Redesigned in 2020, the Ford Escape, once the top-selling SUV in Ford’s arsenal and second in Blue Oval sales only to F-150, has slipped behind Explorer in sales, but the fourth-generation sports-ute is still the No.24-selling vehicle in the U.S. this year.

Once thought of as a “Baby Explorer” when it debuted in 2001, the Ford Escape made the small SUV segment its own, and soon developed its own following, personality, utility, look and feel.

For 2021, Escape, has increased the fuel economy for Escape 1.5L FWD models to 28 city/34 highway mpg, making for a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. The Class II Trailer Tow Package is now optional on Escape models with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Ford Escape is available in trim levels S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Additionally, the available Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ package now includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition. 

Also new is expanded availability with new hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the SE and SEL models offered for 2021. The 2021 Escape Titanium now has the hybrid powertrain standard. 

Additionally, four new exterior colors have been added this model year, including Antimatter Blue, Bronze Fire, Carbonized Gray, and Iconic Silver. The new options join a handful of paint choices carried over from the previous model year, including Star White Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic, Velocity Blue Metallic, Desert Gold Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, and Oxford White.  

Four colors have been discontinued this year: Blue, Dark Persian Green, Ingot Silver, and Magnetic. 

The 2021 Ford Escape continues its aerodynamic design featuring a sloped roofline, optimized liftgate spoiler and efficient underbody. Escape’s architecture embodies sportiness, borrowing its shield-shaped trapezoidal grille from a similar sixth-generation Mustang inspiration, while the lower front end pays homage to Ford GT.

The 2021 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint measuring 66.1 inches in height and 74.1 inches in width on a 106.7-inch wheelbase. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight range of 3298 lbs. to 3884 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration.

The 2021 edition offers the same four powertrains as were available last year, including a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, and iemploys technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity.

Performance upgrades help make Escape a fun-to-drive sports-ute, with both its gas engine-powered models and the standard hybrid available with all-wheel drive. EcoBoost-equipped models get a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, responsive shifting, while every Escape sits on an accommodating suspension providing solid dynamics with an isolated rear subframe.

Available in either Front-Wheel-Drive or Intelligent 4WD, Escape’s engine choices include the direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop returns, rated at 181hp, with 190-lbs-ft of torque and a EPA estimate of 28mpg/city, 34mpg/highway and 30mpg/combined. The turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 engine with Auto Start-Stop also returns this year, supplying 250hp and 280 lbs-ft of torque on premium fuel, with EPA estimates of 23/31/26. There is also a 2.5-liter FHEV iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 165hp and 155 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and the 2.5-liter PHEV gives you 200hp and is rated at (FWD) 44 mpg city/37 mpg highway/41 mpg combined.

My test vehicle was outfitted with the 1.5-liter and averaged 30.6mpg in mixed-use tests. My weeklong test on the highways, around town and some track tests showed good passing power with only slight delay. On the track, a steadily accelerating quarter-mile was accomplished in 16.1 seconds and the sprint from zero to 60 mph was a slow 7.8 seconds. Steering was carlike, the ride was soft for passengers and it handles like a family driver should.

Inside Escape’s sliding second-row seats enable best-in-class second-row legroom and as much as 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space. And Ford’s smartest-ever small SUV features selectable drive modes and Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technology. Available features include a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display and its driver-assist features Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist.

The cabin is upscale with seating for five. Accommodations continue to be tight for taller drivers, as headroom measures 40.0 inches in front and 39.3 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 42.4 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 40.7 inches. Shoulder room is 57.6 in row one and 56.0 for row two.

The 2021 Ford Escape is available in five trims. The S trim starts at $24,885 with the 1.5-liter I-4 EcoBoost® engine and Sync® with 4.2-inch LCD Screen Display; the SE that I tested, starts at $26,610 with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® and adding SYNC® 3 with 8-inch LCD Screen Display, 10-Way Power Driver with Heated Front Row, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start and more; the SE Sport Hybrid starts at $28,030 with the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine and more; the SEL trim starts at $29,205 with the 1.5, reverse sensing and a power liftgate; and the Titanium trim started at $33,755 in FWD with the 2.5-liter Hybrid, 10-Speaker Audio System and more.

My Escape SE added Rapid Red exterior paint for $395. Upgrading from FWD to all-wheel-drive added $1500; Ford Co-Pilot Assist™ added $695 for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®. Splash guards added $210; a Panoramic Vista Roof added $1495 and Destination Charges of $1345 for a price-as-tested of $32,250.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation raised more than $400,000 for Amyloidosis research and awareness in 2021.  Dollars came from Corvette lovers, friends of Chip Miller, those affected by the disease and those with a kind heart from around the world.  Now, the CMAF has an amazing new sweepstakes opportunity for 2022 as a means to further support the cause.

Running now (December 16, 2021) through 3 p.m. on October 1, 2022 donations are being accepted for the third annual Corvette Sweepstakes.  This time, the prize is the much talked about, highly sought after Corvette Z06.  The Z06 is a 2023 AND includes the Z07 performance package.  This amazing ride comes to the CMAF by way of Whitmoyer Auto Group of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and will be a top-of-the-line performance car.

