Our test vehicle, the XLS series is the entry-level Escape, although one can hardly call it that. There is plenty of standard equipment for $21,000, including ABS, AM/FM, single CD, remote keyless entry, roof side rails, 60/40-split rear seat, A/C, center console with two-cup holder, dual vanity mirrors, front airbags, LATCH child seat attachments, anti-theft system and power windows and door locks.

The Escape is also available in the XLT and XLT Sport series, and of course, comes more fully equipped, with automatic transmission. Five-speed manual transmission is standard on the XLS model, teamed with Ford’s 2.3-liter Duratec 23 I-4 engine. Not a fan of Ford four-cylinder engines in the past, I have to admit this four banger felt fairly adequate and performed effortlessly. Pulling 3,255 pounds of vehicle, it didn’t seem to be gasping for air as I might have expected.

There are several configurations in the Escape: a Manual FWD, 23 Duratec 4, Manual 4x4 4-cylinder, Auto FWD 4-cylinder, Auto 4x4 4-cylinder, Auto FWD V6 and Auto 4x4 V6. A 4x2 with towing package and a 4x4 with towing package are also available in the Escape with the Duratec 30 V6. New for 2005 is the availability of the automatic transmission with the I-4 engine. Towing capacities are 6,980 pounds and 7,160 pounds, respectively.

Our XLS came equipped with a few options, including Step Bars in black, $325, Roof Rack with Crossbars, $40, 15-inch aluminum wheels, $375, Retractable Cargo Cover, $75, Side Air Canopy, $425 and Convenience Group, $325 (Floor mats, Speed Control, Perimeter Alarm). We found we could do without the Step Bars; in fact, they were a nuisance. Some of the shorter passengers tripped on them, and I was jumping out over them when exiting the vehicle.

In Norsea Blue Clearcoat Metallic, the Escape XLS is a nice looking SUV, much refined from days past. The smooth Duratec engine nicely matches up with Ford’s 4WD system. Ford’s 2.3-liter Duratec I-4 engine is all new for 2005, allowing for a smoother idle and more responsive part-throttle response. This new engine is the foundation for Ford’s all-new Hybrid Escape that went on sale this past summer. The hybrid-electric Escape uses a modified 23 and a hybrid transaxle, making it perform like a V6, yet providing the economy of a four.

We particularly liked the Escape’s IP and front console. Much more open, it gives an updated look and feel to the cockpit. And although we prefer the look of red or blue lights on the dash, the green is much easier to read at night.

For the younger crowd, the Escape XLS Blast is new for 2005 and features a sound system built around a six-disc in-dash CD changer and 16-inch aluminum wheels, standard privacy glass (for what, we can only guess!), warm silver interior accents and an exclusive Blazing Copper paint color. The 2.3-liter Duratec I-4 engine and automatic transmission are also standard.