2022 Ford Escape Seven-Seater: Photos, Specs, & Prices. The new generation of the compact crossover brought a lot of new things. Buyers are still getting used to all the gadgets Ford added to the fourth-gen Escape. One of the biggest things we can get is a hybrid engine with the class-leading gas mileage. Still, it doesn’t stop the company from developing new features for the popular crossover. According to sources, the 2022 Ford Escape might even get the plug-in hybrid version. Not impossible, especially with the new Rav4 Prime already coming in 2021.
On the other hand, there are various rumors out there. We can hear fans talking about the seven-seater model. It is not going to happen in the US, but European and Australian versions of the 2022 Ford Escape are almost set for such an upgrade (according to Car Advice). For example, some of the vehicles from the same segment are offering an extra row. Nissan Qashqai +2 is a seven-seater, VW produces a special version of Tiguan– Allspace, and Honda UK sells CR-V with a higher seating capacity. Only large Explorer and Expedition are possibilities if you want to purchase a three-row SUV in the US. But, none of the abovementioned compact models is coming out in North America with seven seats. Check out the list of top 7-seater SUVs for 2021 if you want to find out more about these vehicles.
Facts and rumors
The new generation of the compact is here and it refreshed the styling. So, Ford won’t need further cosmetic jobs in upcoming seasons. It leaves room for other upgrades. Engineers can always make 2022 Ford Escape more efficient. But, the Escape hybrid is already at the top of the class with 44 mpg. Being the best is not a goal for Ford. The carmaker wants to stay there as long as it is possible, and the competition is hungry.
The seven-seater model is definitely not an option for the US market. The lack of space is a common problem for compact crossovers. There could be room for an additional row, but buyers will complain about the legroom for sure. And there will be nothing left for the cargo area.
On the other hand, engine improvements are possible. A plug-in hybrid is a logical step after the standard hybrid, and before the crossover becomes an all-electric model. The current PHEV offers nothing more than the base setup. Furthermore, the RS performance package could hit the market as well with more power.
Performance-Oriented Escape RS
Since 250 hp is not enough for the ST or RS editions, the more powerful unit could be under the hood of the high-performance edition. Some say the RS is an option with 300 horsepower. Ford is making a plan as the response for the possible response to the Honda CR-V Type R. The 2022 Ford Escape RS could also get the PHEV system, similar to its larger luxury sibling, Lincoln Aviator. The mid-size SUV gets the power from a PHEV system that delivers nearly 500 hp. Still, the compact crossover will focus on a more efficient ride and a better fuel economy.
2022 Ford Escape Specs, Hybrid, PHEV
Ford is opting for smaller displacements but enhances them with turbochargers. The 2022 Ford Escape is not an exception. An inline-three unit is under the hood of the compact crossover. A 1.5-liter model achieves 180 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, while engineers are managing to cut turbo lags. A cylinder deactivation system saves fuel, so the Escape can return up to 33 mpg on the open road, with the front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive consumes more fuel, but the gas mileage is still on a very high level.
Another classic option is a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 horsepower. It is available only with all-wheel drive and with SEL and Titanium trims. The EcoBoost unit also adds 280 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is still above 31 mpg on the highway, but the city consumption is a killer with 23 mpg.
There is a hybrid system based on a 2.5-liter petrol engine. Outputs are 200 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy gets the biggest boost. Escape is the most efficient compact crossover with 44 mpg. The plug-in is also available, but there is no gain in power outputs and gas mileage. So, the upgraded system could be there for the 2022 Ford Escape.
2022 Ford Escape Prices
The standard lineup remains the same for the 2022 Ford Escape, so the prices should stay put. The base edition is available at $25,000 before the fees. SE model adds a larger infotainment screen and a few other features, in the total value of $2,500. The SEL is available with both I3 and four-cylinder engines. The most expensive version is Titanium (until the RS shows up). The price of this model is $36,500. The hybrid engine is available with SE, SEL and Titanium, while the PHEV drops the SE. Standard hybrid starts at $28,300 and the plug-in adds nearly $5,000.
