I drove our new Ford Escape the other night and was generally impressed with its update. However, looking around the cabin, I thought it wasn’t all that small. I wondered how it stacked up size-wise to Ford’s first-generation Explorer.
Here’s how they compare:
| 2008 Escape | 1991 Explorer | |
| Engine | 3.0-Liter V6 | 4.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 200 | 155 |
| Length, in. | 175 | 184 |
| Width, in. | 70 | 70 |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103 | 112 |
| Curb weight, lb. | 3,605 | 4,275 |
| Towing ability, lb. | 3,500 | 4,000 |
| Front shoulder room, in. | 56.5 | 56.5 |
| Front leg room, in. | 40.5 | 42.0 |
| Front head room, in. | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Rear shoulder room, in. | 55.0 | 56.5 |
| Rear head room, in. | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| As-tested price | $26,525 | $23,260 (1991 dollars) |
The new Escape is closer in size to the Explorer than you’d think. The original Explorer’s exterior dimensions still make it the larger truck, but the new Escape’s interior shows how far Ford has come in efficient packaging. Plus, looking at the two vehicle’s performance figures, the Escape is lighter and has more horsepower, making it more engaging to drive.
We haven’t done our fuel economy tests on the Escape yet, but my bet is it will blow away the Explorer’s 10 city/26 highway mpg numbers.
There’s no contest when it comes to safety equipment: the 2008 Escape has standard side- and curtain air bags, ABS, and stability control. The 1991 Explorer had none of these features. In fact, it didn’t even come with dual front air bags, but the Explorer did have rear-only ABS. Seeing as the government classified it as a “multipurpose passenger vehicle,” the Explorer was exempt from passenger car safety standards.
For SUV buyers, size still does matter. But it doesn’t take as much to satisfy as you’d think.
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