My fiance is looking at an 08-10 escape 4x4 for daily driving and will be used a chase vehicle for a camper out on the beach. While looking at this generation escapes, I couldnt find where you select 4wd and 4wd Low. The dealer told us it was automatic. I think this system works fine on road in snowy conditions, but has anyone used or heard how well the drivetrain holds up? I dont want to find out this system cant handle it. Also, do these cars have 4x4 Low?
I might be looking at Jeep libertys instead b/c you can atleast select 4wd, keep it engaged the entire time and select low range. Thanks

 

The transmission has a low range but they don't have a 4WD low as a rear wheel drive 4x4 would.

 

I have a 2011 escape 4WD handles beautiful in the winter time! These are auto 4x4. This is also a front wheel drive versus the liberty which is a rear wheel. I had an 05 explorer that was rear wheel and also had the push button 4x4. This is a little different set up but I am still VERY happy with the way my escape handles in the winter. Just takes a little adjustment at first.

 

BTW. Mine has the tow package and I tow with mine. Holds up just fine!

 

Well thanks for the replies. I'm going to thinking about it some more. I'm not sure it it's a good thing or not but a local jeep dealership has a clearance on 2012 libertys, bringing them to within 1K of used ones!

 

We have a 2010 escape limited AWD. If it got my wife to the 2011 winter in the Northeast I can't imagine you need any tougher than that...only once did she actually feel the AWD "kick in " so to speak.....no traction issues what so ever....great little vehicle for NewEngland winters

 

The 4WD engages every time you leave from a dead stop no matter what the road condition is. Not sure why they call it a On Demand system??

 

I test drove a 2008 by trying to drive up a fairly steep grassy hill. All that happened is the right front wheel started to spin. I saw no evidence of the rear wheel(s) engaging. I can't imagine that this is how it should work, so should I suspect failure?

 

That's exactly when it should engage and if it didn't, something is wrong.