2022 Ford Escape SEL Review: Is It Worth Buying?

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2022 Ford Escape SEL Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the 2022 Ford Escape SEL and figure out if this is the right car for you. We're going to cover everything from performance and features to pricing and overall value. So, if you're in the market for a compact SUV, stick around – this might just be the article you need to make up your mind! This article will break down everything you need to know about the Ford Escape SEL model, providing valuable insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs. We'll explore its features, performance, and overall value, making sure you have all the information necessary before making a purchase. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL is a popular choice in the compact SUV segment, known for its blend of practicality, technology, and fuel efficiency. But, is it actually a good car? Let's find out. The Ford Escape SEL offers a compelling package for drivers looking for a versatile and efficient vehicle. Let's delve into what makes the 2022 Ford Escape SEL stand out and whether it's the right choice for your needs, this comprehensive review will provide an in-depth analysis of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL, covering its key aspects, from performance and features to interior comfort and safety ratings. Get ready to explore every detail of this popular SUV and find out if it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a first-time buyer, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Buckle up, and let’s get started. Get ready to explore every detail of this popular SUV and find out if it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a first-time buyer, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Buckle up, and let’s get started.

Performance and Engine Options

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a few different engine options, so you can pick the one that fits your driving style. The base engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder that packs a decent punch, with 181 horsepower. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes for smooth shifts. This engine is great for everyday driving, like commuting to work or running errands around town. But, if you're looking for something with a bit more oomph, there's a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine available as an upgrade. This one cranks out a healthy 250 horsepower, giving you more power for passing on the highway and tackling hills. This engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those who are eco-conscious, the Escape SEL also comes in a hybrid variant. The hybrid model combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, giving you impressive fuel economy. This is a great choice if you want to save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option on most trims, which is a big plus if you live in an area with snowy or icy conditions. It provides better traction and stability, giving you more confidence on the road. The Escape SEL's suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The steering is responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the Escape SEL offers a pleasant driving experience, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The available engine options cater to various driving needs, from fuel efficiency to spirited performance, ensuring there's a model to match your lifestyle. The engine options available for the 2022 Ford Escape SEL, providing insights into their performance capabilities and suitability for different driving preferences. This section aims to guide potential buyers in choosing the engine that best fits their driving needs and environmental concerns. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL provides a range of engine options designed to cater to various driving needs. The standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is a fuel-efficient choice for daily commutes and city driving, offering a balance of performance and economy. For those seeking more power, the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers a significant boost in horsepower, enhancing the driving experience with quicker acceleration and greater responsiveness. Finally, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models provide excellent fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, appealing to environmentally conscious drivers. These alternative powertrains offer a combination of electric and gasoline power, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride while minimizing environmental impact. Overall, the Escape SEL offers a pleasant driving experience, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The available engine options cater to various driving needs, from fuel efficiency to spirited performance, ensuring there's a model to match your lifestyle. The hybrid engine available provides an excellent fuel economy that helps you save money on gas.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a big deal these days, and the Escape SEL does pretty well in this area. The base 1.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined (27 mpg city/33 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine is a bit less efficient, but still respectable at 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city/31 mpg highway). The hybrid models, of course, are the stars of the show when it comes to fuel economy. The standard hybrid gets an impressive 41 mpg combined (44 mpg city/37 mpg highway). The plug-in hybrid is even better, with an electric-only range of up to 37 miles. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL is engineered to provide an economical driving experience without compromising performance. It ensures efficiency and helps you save money on fuel. The available engine options, including the EcoBoost engines and the hybrid powertrain, offer varied levels of fuel efficiency to cater to different driving needs. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine excels in fuel economy, providing a balance between power and efficiency. The hybrid variants further enhance fuel efficiency, making them an excellent choice for drivers prioritizing eco-friendliness and cost savings. These engines are designed to optimize fuel consumption, allowing drivers to go further on a tank of gas. The Escape SEL also offers features like auto start-stop technology, which helps conserve fuel when idling. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and whether you opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but overall, the Escape SEL is a solid choice for those who want a practical SUV that doesn't break the bank at the pump. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models provide the best fuel efficiency. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and whether you opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Escape SEL is a solid choice for those who want a practical SUV that doesn't break the bank at the pump. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models provide the best fuel efficiency.

Interior and Features

Step inside the 2022 Ford Escape SEL, and you'll find a well-designed and comfortable cabin. The materials are good quality for the price point, and the seats are supportive, even on long drives. There's plenty of space for passengers in both the front and rear, and the cargo area is generous, with plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or whatever you need to haul around. The SEL trim comes standard with a lot of great features. You get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so you can easily connect your smartphone. There's also a digital instrument cluster, which is easy to read and customizable. Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, making your life easier and more convenient. If you want even more goodies, you can opt for the Technology Package, which adds features like a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a wireless charging pad. The interior of the Escape SEL is well-appointed, with a focus on both comfort and functionality. The design is modern and user-friendly, with intuitive controls and plenty of storage space. The seats are designed for comfort, making long drives more enjoyable for both the driver and passengers. The cargo area is spacious and versatile, offering ample room for luggage, groceries, or any other items you need to carry. The technology features in the Escape SEL enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system is user-friendly and supports smartphone integration. The digital instrument cluster provides important information at a glance, and the available features like a premium sound system elevate the overall experience. The SEL trim level strikes a great balance between value and features. The SEL trim includes a suite of features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and technology. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing access to essential features like navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, adding convenience and comfort. The SEL offers a compelling combination of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and technology, making it a great choice for those seeking a well-equipped compact SUV. The interior's design is modern, user-friendly, and offers plenty of storage space.