The Z06 has been the most anticipated sports car of the year.  It has the elegance and performance of a Corvette; with the style of a luxury car.  Adorned in Red Mist Metallic, this may be your only chance to get one, as pre-orders are nearly sold out.  Purpose-built for the track, but every bit a street machine, you’ll find a 670 HP V8 under the…trunk.  Your donation could see you piloting the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 available, all while going from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. 

What else makes this ride so amazing?  How about wider fenders, quarter panels, and facia than the Stingray?  Commanding meets functional with ground effects and rear high wing spoiler that optimizes aerodynamic drag and powertrain cooling efficiency.   But wait, there’s more.  There’s always more!  It comes with replaceable spoiler wicker bills, rear brake cooling ducts, removable front fascia panel, and front underwing stall gurneys for increased downforce.  This will help keep you ON the track as you blow past your competition.

“With the ultimate Corvette, the C8, launching just a couple years ago, Chevrolet has outdone themselves once again with their all-new Z06,” noted CMAF president and Corvette enthusiast Lance Miller.   “The performance of this vehicle will knock the socks off any car enthusiast and we are fortunate to lock in a Z06 build for this year’s Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation Corvette Sweepstakes,” continued Miller.  “One lucky person will win the choice of our Z06 build or the cash option ($75,000).  You can’t go wrong with either one,” added Miller.  “Please donate to this amazing cause and help us make a difference. My father passed in 2004 from this terrible disease and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him.”

Donation amounts vary for entry into the sweepstakes.  The base option is $25 and yields 12 tickets.  There are $50, $100, $250, $500, $100, $1,500 and $2,500 options too.  Each option includes exponentially more entries into the sweepstakes.  The winning name will be drawn at 4 p.m. on October 1.

Enter today and not only secure a chance to WIN A 2023 Z06 Corvette, but to also help the CMAF raise funds and awareness!  The chance to donate and get sweepstakes tickets, as well as details on all events supported by the CMAF can be found online at www.ChipMiller.org or via social media and the CMAF Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/AmyloidosisAwareness. 

Donate Today For Your Chance to Win

For more than 40 years, the Chevy Silverado was the No.2-selling vehicle in America. It has since dropped to No.3, but in the second quarter of this year, Silverado edged ahead of F-150 and (for that quarter) back into the No.2 slot, behind Ram.

But at No.2 or No.3, Silverado remains a leader on the American truck scene as it has been since 1918. Silverado launched as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans in 1975, before becoming its own line in 1999.

Two years after a full redesign, Silverado for 2021 offers a truckload of new mechanical and technological updates, including the addition of an available Multi-Flex Tailgate, impressive trailering capacity and enhanced tech.

The Multi-Flex Tailgate offers Silverado customers six unique functions, allowing for easier access to bed cargo, enhanced loading solutions and a standing workstation. With a weight capacity of 375 pounds, different configurations for the Multi-Flex Tailgate activate using a key fob or two tailgate-mounted buttons, one for the full gate and another for the second-tier loading and storage options. Combined with the Silverado Durabed – featuring impressive cargo space, LED lighting, a 120-volt outlet and 12 fixed tie-downs – Multi-Flex makes the 2021 model the most functional and capable Silverado ever. The Multi-Flex Tailgate will be available in early 2021 on all new Silverado 1500 models.

The 2021 Silverado features increased conventional trailering capability for two of its most efficient engines, compared to the 2020 model year. The 2.7L Turbo adds thousands of pounds of trailering capacity to every configuration. The popular Crew Cab Short Box model increases its rating by 2,500 pounds to a max capacity of 9,300 pounds in two-wheel drive. A newly available Regular Cab Long Box model provides the maximum 2.7L tow rating of 9,600 pounds and ups Silverado’s overall max payload to 2,280 pounds in 2WD.

The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel adds an additional 1,900 pounds of trailering capacity to nearly every configuration and provides the maximum capacity of 9,500 pounds to 2WD models

Enhanced Trailering Technology for 2021 adds up to 15 unique camera views – the most of any competitor – to help make trailering simpler. 2021 models also offer new or enhanced trailering technology, including Trailer Length for lane changing maneuvers; Jack-Knife Alert tracking the position of the compatible trailer in relation to the vehicle and provides an alert if a potential jack-knife situation is imminent; Cargo Bed View enhancement; Rear Trailer View now features guidelines and Trailer-Angle Indicator; Rear Side View enhancement with a split view and multiple trim and package upgrades.

Rugged, bold and not afraid to be boxy, my 2021 Silverado 1500 LTZ with a Crew Cab was outfitted with a short bed. The 5-foot-8-inch box, brought exterior measurements to 231.7 inches in length (the 6-foot-6-inch box adds 9.5 inches and the 8-foot box is not available with the Crew Cab). Silverado’s wide body is 81.2 inches wide and a tall 75.5 inches high (for the 4x4), and some trims are as much as 78.4 inches high. My test truck has a 147.4-inch wheelbase – some trims go 157.4. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight ranges from 4940 to 5090 with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration that were set up on my truck.

