The 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5L FWD is a compact SUV that offers a strong blend of everyday practicality, modern features, and respectable efficiency, making it a popular choice among small SUV buyers. Under the hood, it features a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that produces around 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers capable performance for daily driving, merging, and light towing (up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped), while also maintaining good fuel economyaveraging around 23 mpg in the city and up to 30 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive layout helps keep weight and cost down while still offering competent handling and ride quality, especially in mild climates. Inside, the Escape SE provides comfortable seating for five with generous passenger room and about 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to roughly 68 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, making it practical for everything from grocery runs to road trips.