XT adds more aggressive bumper cover, but (unlike in the past) no scoop. The new Forester's exterior wouldn't have been leading edge a decade ago. Chunky front overh
XT upsizes wheels to 18s, but they still don't fill the wheel openings. High stance for off-road Much sleeker, but some find the new Escape over-styled.
Probably the new Forester's most stylish angle. But this isn't saying much. Materials are good, but the ambiance nevertheless lags due to functional, dated design.
For good and for bad, the instrument panel could hardly be more conventional. A whole lot more going on inside the Escape. But too much? And less roomy.
Simple, easy to understand and use controls--except for the nav. Partial cloth upholstery with white stitching attractive. Seats supportive, if not luxurious.
Rear seat photo of tested car didn't properly record. Plenty of room, but no vents. Competitive cargo volume with the rear seat up.
Best-in-class cargo volume with the seat folded. New turbocharged flat-four-cylinder engine is smaller, but more powerful and more efficient.