A seven-speaker stereo upgrade is also available. The Sport Appearance package adds 17-inch wheels and a variety of upgraded interior and exterior trim pieces. The Sun & Sync package adds Sync and a sunroof. The Leather package adds ambient lighting and leather upholstery. The XLT adds automatic headlights, foglamps, MyKey parental controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a six-way power driver seat, steering wheel audio controls and satellite radio. The Sync electronics interface (includes iPod interface and Bluetooth) and steering wheel audio controls are optional. Standard equipment on the XLS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, an integrated blind spot driver mirror, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Driving them all back-to-back, you might find yourself thinking the Escape, despite its techno veneer, is just a tad too dated for your tastes. However, so are other top small crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. In total, a fully loaded 2010 Ford Escape will certainly please those who value having the latest technology, so it may be worthy of consideration. We've tested it and found the Escape's system works notably better than the one found in the exponentially more expensive Lexus LS 460. Taking a page out of the Lexus playbook, it gives the car control over its steering during parallel-parking maneuvers. Think of it as an automotive V-chip (speaking of 2000-era relics). New for 2010 is MyKey, which allows parents to set electronic limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume for their teenage driver. When equipped with the optional navigation system (the same one found in all Ford's products), the Escape provides real-time information for traffic, weather, sport scores, movie times and probably your horoscope if you ask nicely enough. Ford's Sync system is certainly a deal-making technology, seamlessly integrating your cell phone and iPod/MP3 player into the car's control systems. However, there are a number of high-tech goodies stashed inside this aging wrapper that make the Escape still worth a look. Even more damning, though, are brakes (discs in front but antiquated drums in the rear) that simply don't have the power to bring the Escape to a stop as effectively as other small SUVs. As such, the Escape just isn't as comfortable or versatile as more modern rivals. It's most apparent on the inside, where the Escape lacks a few basic features now common among its newer competitors, such as a telescoping steering wheel and a backseat that reclines and slides fore and aft. Not surprisingly, the Escape is beginning to feel its age. Although its engines, steering, styling and interior are considerably different than they were at the turn of the century, the 2010 Ford Escape still has a lot of similarity to the vehicle that launched when Bill Clinton was a lame duck. Remember the year 2000? Back when we were all a-flutter about hanging chads and surviving the Y2K computer bug? That year also saw the arrival of the Ford Escape, the first compact crossover SUV from an American car company, which quickly became a runaway best-seller.
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