The five-passenger Ford Escape is offered with front-wheel drive or fulltime all-wheel drive, and either a four-cylinder, V6, or gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. The four trim levels are distinguished by engine and standard features.

The Escape XLS ($18,580) and XLS 4WD ($21,320) are powered by a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter inline four that generates 152 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, a four-speed automatic ($1,000) is optional. The XLS comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, an AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary jack, rear window defroster and 16-inch steel wheels.

The Escape XLT ($20,880) and XLT 4WD ($22,360) add more standard features, including upgraded cloth upholstery, a power driver's seat, cruise control, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels. A 200-hp, dual overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 ($1,000) is optional on the XLT, and includes the four-speed automatic.

The Escape Limited ($23,580) and Limited 4WD ($25,330) come standard with the V6 and automatic, plus leather seating, a 6CD changer and automatic headlights.

The Escape Hybrid ($25,075) and Hybrid 4WD ($26,825) are equipped similarly to the Limited models, but add the hybrid powertrain. This so-called full hybrid features a more fuel efficient, 133-hp Atkinson Cycle version of the four-cylinder engine and a 70 kilowatt electric motor. Unlike some mild hybrid SUVs, the Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph.

The Escape offers more option choices than many small sport-utilities, starting with some popular packages. The Cargo Convenience Group ($395) includes a retractable cargo area cover and a compartmentalized rear storage bin. The Audiophile Package ($695) includes a high-power stereo with seven speakers, subwoofer and the in-dash CD changer. The Limited Luxury Package ($795) adds dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a back-up warning system. The Audiophile and Navigation Package ($2,695) includes the stereo upgrade and Ford's touch-screen navigation system; in the Hybrid, it also adds a meter that graphically and immediately demonstrates the benefits of hybrid drive, and helps the driver maximize fuel economy. Other options include cruise control ($225), CD changer ($295), a power moonroof ($795), floor mats ($55), 16-inch alloy wheels ($375), 17-inch chromed wheels ($695), and a Class II towing package ($345).

Safety features have been upgraded substantially for 2008, making equipment that was previously optional on lower trim levels standard across the board, and setting the class benchmark for small sport-utilities. Passive safety features include front- and side-impact airbags for front occupants and curtain-type head protection airbags for all outboard seats. The side curtains can remain inflated for several seconds in the event of a rollover, and are designed to slide between the side glass and occupants if the people are oddly seated or resting heads against a window. Active safety systems include four-channel antilock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control and Ford's Roll Stability Control system. RSC adds a second gyroscopic roll-rate sensor to the typical stability control package, measuring the Escape's roll angle and roll rate and applying countermeasures (such as braking one of the wheels or reducing power) to increase rollover resistance.