Ford Escape
2005-07 models built after August 2004results also apply to: 2005-06 Mazda Tribute built after August 2004 | 2005-07 Mercury Mariner built after August 2004
SIDE IMPACT TEST WITH OPTIONAL SIDE AIRBAGS
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Injury measures | Head protection | Structure/safety cage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Torso | Pelvis/leg | |||
| Driver |
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| Rear passenger |
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Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute were introduced in the 2001 model year, and the Mercury Mariner was introduced in 2005. The Mazda Tribute skipped the 2007 model year but reappeared for 2008.
Two tests of a 2003 Escape were conducted, one with an optional side airbag for the driver, and one without. The optional side airbags were then changed from combination front seat-mounted head and torso airbags to front and rear head curtain airbags for 2005 models built through August 2004. Beginning with 2005 and later Escape, Tribute, and Mariner models manufactured after August 2004, front seat-mounted torso airbags were added to the optional front and rear head curtains (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). A third test of an Escape, a 2005 model with all of the airbag changes, was then conducted. Injury and head protection ratings are based on only the latest test, but structural ratings are based on all three tests.
Beginning with 2008 models of the Escape, Tribute, and Mariner, the side airbags were made standard, and electronic stability control was introduced as a standard feature. Note: These ratings and specifications do not apply to the hybrid (gas-electric) versions of the Escape and Mariner.
Injury measures:
Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that a fracture of the pelvis would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.
Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
Head protection:
Driver — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.
Rear passenger — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.
Left to right:
- View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.
- View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.
- Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbags.
- Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was protected by the side airbag.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard beginning with 2008 models, optional in 2005-07 models manufactured after August 2004)
- Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags, if equipped, in the event of an impending rollover
- Electronic stability control; includes roll stability control to minimize the possibility of rollover (beginning with 2008 models)
- Antilock brakes
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4wd
- Class: Small SUV
- Weight: 3,569 lbs.
- Side airbags: optional front and rear head curtain airbags and optional front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 103 in.
- Length: 175 in.
- Width: 70 in.
- Engine: 3.0 L V6
- EPA ratings: 18 mpg city | 22 mpg highway
