2022 Ford Escape SEL Review: Is It Worth It?

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2022 Ford Escape SEL Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Ford Escape SEL, to see if it's a good car for you. Choosing a new car can be a real headache, right? So many options, so much to consider! We'll break down the Escape SEL, covering everything from its features and performance to its value and overall appeal. By the end of this, you should have a solid idea of whether this SUV is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle. Let's get started, shall we?

Decoding the 2022 Ford Escape SEL

First off, what exactly is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL? Well, the Escape is a compact SUV, meaning it's designed to be practical for everyday use while still offering a bit of extra space compared to a sedan. The SEL trim is a mid-range option, offering a sweet spot between affordability and features. It's not the base model, so you get some nice upgrades, but it's also not the top-of-the-line version, which means it can be a great value for the money. The 2022 model year brought some subtle changes and updates to the Escape, building upon the already popular design. The Escape SEL aims to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience, making it a popular choice for families, commuters, and anyone looking for a versatile vehicle. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL is designed to be a well-rounded vehicle, balancing practicality, features, and affordability in the competitive compact SUV market. It's a car that tries to do a lot of things well, making it a strong contender for anyone in the market for a small SUV. So, let's unpack this further and see if the Escape SEL truly delivers on its promise!

Here’s what you can generally expect with the SEL trim:

  • Exterior: You'll typically find things like alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and possibly some upgraded exterior styling elements.
  • Interior: Expect features like upgraded cloth or even leather-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and possibly a premium sound system.
  • Technology: The SEL usually includes a larger touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and advanced driver-assistance features.
  • Engine and Performance: The SEL often comes with a more powerful engine option compared to the base model, providing a better driving experience.

Driving the 2022 Ford Escape SEL: Performance and Handling

Alright, let's talk about what it's like to actually drive the 2022 Ford Escape SEL. Under the hood, you'll likely find a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Ford has used these EcoBoost engines in the Escape, which offer a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. You're not going to win any races, but the Escape SEL provides enough oomph for everyday driving, merging onto the highway, and tackling hills. The transmission is usually an automatic, and it generally provides smooth shifts. The steering is light and responsive, making the Escape easy to maneuver in tight city streets and parking lots. Handling is decent, with the suspension tuned for a comfortable ride. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road well, making it a pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers. The SEL trim often includes available all-wheel drive (AWD), which provides added traction and stability, especially in inclement weather conditions. So, if you live in an area with snow or rain, this is a definite plus! Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a practical and user-friendly driving experience. It's not a sports car, but it gets the job done comfortably and efficiently. The engine provides adequate power, the handling is predictable, and the ride is comfortable, making it a solid choice for daily commutes, family trips, and everything in between.

Here's a breakdown of the driving experience:

  • Engine: The engine provides enough power for everyday driving. The EcoBoost engine generally provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
  • Transmission: The automatic transmission provides smooth shifts, contributing to a comfortable driving experience.
  • Handling: The steering is light and responsive, making the Escape easy to maneuver. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well.
  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available on some trims, the AWD system provides added traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Interior Comfort and Features of the Escape SEL

Now, let's peek inside the 2022 Ford Escape SEL. This is where you'll spend most of your time, so comfort and convenience are key! The Escape SEL usually offers a well-designed interior with quality materials. You'll likely find comfortable seats, with available upgrades like leather upholstery and heated front seats. The cabin is spacious enough for passengers in both the front and rear, and there's plenty of headroom and legroom. The SEL trim often includes a power-adjustable driver's seat, allowing you to easily find the perfect driving position. The infotainment system is a crucial part of any modern car, and the Escape SEL doesn't disappoint. You'll find a touchscreen display, typically with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This means you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Other features you might find include a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a host of driver-assistance technologies. These features enhance the overall driving experience, making it safer and more enjoyable. The Escape SEL aims to provide a comfortable and convenient interior environment, making it a great choice for long drives and daily commutes. The quality materials, comfortable seating, and user-friendly technology make the Escape SEL a pleasant place to be. In short, the interior is well-designed and functional!

