Technically, this can be a baggage check of the Escape Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid since they each have the identical 34.4 cubic-foot cargo quantity, versus the 37.5 cubic-feet of the gas-only model I beforehand baggage examined. Nevertheless, I will make this the brand new normal bearer for your complete Escape lineup. The two further inches of top you get with the gas-only Escape would not appear to make a lick of distinction contemplating the general outcomes didn’t worsen. If something, they acquired a bit higher since I made just a few extra Tetris makes an attempt this time. Moreover, I used to be in a position to pattern a key cargo space factor I could not earlier than, and I attempted my finest to suit my bonus-item 38-quart cooler aboard because it so simply matches within the Escape’s rivals.
Briefly, it would not appear to matter should you get a hybrid (you even hold the spare tire) and I did a extra full job this time round. Ultimately, although, the conclusion is similar: The Escape has the third-smallest cargo space of a non-luxury compact SUV I’ve examined. Solely the Dodge Hornet and Jeep Compass have held much less. But it surely does have some issues going for it.
Right here is the cargo space of the Escape PHEV. Once more, its official quantity is 34.4 cubic-feet, however I’ve a robust suspicion given my findings of each exams that quantity was measured with the 60/40-split again seat slid all the way in which ahead. You will see the proof later.
The Escape has a dual-level cargo ground, however the top distinction is minuscule in comparison with others within the section. The hole will get even smaller with the hybrid/PHEV. It was surprisingly tough to suit the cargo ground between that nubbin and the froth software holder under. You’ll be able to really see the ground touching that nubbin. In contrast, it doesn’t within the common Escape (the second/proper image above), illustrating the admittedly refined top variations.
All photos under are with the ground on the greater degree. I did one try with the ground lowered and it made completely no distinction, so I skipped the remainder.
As with each Baggage Take a look at, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that might must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 extensive, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
Fairly merely, I did a significantly better job loading my baggage within the Escape this time. I will blame the actual fact it was September 2020 and I had a month-old toddler at dwelling throughout a pandemic.
The luggage match significantly better on this formation (the unique had the flowery bag up excessive blocking a lot of the view).
That mentioned, the smaller curler is clearly awkwardly positioned, and there is just about no room leftover. All of the Escape’s rivals have ample room left over.
This could be my proof that the Escape’s official quantity determine is achieved by sliding the again seat totally ahead. A complete of 34.4 cubic-feet ought to make it solely slightly smaller than a CR-V Hybrid, however as you possibly can see within the side-by-side pictures above, the outcomes aren’t even shut.
OK, so let’s discuss that sliding seat.
Right here is the common Escape with the very same baggage and the again seat slid all the way in which ahead this time. Appears much more just like the CR-V, would not it?
I wasn’t utilizing the cooler again then, however it completely would’ve match, because it does within the CR-V with room to spare.
Nevertheless, the difficulty with utilizing the sliding again seat is that you simply significantly scale back again seat legroom. Nobody can sit behind me with the motive force seat all the way in which again (there’s not precisely a wealth of legroom upfront, both). You both must have an particularly brief driver, an particularly beneficiant entrance passenger OR (!) make the most of the 60/40-split.
For Escape Baggage Take a look at Spherical 2: I made a decision to check with this selection to see how a lot might match with the 40 portion again and the 60 portion ahead.
This is all the luggage once more, and as you possibly can see, it is a a lot neater match with some room leftover. We’re nonetheless lower than CR-V territory (not to mention the higher RAV4, Tucson and Sportage), however hey, it is an enchancment.
However what about that cooler?
It matches! And though the flowery bag seems to be squished, it will nonetheless match if full. Rear visibility is restricted, however you possibly can nonetheless see via the rearview mirror (I’ve an image, however do you actually want the proof?)
Above is the cooler within the CR-V (with inexperienced further baggage) and the Toyota RAV4. And once more, they achieved this with out transferring their seats in any respect. To be honest, they cannot.
There’s a key distinction between the CR-V and RAV4, nevertheless, which makes the Toyota the higher analog for the Escape.
The Escape Hybrid has a spare tire. So does the RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid, however the CR-V and equally jumbo Hyundai Tucson Hybrid don’t.
BUT! That is an Escape Plug-In Hybrid, bear in mind. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and RAV4 Prime shouldn’t have spares. Lastly! Escape FTW!
Now, this is one thing I could not check final time within the Escape: the cargo cowl. It is a mesh sheet with a inflexible body, not in contrast to some windshield sunshades. The Mustang Mach-E has one thing comparable. Whereas this may increasingly appear flimsy in comparison with the large cargo covers of rivals that roll into a large cartridge (I imply, it actually is), I feel that is really higher. It guards your belongings from prying eyes simply as effectively, however it takes up much less area when put in and when saved contained in the automotive … which you’ll be able to really do in contrast to most of these cartridge covers.
Right here it’s folded up. Simply twist and fold and voila, you possibly can stuff it wherever. No have to baggage check with and with out it.
Oh, however rattling, there’s an issue.
It loops onto little spherical hook issues on both facet of the cargo space D pillars. After finishing the check, I found that the hook on the best had disappeared after I eliminated the quilt. I seemed and seemed and seemed and I could not discover the factor. Sorry Ford, but in addition, possibly provide you with a safer little spherical hook factor? It isn’t like I put a foot on the bumper and yanked the rattling factor off.
Alongside the identical traces, these are the plastic clasps on the liftgate that maintain the quilt’s steel hooks. They instantly appeared very flimsy. I used to be really being very cautious eradicating the quilt from these after I apparently yanked the opposite hook out of the wall.
Both means, this speaks to a basic chintziness contained in the Escape, one thing I extra fully documented within the Escape Inside Assessment.
