FWD Escape
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New User
Joined: Feb 2007
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FWD Escape
Hi,
I'm looking to buy a used 2005 Escape and I was
wondering how the V-6 FWD Escape is compared to the
4X4. ie. does the FWD get better gas mileage, how is
the traction of the FWD compared to the 4X4, etc.
Any input would gtratly be appreciated.
I'm looking to buy a used 2005 Escape and I was
wondering how the V-6 FWD Escape is compared to the
4X4. ie. does the FWD get better gas mileage, how is
the traction of the FWD compared to the 4X4, etc.
Any input would gtratly be appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
All else being equal, a FWD only vehicle will always get better gas mileage than it's 4x4 or AWD equivalent. All 3 of my Escapes have been FWD only and from what I have read and heard, the difference in fuel efficiency is 1-3 mpg.
I live just outside of Boston and over the 3 winters I have been driving Escapes (again, all FWD only), I have never been stuck or felt out of control. I've driven in up to 10-12" of fresh snow without problems.
Unless you live in mountains, an area that gets tons of snow or if you have o drive offroad, you would probably do fine with the FWD only. They are pretty surefooted.
Just my observations anyway.
I live just outside of Boston and over the 3 winters I have been driving Escapes (again, all FWD only), I have never been stuck or felt out of control. I've driven in up to 10-12" of fresh snow without problems.
Unless you live in mountains, an area that gets tons of snow or if you have o drive offroad, you would probably do fine with the FWD only. They are pretty surefooted.
Just my observations anyway.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
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From: Sioux Falls SD
I have an 05 FWD with the 2.3L four 5 speed and we get plenty of ice and snow in South Dakota. No problems with control or traction. I get window sticker or better MPG and my FWD is rated 4better on the highway compared to the 2.3L 4x4.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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I live in Ky. To get to my home you have to travel up a steep hill. I haven't slipped yet in the snow with my FWD. Ice may be a different story. Of course that would be tough even for 4WD. I like the idea of not having to replace any of those expensive 4WD components.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 542
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From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX
FWD vehicles are usually pretty sure in inclement weather, and of course the AWD model will be even better - but by no means infallible. I've driven it on a few icy mornings and never had any sign of slippage or trouble. We're averaging 20mpg in our '05 AWD V6, mostly country roads - not bad but nothing to write home about.
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Thank-you very much for all your input.
We are now debating whether we get the Escape with
a sunroof or not? We have never had a vehicle with a sunroof,
are they noisy, are they worth having or should we just pass
on the sunroof?
Also what kind of tires do you have on your FWD Escape?
We live in Toronto would it be necessary to put snowtires
on the FWD Escape in the winter?
Thanks again.
We are now debating whether we get the Escape with
a sunroof or not? We have never had a vehicle with a sunroof,
are they noisy, are they worth having or should we just pass
on the sunroof?
Also what kind of tires do you have on your FWD Escape?
We live in Toronto would it be necessary to put snowtires
on the FWD Escape in the winter?
Thanks again.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 94
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My has a sunroof with the shade cover. It is not to terribly noisy and it is a factory sunroof and has no signs of leaks. Make sure that you get rid of the junky continentals that are usually standard. I have had nothing but bad luck with the junkinentals. Tire rack has a good selection and also gives you customer ratings of most of their brands, you may spend a little more for a tire upgrade but it would be worth it to get rid of the factory tires.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 4
From: Richmond, Va
We have an 06 2.3L FWD, 5spd. So far, it's been great on the slick roads. We haven't had a lot of snow (yet), but a fair amount of sleet/ice. It did considerably better than I had expected.
Do some more research on the sunroof. A couple of friends have sunroofs in their Escapes, and they've had a LOT of problems with the tracks breaking. When we were looing to buy ours, I found a fair amount of people with sunroofs had very similar problems. Becasue of this, we opted to stay away from the sunroof.
Do some more research on the sunroof. A couple of friends have sunroofs in their Escapes, and they've had a LOT of problems with the tracks breaking. When we were looing to buy ours, I found a fair amount of people with sunroofs had very similar problems. Becasue of this, we opted to stay away from the sunroof.
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I'd ditch the sunroof, the novelty soon wears off. Get a convertible for a second car.
As for FWD vs AWD, I own a FWD and the only disadvantage is that FWD does not have a limited slip differential. This has almost gotten me in trouble a couple of times on gravel boat ramps but I have no problem on paved ramps and if I buy another Escape I would probably stick with FWD. You really can't go wrong either way and with your location you might find far more AWD than FWD. If so, don't worry if you end up with an AWD.
As for FWD vs AWD, I own a FWD and the only disadvantage is that FWD does not have a limited slip differential. This has almost gotten me in trouble a couple of times on gravel boat ramps but I have no problem on paved ramps and if I buy another Escape I would probably stick with FWD. You really can't go wrong either way and with your location you might find far more AWD than FWD. If so, don't worry if you end up with an AWD.
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