For the last five years, Wards Auto has recognized exemplary user experiences through its 10 Best UX List. The list honors new vehicles for their driver-assistance technologies, connectivity, digital displays, voice-activation systems, intuitive controls, and infotainment. The 2020 UX List was, quite simply, dominated by crossovers and SUVs, which took up seven of those ten coveted spots, and the Ford Escape was one of them.
As Wards points out, the Ford Escape has proven popular among younger buyers, who tend to seek out vehicles that offer superior user experiences. And the crossover has plenty to offer in that department, including rich graphical elements present in the 12.3 inch digital instrument panel, 8 inch infotainment screen, and high-definition backup camera, as Wards points out.
“The digital cluster and the touchscreen both have incredible resolution and clarity,” said judge Christie Schweinsberg. “Ford nails the displays,” added fellow judge James Amend, noting their “zero glare and rich details.”
Fancy displays wouldn’t matter much if connectivity was an issue, but the Ford Escape has that covered as well with easy and quick smartphone pairing, as well as the “easy to use” Sync 3 system. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and Waze navigation are quite welcome, as is the Escape’s 575-watt 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
For those that prefer to control things using physical controls, Ford has thankfully retained all of those to complement touchscreen functions, and they’ll all easy to reach. Wards also enjoyed the Escape’s heads-up display, along with its bevy of Ford Co-Pilot360 technology features including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering and Evasive Steering Assist, and Active Park Assist 2.0.
While many lane keeping assist systems don’t work so well in the real world, that isn’t the case with the Escape. “Wow, lots of great ADAS for this price point,” Amend said. “ACC works flawlessly with stop and go, and lane keeping guides you back to the center quickly and smoothly, very human-like.”
Additionally, Wards enjoyed the Escape’s FordPass Connect feature, which provides 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to 10 mobile devices with compatible wireless subscription service, and panoramic roof. Throw in voice commands that actually understand what the driver is saying, and the Escape provides a superior user experience that makes it well deserving of this distinction.
We’ll have more on this and all other award-winning Ford vehicles in the future, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
I wish to ask Ford Authority to evaluate the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid when that version becomes available. Many drivers wish to buy an EV but, due to their traveling needs, will buy a PHEV to drive electric and have the onboard gas engine for trips over their EV range.
Agree, Raymond