2013 Ford Escape First Drive Review: What It's Up Against
It seems like every year the competition in the compact utility vehicle segment gets even more intense, and the 2013 Ford Escape steps up to the challenge taking on rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Kia Sportage and Jeep Patriot. In spite of the fact that the 2012 Escape hadn't really changed all that much from the original model that helped pioneer the segment back in 2000, sales of Ford's compact SUV continue to be strong posting its best-ever annual sales of 254,293 in 2011 with and starting off 2012 with a record first quarter selling 58,604 units through March. Of these impressive sales figures, Ford says that 47 percent came from conquest buyers new to the Ford brand, and the 2013 Escape will likely help improve conquest sales with its fuel economy, class-leading technology and features and a stylish, modern exterior design.