Still on the hunt for vehicle for daughter to take to college. You all knowing TexAgers steered me away from the Jeep Liberty. What you say about Ford Escape? If acceptable how bad a dog is the 4 Cyl? Have located a 4 Cyl 5 speed that looks good - daughter has 5 speed now and loves it... Just worried about being under powered. She will be attending college in Missouri so has a little drive to make occasionally and some snow to deal with. All advice appreciated...

I have driven both a 4 and 6 Escape, though the 4 was an automatic. Didn't know there was a 5 speed. The 4 was slow and always downshifting. MIght be better with a stick. If auto I think the 6 is much better though I think throttle response is a bit aggressive.

Depends which 4-cyl you're referring to.

They originally used a 2.3 up until 2009 (IIRC) and then moved to the 2.5.

2.3 is an absolute dog, in any situation.

The 2.5 is rated around 175hp, and about the same on torque. I'd say it has just enough power to get around town, but don't expect it to have any strong acceleration or passing power.

Which engine are you looking at?

EDIT - just noticed the Missouri comment. With all the hills and weather, I'd suggest a 6-cyl.

Again, the older 3.0s are slower and get pretty bad mileage. The newer ones are strong and should get 20-21 around town, about 25 on the highway.

I'd go for the V6. 6 Speed Auto if you can afford a newer one.

At my last job, the company cars provided switched from Dodge Caravans to Ford Escapes 4 cyl. Our vehicles were always loaded down with sales products and samples, and enough people complained about the lack of power that Fleet upgraded new employees over to the 6 cylinder.

with the right powerplant, the escape has a solid reputation. don't forget Mazda sells its twin, too.

You might get lucky and find a used Mercury Mariner as well...same thing, just with leather and nice stuff.

Just for the record I drove a 2.3L.

The 2.5L with ~175 hp should be enough to make the Escape reasonably pleasant. That essentially matches other 4 cyl compact SUVs like the CRV.

What about the Rav 4 - they are 4 cyl - same under power problems?

Rav4 also has 2 engines, 2.4 and 2.5 in recent years. My brother has the 2.5 in Austin, and has no problem moving around through hills. His is FWD though. Gets about 28mpg, mostly on the highway.

They're going to be more expensive than an Escape, though.