the Escape with the X3, and Q5. Oh yeah, Ford says a lot of things, as we all know they are not all true, the Escape is not even made in America, it's just put together in the US.

[@TheOzthewiz]

The Escape(Kuga) is a "Global" vehicle that is assembled in Kentucky, USA! And, Ford NEVER claimed the Escape was an off-road vehicle!

[@lemmingdot]

Did he push the car by having his hand on the headlight? :) I'm pretty sure that engineers didn't see that coming.

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

I would also like to see the new forester or crosstrek in these conditions.

[@JimmytheBankerTireGuy]

Most all season tires these days are made to be quiet and save fuel, very few are made for mud and or snow..calling them all season is a stretch.....your tires are the main ingredient determining your traction more than any awd or 4wd system...crappy tires and 4wd just spin too. The best all season tires I have used thus far are the continental extreme contact DWS and the Michelin LTX MS. There is no replacement for snow tires, they perform at least 2x better than all season tires on ice and snow...measurable if you ever watch tire rack reviews. I don't know about the escape but my new highlander comes with different tools, snow mode to reduce torque, a rear diff lock....

[@cdwjrw3909]

Looks like a good video to me,

[@danno321s]

If you live were it snows, investing in snow tires (and wheels) will save you dollars in accidents possibly.

[@jsaranczak]

the new 2013 ones, yes. but the past ones are great

[@autoxerwgn]

I love how everybody keeps saying the tires are summer tires. Just by looking at the video, I can see that they are Continental Pro Contact's which are all season tires. Obviously not as ideal as a winter tire, but they are not summer tires. Nathan and Roman wouldn't lie.

[@PWlangford1]

I've been in the same situation in a military iltis. Scary.

[@Monster-519]

“Slowly” also proceeds to almost floor it

[@gagikusa]

Guys you are really good!!! keep up the good work, your videos are awesome!!!!!! I thing TFL is the best car channel in youTube

[@himaureen]

Fastforward to 1:42 - that's when the review really starts.

[@jameskatt1]

They already have a lot of experience in these conditions. They were simply testing the ability of the Ford Escape to go off-road in these conditions.

[@DeVron001]

testing a truck with crap all-season tires in the snow up a steep rocky cliff lmao

[@rockstar49858]

Winter tires or not, I didn't see the front wheels even spinning when he was trying to back out.

[@dchawk81]

The idea with winter tires is to not slide off the road like that in the first place.

[@BRollOffroad]

well they did spin a little bit but the idea is that they don't spin (read: slip).

[@kubeanie18]

but a explorer is a ford taurus underneath same issues

[@godwhomismike]

That's exactly how my 2011 Sportage SX is in the snow. My old 2009 Forester XT would just blast through snow like it was nothing.

[@DevPack]

can hear the turbo spooling on that thing.

[@johnny50424]

the 2wd truck would need lockers for that trail. nothing beats having a locking diff for going off-road.

[@CAgunNut]

So true, even my buddy who has 2010, we go through stuff like this all the time here in canada with the right tires

[@TheOzthewiz]

Key words "right tires"!

[@TheBruces56]

Having a clue of how to drive in these conditions would help.

[@TheOzthewiz]

These guys are NOT off-roaders! They are into "high performance" road vehicles!

[@Flaheat]

You guys are crazy. I love it.

[@RequiumFrost]

Wooo can't wait to to see how my brand new Santa Fe 2.0t handles in the snow haha

[@TheOzthewiz]

Use the RIGHT tires, PLEASE!

[@851995STARGATE]

For tires not meant for temps under 40 degrees (summer tires as I see them) it did well.

[@henry18hk]

What about the brand new 2013 Toyota Rav4? Can you guys do an off road review please?