2022 Ford Escape price and features: Cost up as update arrives ahead of PHEV for Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson rival

Ford Australia has updated the fourth-generation Escape mid-size SUV for 2022, with both pricing and standard equipment increased.

All six variants have become $500 more expensive (see full pricing table below), stretching from the entry-level EcoBoost FWD ($36,490 plus on-road costs) to the flagship ST-Line PHEV FWD ($53,440). Of note, the latter is due to arrive around April after several delays.

When it comes to standard equipment, the big news is the rear suspension change for the four front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions, with the previous multi-link set-up replaced by a less-sophisticated torsion beam.

That said, FWD buyers benefit from the same safety additions as their two all-wheel-drive (AWD) counterparts, with more comprehensive blind-spot monitoring, active rear cross-traffic alert, ‘intelligent’ speed assist and rear occupant alert introduced range-wide.

Better yet, Sensico artificial leather upholstery has been added to some parts of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson rival’s cabin, with the flagship Vignale grade having had it for its seat bolsters and headrests.

For reference, the Escape is available in three grades, ranging from the unnamed entry level (FWD only) to the mid-range ST-Line (FWD/AWD) and aforementioned Vignale (FWD/AWD).

All variants bar one are motivated by a 183kW/387Nm 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which is mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The ST-Line PHEV FWD goes it alone by mating a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (running on the Atkinson cycle) with an electric motor for a combined peak power output of 167kW.

The 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery on hand delivers an electric-only driving range of more than 50km, while fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test is 1.5L/100km.

Standard equipment in the unnamed entry-level grade includes LED headlights and tail-lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio and wireless smartphone charging.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep and steering assist, cruise control, driver attention alert, tyre pressure monitoring, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The ST-Line adds sports suspension, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit, black roof rails, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a flat-bottom steering wheel and metallic pedals.

Meanwhile, the PHEV ST-Line FWD also includes a 10-speaker sound system, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and partial leather upholstery.

The Vignale grade goes even further with adaptive Matrix LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a hands-free power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear (outboard) seats, a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat and park assist.

2022 Ford Escape pricing before on-road costs

Variant	Transmission	Cost
Escape EcoBoost FWD	automatic	$36,490 (+$500)
Escape ST-Line EcoBoost FWD	automatic	$38,490 (+$500)
Escape ST-Line EcoBoost AWD	automatic	$41,490 (+$500)
Escape ST-Line PHEV FWD	automatic	$53,440 (+$500)
Escape Vignale EcoBoost FWD	automatic	$47,090 (+$500)
Escape Vignale EcoBoost AWD	automatic	$50,090 (+$500)