Here’s a quick overview of interior highlights:

  • Seating: Comfortable seats, with available leather upholstery and heated front seats.
  • Space: Spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
  • Infotainment: Touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
  • Features: Power-adjustable driver's seat, premium sound system, panoramic sunroof (available), and driver-assistance technologies.

Tech and Safety: Keeping You Connected and Protected

Okay, let's get into the tech and safety aspects of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL. Ford has packed this SUV with a bunch of features to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. The centerpiece is the infotainment system. As mentioned earlier, it usually includes a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone, giving you access to your music, navigation apps, and other features. You can also expect to find features like Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports to keep your devices charged. Ford also typically includes a suite of driver-assistance technologies. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and make driving safer. Some of the common safety features include:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes.
  • Lane-Keeping Assist: This helps you stay in your lane by providing steering assistance if you start to drift.
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring: This alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots when changing lanes.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: This maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. These safety features not only make driving safer but can also provide peace of mind. The Escape SEL also typically includes a rearview camera and parking sensors, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a good balance of technology and safety features. It's designed to keep you connected, entertained, and protected on the road. These features add value to the driving experience, making it a modern and practical SUV. Ford’s commitment to safety and technology is evident in the Escape SEL.

Key Technology and Safety Features:

  • Infotainment System: Touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports.
  • Driver-Assistance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
  • Parking Aids: Rearview camera and parking sensors.

Is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a Good Value?

Alright, let's talk about the big question: Is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a good value for your money? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities. The Escape SEL sits in the middle of the Escape lineup, offering a balance of features and affordability. Generally, the SEL trim provides a good value proposition. You get a lot of features for the price, making it a compelling option compared to the base model. However, when comparing it to higher trims, you might have to consider whether the additional features justify the increased cost. To determine the value, you'll need to consider several factors, including: the price of the Escape SEL compared to other compact SUVs, the features included in the SEL trim, the reliability of the Escape, and the long-term cost of ownership (including fuel efficiency and maintenance). Researching these factors and comparing them to your budget and needs is essential. Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL offers a good value proposition. It is a well-equipped SUV that offers a comfortable driving experience, a decent amount of technology, and a solid reputation for reliability. It competes well within the compact SUV market. Whether it’s the best value for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Key Factors for Assessing Value:

  • Price Comparison: Compare the price of the Escape SEL with other compact SUVs.
  • Feature Set: Evaluate the features included in the SEL trim and see if they meet your needs.
  • Reliability: Research the reliability of the Ford Escape and its long-term maintenance costs.
  • Ownership Costs: Consider fuel efficiency and other ownership costs.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL

To make your decision easier, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Ford Escape SEL. This will give you a quick overview of the key strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

  • Comfortable ride: The Escape SEL offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it enjoyable for both daily commutes and longer trips.
  • User-friendly infotainment system: The touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is easy to use.
  • Fuel-efficient engine: The available EcoBoost engines provide good fuel economy, saving you money on gas.
  • Good value: The SEL trim offers a good balance of features and affordability.
  • Spacious interior: The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

Cons:

  • Base engine power: Some people might find the base engine a bit underpowered, especially when merging onto the highway or carrying a full load.
  • Some interior materials: While the interior is generally well-designed, some of the materials may feel a bit cheap.
  • Not the most exciting driving experience: The Escape SEL is not a performance-oriented vehicle. If you're looking for a sporty SUV, this might not be the right choice.
  • May not stand out: The styling is a bit generic.

Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL Right for You?

So, after all this, is the 2022 Ford Escape SEL a good car? In short, it's a solid choice for many people. It offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly interior, and a good balance of features and value. It's a great option for those who want a practical and versatile SUV without breaking the bank. However, the Escape SEL might not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you prioritize performance, or if you're looking for a more luxurious experience, you might want to consider other options. But, if you're looking for a reliable, practical, and well-equipped compact SUV, the 2022 Ford Escape SEL is definitely worth considering. Take a test drive and see for yourself! See how it feels and how it fits your needs. You'll then be in a better place to make an informed decision and see if this car will be a great addition to your life.