2005 Escape

Sort of like what Subaru has been selling for about fifty years, but in a bigger vehicle, that costs less money, and has a more powerful V6 engine that uses regular gas rather than a high winding 4 cy that requires premium fuel. Power goes to the wheels with the most traction, primarily to the rear, except when need in the front.

mike hunt

Brad Alden wrote:

Did Ford change that for 2005? All the other Escapes from 2001 through 2004 are front wheel drive.

Tom F.

Escapes from 2001 to 2004 are available in front wheel drive only. The Escape has been available in all-wheel drive (actually, front-wheel-drive with optional power to the rear wheels as well). I think it has always been available (during the entire history of the truck), but I am not sure.

So the "intelligent switching" is new, not the availability of four-wheel drive. You can still get the truck in front wheel drive only.

One of the advantages of AWD is the power can be biased to the rear for better handling when in use. You are correct, when not engaged, FWD is primary .

mike hunt

"Tom F." wrote:

Too bad. I was kind of hoping they would change it to RWD. I have a 2002 Escape 2WD and the traction is not the greatest taking off from a stop on wet or sandy surfaces. Great vehicle otherwise. I've had no problems with it, mileage is pretty good for that size SUV, and the power and handling are great. Just have to be careful from a dead stop.

Tom F.

What you describe is typical of all FWD vehicles when the weight shifts to the rear.

mike hunt

"Tom F." wrote:

True, but I've had 2 other FWD's ('89 Probe and '00 Eclipse), and this one is definitely the touchiest. Probably because it's the heaviest also.

Tom F.