Ford Escape SUV has road trip requirements covered

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Looking to escape?  Maybe you should try a Ford of the same name.

That was my thought behind the wheel of the recently tested Ford Escape Titanium PHEV FWD sport-utility vehicle.  Seemed like the ideal road trip vehicle, and priced at $46,815 in a world of $60,000 sport-utes.

Of course, I also might have been influenced by the four-cylinder hybrid engine with a combined city/highway mileage rating of 101 miles per gallon.

Or maybe it was the impressive safety/security package.  I was likewise treated to optional perks that included parking assist, a wireless charging unit and a head-up display.

The tester also boasted max five-start federal government ratings in crash tests, including five on the overall score.

Pretty nice for a Ford compact crossover SUV, I should say.

Best of all, it was just easy to drive.  Smooth and responsive.   Interior controls were easily understood and did not find me running back and forth with the owner's manual.

I could see myself hitting interstates from coast to coast ... or maybe tooling through national parks ... or perhaps leisurely traveling the length of the Pacific Coast in this ride.

Or maybe just a daily driver.

Ford says versatility is part of the appeal.  The automaker says the Escape takes on all comers, "from heavy traffic to lunch with co-workers or maneuvering into the last parking space on the block."

Seems about right.  Road trips come in all sizes.  And the Escape fits nicely into all of them.