Infotainment and Technology

The infotainment system in the 2022 Ford Escape SEL is pretty user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive, and the menus are easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You can access your music, navigation apps, and make calls, all through the touchscreen. The digital instrument cluster is also a nice touch. It's customizable, so you can display the information that's most important to you, like your speed, fuel economy, and navigation directions. The available Technology Package adds a few more tech features, including a larger touchscreen, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a wireless charging pad. The Escape SEL's technology features are designed to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system offers a user-friendly interface with essential features like navigation and audio controls. Seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows drivers to access their favorite apps and content. The digital instrument cluster is customizable, providing important information at a glance. Optional upgrades, such as the Technology Package, add advanced features like a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a wireless charging pad, further enhancing the technological experience within the vehicle. These features ensure that drivers and passengers can stay connected and entertained while on the road. The system integrates smartphone compatibility, providing easy access to apps, music, and navigation. The digital instrument cluster displays important information at a glance. The premium sound system and wireless charging pad enhance the technological experience. The infotainment system is user-friendly, the touchscreen is responsive, and the menus are easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The digital instrument cluster is also a nice touch.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority, and the 2022 Ford Escape SEL doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features. This includes things like:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes.
  • Lane Keeping Assist: This system helps keep you in your lane by providing steering assistance.
  • Blind Spot Information System: This system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This system alerts you to traffic when you're backing out of a parking spot.

These features can help prevent accidents and make driving safer. The Escape SEL also earned good safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, which is the highest rating possible. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. These ratings are a testament to the Escape SEL's strong crashworthiness and the effectiveness of its safety features. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL is equipped with an array of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and assist drivers. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite provides a comprehensive set of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help prevent accidents and enhance the overall safety of the vehicle. The Escape SEL has received excellent safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA, demonstrating its strong crashworthiness and the effectiveness of its safety systems. These ratings reflect the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in various crash scenarios and its commitment to safety. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite offers a comprehensive set of driver-assistance technologies. Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information System, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are included. The Escape SEL earned good safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Ford Escape SEL is just one of several trim levels available. There's also the base Escape, the SE, the Titanium, and the sporty Escape ST-Line. Pricing for the SEL typically starts in the mid-$20,000s, but it can vary depending on options and packages. The SEL trim sits in the middle of the lineup, offering a good balance of features and value. It's more expensive than the base model, but it comes with more features and a more premium feel. Compared to the Titanium trim, the SEL is more affordable, but still provides a lot of the same features. The price of the Escape SEL is competitive within its segment. Be sure to check the Ford website or your local dealer for the most up-to-date pricing and any available incentives. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a variety of trim levels to cater to different budgets and preferences. Each trim level comes with unique features and options, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific needs. The SEL trim provides a blend of comfort, convenience, and technology, making it a popular choice. The pricing for the Escape SEL typically starts in the mid-$20,000s, but can vary depending on the chosen options and packages. The SEL trim strikes a balance between value and features. The pricing of the Escape SEL is competitive within its segment. The trim levels include the base Escape, the SE, the SEL, the Titanium, and the Escape ST-Line. Check the Ford website or your local dealer for the most up-to-date pricing and any available incentives.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL

Alright, let's break down the good and the bad.

Pros:

  • Fuel Efficiency: Especially the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer excellent fuel economy.
  • Comfortable Interior: The cabin is well-designed and comfortable, with plenty of space.
  • Standard Features: The SEL trim comes with a lot of standard features that add value.
  • Safety Features: It has a comprehensive suite of safety features.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment: The infotainment system is easy to use with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cons:

  • Base Engine: The base engine can feel a bit underpowered for some drivers.
  • Optional Features: Some desirable features are only available in higher trims or as options.
  • Transmission: Some reviewers have noted the transmission can sometimes feel a bit slow to respond.

This will help you decide if it is right for you. It's about finding the right balance of features, performance, and value. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a blend of features, performance, and value, making it a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. Its fuel efficiency, comfortable interior, and comprehensive safety features make it attractive to many drivers. However, some may find the base engine underpowered or the transmission slow to respond. Weighing these pros and cons will help potential buyers determine if the Escape SEL is the right choice for their needs. The SEL trim level strikes a good balance between value and features. Consider the Escape SEL if you prioritize fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety. If performance is a top priority, consider the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a well-rounded package for those in the market for a compact SUV.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a Good Car?

So, is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a good car? Yes, it is! It's a solid choice in the compact SUV segment. It offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior, a good selection of standard safety features, and decent fuel economy, especially in the hybrid models. The SEL trim level strikes a nice balance between features and value, making it an attractive option for many buyers. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value, making it a worthy contender in the compact SUV segment. Its strengths lie in its comfortable interior, comprehensive safety features, and user-friendly technology. Fuel efficiency, especially in the hybrid models, is another significant advantage. While the base engine might feel underpowered for some, and the transmission could be more responsive, the overall package is impressive. Buyers considering the Escape SEL can expect a well-rounded vehicle that caters to various needs, from daily commutes to family adventures. Consider the Escape SEL if you prioritize fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety. If performance is a top priority, consider the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a well-rounded package for those in the market for a compact SUV. The SEL trim level strikes a nice balance between features and value, making it an attractive option for many buyers. It's a solid choice in the compact SUV segment.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you make an informed decision! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Happy car hunting!