The XLS comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, an AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary jack, rear window defroster and 16-inch steel wheels. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, a four-speed automatic ($1,000) is optional. The Escape XLS ($18,580) and XLS 4WD ($21,320) are powered by a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter inline four that generates 152 pound-feet of torque. The four trim levels are distinguished by engine and standard features. The five-passenger Ford Escape is offered with front-wheel drive or fulltime all-wheel drive, and either a four-cylinder, V6, or gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Those shopping for a small SUV should put it on their short list, especially those who appreciate its big-truck styling. The Ford Escape remains one of the more appealing vehicles in its class, regardless of price, and certainly one of the better values. It's now less than $2,000 more than a comparably equipped Limited. The premium for the Escape Hybrid has also decreased. Dollar for feature, Ford Escape prices have dropped considerably the past few years. They range from a decently equipped, four-cylinder Escape XLS 2WD for under $19,000 to the leather-upholstered Escape V6 Limited 4WD, with premium audio, navigation, dual-zone auto climate control and reverse sensing for about $30,000. There's a Ford Escape model for most tastes and needs. Escape now sets the class benchmark for safety features. Safety features that were extra-cost options on lower-trim models are now standard across the board, including Ford's Roll Stability Control system. The finish is more upscale and pleasing, and feature function and switches are among the best. Interior storage options have improved considerably. Folding the rear seats opens a good sized cargo area with a flat floor, and space behind the seat surpasses that in the trunk of the typical sedan. The new 2008 Ford Escape still provides comfortable seating for four, or five in a pinch, but with noticeably more headroom than in pre-2008 models. It offers better fuel economy and lower emissions but demands little additional effort or knowledge from the driver. For the most part, the Hybrid drives just like a conventional gas-only Escape. All, including the gas-electric Hybrid, are offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. All variants, including the V6 and Escape Hybrid, deliver some of best EPA mileage ratings in the class. The base four-cylinder is adequate for all-purpose driving while the V6 offers quicker acceleration performance. Its smooth ride and agile handling make for enjoyable driving, and its compact dimensions make the Escape easy to park. Yet the Ford Escape still delivers the advantages of unit-body, car-based competitors such as the Honda CR-V. Escape's ride height and seating position are a bit higher than competitors such as the Honda CR-V, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially more than most other vehicles in the class. Its new styling deliberately invokes Ford's larger, truck-based Expedition and Explorer sport-utilities. We'd call the Escape a little truck among small SUVs. The Escape's standard safety features are upgraded significantly for 2008. The improvements nearly cover the spectrum, and inject a new level of refinement. The Ford Escape has been thoroughly updated for 2008, reinforcing the character and appeal that have made it America's perennial best-selling small sport-utility vehicle.
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