2008 Ford Escape Limited 4WD Road Test

Ford's Escape has always been a strong seller, so when it came time toredesign the vehicle everyone from product planners to engineers knew not to mess too much with the original formula in order to ensure its success. Instead, the new for 2008 Escape dons a set of handsome new threads and hits the street with a vastly upgraded interior. Mechanically speaking, though, the modifications are minimal, sharing plenty with the outgoing model.

One of the redeeming qualities of the first generation Escape was that it allowed buyers a taste of the SUV pie without some of the unwanted drawbacks. Because it was designed as a car based vehicle from the outset, the Escape offered sharpened dynamics not normally associated with vehicles of its type. It also boasted all weather capability with the option of four-wheel drive. Even front-wheel drive examples proved capable in inclement conditions, although neither drivetrain configuration would

A fresh look on one of the most popular compact SUVs around should ensure its top seller status for another couple of years. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

have been ideal for tackling any serious off-roading. The Escape felt most at home on snow and rain covered roads, and maybe the odd scramble up a rock-strewn cottage driveway. Still, with the high seating position and SUV-like proportions theEscape offered buyers a chance to be part of the truck craze without having to take endure some of the negative characteristics of beefier vehicles.

For 2008 the Escape sheds its rounded exterior for something a little more aggressive. More than a few people commented on how striking a resemblance the front end bears to

In terms of powerplants, the same V6 and I-4 are available as last year's Escape... same gearboxes too. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Ford's actual trucks, specifically the brand new Super Duty. The blocky, angular look of the new chrome plated grille and bumper on our tester continues on through the rest of the car, with revised taillights at the rear of the vehicle as well as blacked out B-pillars and integrated running boards. Our sampler was finished in Tungsten Gray, which subdues some of the aggressive styling cues, though there are some pretty eye-catching colors available including Kiwi Green and, on the Hybrid model, Light Ice Blue, which resembles a rather garish metallic shade of baby blue. The gray was fine by us, as we generally like to fly belowthe public radar so to speak. We spoke to a couple of current Escape owners who were

Overall, responses have been positive regarding the new Escape. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

divided on the new look, with some really happy with the new appearance and others thinking it looks a little too butch. The general consensus, however, was positive.

The interior is the main recipient of the new design direction Ford is heading in. If you've ever spent time in the previous model, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you'll find now. The overall flavor conveys a sense of quality, with a much improved overall ambiance when compared to pre-facelifted models. Plastics that once looked cheap and flimsy, with a clearly fake leatherized grain, now have a low sheen, upmarket feel to them, not to mention that they're two-toned. The off-gray and black scheme isn't really noticeable, but on cars with the beige interior there's plenty of contrast. We also like the piano-key finish on the door trim and console, though it's

New interior has a cooler look with new console, dashboard and "poke through" buttons. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

a magnet for fingerprints.

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