While the headline may sound like a chapter from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, it is actually a pretty apt description of Ford’s newest iteration of its mid-sized SUV. 

The Escape has seen a fair few iterations in this country, but for the 20/21 model year, the five seat SUV has taken new directions in design, technology, Ford family appeal and sophistication.

And it would appear it has arrived just at the right time, given rumours of the axing of the medium-and-a-bit SUV out of Canada, the Endura. 

This does leave a slight gap in the bridge between the Escape and the Everest – particularly in terms of powertrain as a diesel engine is not going anywhere near the Escape. 

However, the PHEV version – delayed by battery supplier issues which have now been resolved won’t be with us for at least 8 months, possibly longer. 

Every cloud has its silver lining though, and the PHEV’s delay will allow a revisit to the Escape range after the initial launch hype fades. 

Is the hype justified? On looks alone, the answer would be a resounding ‘yes.’ Those with long memories might be able to remember the boxy Escape of two generations back which fit in well with the Explorer model.

Back then, we all thought the Escape to be much more nimble and less ‘droopy’ than the larger – and thirstier Explorer. Then someone got an extra caffeine shot in the design room and we next saw an more pointy and aggressively styled Escape which suffered in terms of internal space. 

It seemed to be a modern step up for Ford, but it felt a little out of step with everything else from the Blue Oval, which was trumpeting the cause of the Mondeo at the time. Escape was something of a square peg in a round hole. 

Times have changed, roles have reversed and Ford’s designers have actually been allowed to look at what else is in the Ford line-up, delivering the new Escape with its more organic lines and bigger brother relationship to the smaller Puma SUV. Interestingly, both vehicles seem to have a design relationship which involves the Focus hatchback. 

Of them all, it could be said: the Ford runs strong in the family. 

But back to the Escape, Ford’s hero SUV by virtue of its range offering, if nothing else. 

Currently, Ford has four Escape models in the line-up, going up to six when the PHEVs arrive.

For now, the conventional Escapes all run the same two-litre, turbocharged, direct and port fuel injected petrol EcoBoost engine (breathe!). 

This delivers 183kW at 5700rm and 387Nm at 3100rpm and returns a combined fuel economy figure of 8.6 litres per 100km and just under the 200gm/km carbon emission figure at 199gm/km.

Also common to all is an eight-speed automatic with SelectShift accessed via rotary dial controller or paddle shifters.

The luggage space extends from 556 litres to 1478 litres and maximum braked towing capacity is 1800kg except for the tope end ST-Line X AWD model, which has a 1200kg towing capability.

Some may have picked up on the AWD consideration, as not all Escapes are four pawed. As well, there are specification differences, which obviously affect pricing. 

The Base model (Ford’s description) is front wheel drive model and starts the ladder at $42,990

Next comes the ST-Line which is available as front or all-wheel-drive at $47,990 and $50,990 respectively. 

At the top is the ST-Line X, available in AWD only and priced at $55,990. 

The PHEV’s are definitely coming – Ford NZ has already priced them. The Base FWD is priced at $60,990 with the ST-Line X coming in under $70k at $66,990.