2022 Ford Escape SEL: Is It Worth Buying?

Hey everyone, let's dive into the 2022 Ford Escape SEL and see if this compact SUV is a good fit for you! The Escape has been a popular choice for years, and the SEL trim offers a balance of features, comfort, and affordability. We'll break down everything from performance and interior to technology and safety, helping you decide if the 2022 Escape SEL deserves a spot in your driveway. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Performance and Driving Experience

When we talk about the 2022 Ford Escape SEL, the first thing that comes to mind is what’s under the hood. The SEL typically comes with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, which is a turbocharged three-cylinder. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: 'Three cylinders? Seriously?' But trust me, this engine is surprisingly peppy. It delivers a decent amount of power for everyday driving, and you won't feel like you're struggling to merge onto the highway. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which generally provides smooth shifts. This helps keep the engine in its optimal power band, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL also comes available with all-wheel drive, giving you extra traction and stability, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions. This is a great feature if you live in an area with snow or rain. One of the great things about the Escape is its handling. It's not a sports car, of course, but it feels composed and easy to maneuver in city traffic. The steering is light and responsive, making parking and navigating tight spaces a breeze. Ford has also done a good job of keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, so the cabin is relatively quiet, which makes for a more relaxing driving experience. The 1.5-liter engine is known for fuel efficiency, which is a major plus for anyone who is looking to save money at the pump. The fuel economy ratings are pretty impressive for an SUV of this size, making the Escape SEL a practical choice for daily commutes and longer road trips. The driving experience is generally smooth and comfortable, with a suspension that soaks up bumps in the road well. It’s not overly sporty, but it’s certainly not a slouch either. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL provides a balanced and enjoyable driving experience, making it a great option for those looking for a practical and efficient compact SUV.

Engine and Transmission Details

Let’s get a bit more technical, shall we? As mentioned earlier, the standard engine in the 2022 Ford Escape SEL is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. This engine produces a respectable amount of horsepower and torque, which is enough to get you moving quickly from a standstill. The turbocharging helps to boost power, so it doesn't feel underpowered, even when carrying passengers or cargo. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a key component of the driving experience. This transmission helps the engine deliver power smoothly and efficiently, and also contributes to the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The transmission shifts gears seamlessly, so you won't feel any jerky movements while accelerating or decelerating. The availability of all-wheel drive is a significant factor for many buyers, especially those living in areas with challenging weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, improving traction and stability on slippery surfaces. The system provides peace of mind, knowing that the vehicle can handle various road conditions with ease. The engine and transmission work together to provide a well-rounded driving experience, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. Ford has done a good job of optimizing these components to create a vehicle that is enjoyable to drive on a daily basis. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a compelling combination of engine power, transmission smoothness, and available all-wheel drive, making it a competitive choice in the compact SUV market. Choosing the right engine and transmission configuration is important when buying any vehicle, so it is great that you have the freedom to customize the Ford Escape SEL to your exact needs.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2022 Ford Escape SEL, you're greeted with a thoughtfully designed interior that prioritizes comfort and practicality. The seats are generally comfortable, offering good support for both short commutes and longer journeys. The materials used throughout the cabin feel reasonably well-made, and the overall fit and finish are up to par. The SEL trim often includes features like heated front seats, which are a welcome addition during colder months. The dashboard layout is user-friendly, with easy-to-reach controls and a clear instrument cluster. The infotainment system, typically an 8-inch touchscreen, is responsive and intuitive. It's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and other apps. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL provides ample space for passengers, both in the front and rear. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, even for taller adults, making it a comfortable place to sit on long trips. Cargo space is also a strong point of the Escape. With the rear seats up, there's a generous amount of room for luggage, groceries, or other items. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space, making it easy to haul larger items. Ford has included several storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console, door pockets, and a glovebox. These are perfect for storing small items like phones, wallets, and water bottles. The interior design of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL is modern and stylish, with a focus on functionality. The materials and features contribute to a comfortable and convenient driving experience, making it a great choice for families and individuals alike. The combination of comfort, space, and technology features makes the Escape SEL a well-rounded package. You'll find yourself enjoying the time spent inside the vehicle, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend adventure.

Infotainment and Technology

Let's talk tech, guys! The 2022 Ford Escape SEL usually comes equipped with Ford's SYNC infotainment system, which is a major part of the driving experience. The standard setup is a touchscreen display, which allows you to control various vehicle functions, as well as access your favorite apps through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These smartphone integration features are a big deal, allowing you to easily use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, stream music from services like Spotify or Apple Music, and make calls hands-free. The screen is generally responsive and easy to use, with a straightforward menu layout. Ford has also included a host of other tech features, such as a premium sound system for those who love to listen to music. The SEL trim typically comes with multiple USB ports, allowing you to charge your devices and connect them to the infotainment system. These are strategically placed throughout the cabin to ensure convenience for both front and rear passengers. Some models might include a wireless charging pad, which is a great feature for anyone who hates dealing with cables. You'll also find a digital instrument cluster in some models, which provides important driving information in a clear and customizable format. Safety features are also a priority, with the Escape SEL often equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. These include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which help to make your drives safer and more convenient. The technology features in the 2022 Ford Escape SEL are well-integrated and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience. Ford has done a good job of balancing advanced technology with ease of use, making the Escape SEL a modern and appealing option in the compact SUV market. It's all about making your life easier and more enjoyable behind the wheel.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technologies

Safety is paramount, and the 2022 Ford Escape SEL comes packed with a suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers. The Escape typically includes a range of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technologies is a highlight. This suite often includes features like automatic emergency braking, which can help to prevent or mitigate a frontal collision. Lane-keeping assist helps to keep you in your lane, and adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, making highway driving less stressful. Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert is another valuable feature, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots and providing warnings when backing out of a parking space. These technologies enhance situational awareness and help to prevent accidents. The Escape also includes features like a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. Some models may include a surround-view camera system, providing a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. Ford's commitment to safety is evident in the inclusion of these advanced features, which contribute to the Escape's overall safety rating. The 2022 Ford Escape SEL has performed well in safety tests conducted by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings provide potential buyers with valuable information about the vehicle's safety performance. The combination of passive and active safety features makes the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals who prioritize safety. Ford has done a great job of incorporating the latest safety technologies to protect occupants and help prevent accidents. This is an important consideration when buying any vehicle, and the Escape SEL excels in this area.

Crash Test Ratings and Safety Standards

To give you a clearer picture of how safe the 2022 Ford Escape SEL is, let's dive into some crash test ratings and safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a major player in this area. They conduct a range of crash tests and assign star ratings based on the vehicle's performance. The Escape typically scores well in these tests, with good ratings for overall safety, frontal crash protection, side crash protection, and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is another reputable organization that assesses vehicle safety. They evaluate vehicles based on a range of crash tests and also assess the performance of driver-assistance systems. The IIHS often awards the Escape with