An In-depth Comparison of Two Powerhouses
If you’re torn between the Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe, fret not! We’re here to help you navigate through their key differences and make an informed decision.
Smooth Ride vs Sporty Suspension: The Battle Begins
As an ST-Line grade owner, you’ll be greeted with a lowered ride and a sportier suspension in the Ford Escape. While some may embrace this change, others may find it a bit firmer than desired. The stiffer suspension tends to pick up even the smallest imperfections on the road, transferring them into the cabin. This can be a bit unsettling, especially on poorly maintained surfaces.
Steering Sensations: Finding the Right Balance
The steering in the Ford Escape leans more towards a sporty feel, even though it may not necessitate such a bold angle. It takes a little getting used to, with a twitchy center and slightly less responsiveness from lock to lock than you might expect. However, when tested around a few tight corners, the chassis delivered a good handling balance, complemented by decent grip from the tires. Do keep in mind that, as a front-wheel drive vehicle, it can occasionally struggle for traction on wet or loose surfaces and when maneuvering on offset driveways.
Abrupt Brakes and Quirky Pedal Response
One minor gripe with the Ford Escape is its brake pedal response, which tends to be quite sharp and sensitive to sudden stops. While this can take some adjustment, it ultimately ensures prompt and efficient braking.
Driving Modes: Tailoring the Experience
Let’s delve into the driving modes offered by the Ford Escape. Depending on your needs, you can choose from various drivetrain setups. EV Auto intelligently switches between EV, hybrid, and petrol modes to optimize your driving experience. EV Now prioritizes electric driving, while EV Later conserves battery charge for future use. On the other hand, EV Charge relies on petrol power to drive and recharge the battery pack.
In EV mode, the throttle response is commendable, delivering a smooth and quiet ride. Transitioning to hybrid mode maintains the tranquility, unless you push the accelerator forcefully, resulting in a slight increase in engine noise. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the Ford Escape remains quieter than its counterparts, particularly at higher speeds.
A Few Bumps on the Road: Noise and Vibrations
Although generally hushed, the Ford Escape does exhibit some tire noise when cruising at higher speeds, especially on rough surfaces. This could be slightly bothersome for those seeking absolute tranquility. Additionally, you may feel the road surface through the steering wheel and suspension, as the car can get a bit jittery at times.
Safety First: Low Speed Warning and Drive Modes
The Ford Escape prioritizes your safety with a low-speed warning sound, which becomes audible below approximately 25 km/h. This feature proves particularly useful in enclosed car parks, preventing any accusations of silent creeping.
Furthermore, the Ford Escape offers multiple drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Snow/Sand Assist. Each mode is tailored to address specific driving situations, adjusting engine transmission, steering response, as well as stability and traction control limitations. While Normal mode is a popular choice for everyday driving, venturing into Sport mode grants a little more power and spirited acceleration.
In conclusion, the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe present distinctive characteristics that cater to varying preferences. With its sportier suspension and responsive steering, the Ford Escape offers an engaging driving experience. Moreover, its versatile driving modes and safety features provide added convenience on the road. To explore further and make an informed decision, visit Ratingperson for a comprehensive review of the Ford Escape.