Im looking at a new 2011 Escape and would prefer the 4cyl for the extra MPG... I will not be towing anything so dont really need the 6cyl, but I am concerned with some of the reviews I have read saying that the 4cyl is not reliable and to avoid it???

Can anybody offer some experience? Should I go for the 6?

 

Have 2010 Limited w/6 cyl. Mileage about 22 mpg with 11K on it. No issues, plenty of power. IMO, the extra few $ for the 6 cyl. is worth it.

 

With the exception of the motor, the two models are identical and the 4-cyl motor is reliable. Gas isn't getting any cheaper and the 4 cyl will consistently get you 2-3 mpg more than the 6 cyl. If you don't tow and typically only have yourself and one other adult in the vehicle you will do fine with the 4-cyl. I have rented several 4-cyl models and I enjoyed them. I own a 6 cyl because I tow. If you load it up, tow, or like an extra 69 hp go for the V6.

 

This question is a no brainer. Go for the 6 cyl. Anytime a bigger engine is available in a car, truck, whatever, go for it. Resale value will be better, and you will have the extra power if you ever need it. The 4 cyl. I test drove back in 2003 was a dog, couldn't get out of its own way. Would be scared trying to pull out on to a highway. Maybe they are different now, don't know, but that was the experience I had with a 4 cyl. Escape.

Forget about a few extra miles per gallon, the benefits of a 6 cyl. outweigh those few extra miles. If the 4 cyl. got 7,8, 10 more miles per gallon that would be a different story, something to really consider, but not for only 2 or 3 miles extra per gallon.

You getting 2WD or All Wheel Drive?

 

"I test drove back in 2003 was a dog, couldn't get out of its own way. Would be scared trying to pull out on to a highway. Maybe they are different now, don't know, but that was the experience I had with a 4 cyl. Escape."

A very poor comparison. The 2003 Escape had a 2.0 liter 127 hp motor with a 4-speed auto compared to a 2011 Escape with a 2.5 liter, 171 hp motor with a 6-speed auto. That is 25% more displacement, 26% more hp and two more gears. You have to drive both of the new models to make a decision.

 

I would test drive them both, the new models are much different than the old. So I don't think there would be any reliability difference now days. Choose the one you like, if it's the 4 go for that, if it's the 6, then go for that. In the 2011, either choice would be a good one, in the past the 4 might not have been up to snuff, not a problem now. Hey, let us know what you choose, might help someone else down the road!

Thanks, take care!

Scott

 

I went with the 6. I drove them both a few times. And they had the exact same car with the different engines for me to compare. Chose the 6 mainly for the reason that in the end, nobody regrets MORE power, especially when your on the fence. The resale value was a good point that I had not considered.

I pick it up tomorrow.

 

Enjoy, picking up a new car is always cool.

 

Congrats on your purchase! We just picked up a 2011 XLS 4 cyl on wednesday. Got the 4 just because its gonna be my wifes car to drive 5 miles to work every day. Not too concerned for resale since we plan on driving it untill the wheels fall off. I must say for a 4 banger its pretty peppy.

 

You won't be sorry! Congratulations!

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