Silverado provides six power options, varying from 6-speed to 8-speed to 10-speed transmission: a 4.3-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, 285hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, rated at 16mpg/city and 21mpg/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and six-speed, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 15/city, 21/highway; 2.7-liter Turbo and an eight-speed automatic, 310hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, 20/city, 23/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and an eight-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 16/city and 22/highway; 6.2-liter V-8 with a 10-speed automatic, 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque 16/city, 20/highway; and a 3.0-liter I-6 turbo-diesel with a 10-speed automatic, 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, and rated at 23 and 33mpg.

My test Silverado LTZ came with the eight-speed 5.3 and it was responsive and powerful. Handling trucklike, but smaller than it appears, the Silverado attacks hills and gently moves in and out of traffic. From a speed perspective, we completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 6.6 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16.1 (hand-timed). Parking takes strategy due to true size and blind spots, but on the road and soft road, Silverado’s independent coil-over-shock front suspension with twin-tube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic, variable-rate two-stage multileaf springs and splayed twin-tube shocks give driver’s road feel

EPA-rated at 16mpg/city and 22mpg/hwy with my AWD set-up my quick-accelerating tests complied an average of 19.9 mpg.

Silverado’s well-appointed, comfortable, safety-focused and tech-filled cabin is roomy, quiet and functional, with a sturdy cab structure. It is not left wanting for much infotainment. Its Crew Cab provides 43.0 inches of front headroom with 40.1 in the rear. Legroom is spacious, at 44.5 inches up front and 40.1 in the rear, while shoulder room measures 66.0 and 65.2 inches.

Silverado 1500 for 2021 is priced for and decked out for varied tastes and wallets. In long, standard and short beds with regular, double and crew cabs, with six power options, and in 2WD and 4WD, Silverado starts at $30,995. In eight trims, topping off with the High Country starting at $59,095, my LTZ was seventh up with a 5.3-liter V-8 staring at $53,095 with a short bed and 4WD.

Cherry Tintcoat exterior paint mated to a Jet Black perforated leather interior added $495.  The LTZ Premium package, discounted to $2660, for power sliding rear window with rear defogger, front buckets, power sunroof front center console, polished 20-inch wheels, 275/60R20 all-season, black wall tires Iand more. The Technology Package added $2070 for a rear camera mirror, 8-inch diagonal digital driver information center, HD Surround Vision and head-Up display. Four-inch chrome round assist steps added $1395. Destination and Freight charges of $1695 put the sticker at $59,370, but there are total cash allowance discounts of up to $1500, available, and my test truck came to $58,370, so check with your local dealer about incentives.

You can expect to see 100 years of Chevrolet trucks and all-things GM, stretching more than a century, from antique to classic to present and future, at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.  Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Jeep has been considered a rugged, go anywhere, and do anything utility vehicle, since it began as a US Army general purpose 4-wheel-drive light military carrier in 1941. Moving on to its CJ Civilian Jeep production in 1945, the marquee has evolved into a  rugged, sports-utility vehicle that now embraces luxury and high tech connectivity while continuing its legacy as a tough, dependable and sporty conveyance for in-town and off-road function.

Last year, an all-new Jeep Gladiator was launched, combining Jeep’s iconic styling with the features of a pick-up truck to become a true sports-utility vehicle … a Jeep truck.

The Jeep Gladiator plays on Jeep’s iconic look and in Willys trim, brings the legend to life in modern terms.

Because the Jeep Gladiator was first released in 2020, there are not a whole lot of updates for the 2021 model year. The Gladiator Sport offers optional LED head and fog lamps and the Gladiator Overland now offers a TrailCam® off-road camera that provides front-facing footage to help enhance off-road performance. And what’s really new is the newly available turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 260 hp and 442 pounds-feet of torque and gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, 5 mpg more than the gas V-6. Full-time four-wheel drive is available, and the Overland trim level can now have a forward-facing off-road camera.

Also, a Gladiator 80th Anniversary Edition and Willys models join the lineup.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, engineered from the ground up to be the most off-road capable Jeep truck ever, builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable trucks with rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility. Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with engine stop-start (ESS) and, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine with ESS. Equipped with a versatile box, a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and electronic lockers, Gladiator is one of the few midsize trucks to offer a six-speed manual transmission in addition to its available eight-speed automatic.

Based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV, Gladiator carries the Jeep look and personality, from the seven-slot grille seen on Wrangler, but with widened the grille slots for additional air intake to assist with the increased towing capacity. The top of the keystone-shaped grille is gently swept back to enhance aerodynamics. A full-sized spare tire, normally mounted on the Wrangler's rear tailgate, is mounted underneath the cargo bed of the Gladiator. The truck has front and rear doors that can be fully removed, as well as a windshield that can be lowered (like the Wrangler JL, Jeep includes a tool kit with the tools necessary to remove the doors and lower the windshield). Gladiator models equipped with LEDs feature daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights. Forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares.

From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate. And the truck bed isn’t just for looks. It is fully functional and work worthy. The 5-foot high-strength steel bed utilizes four steel cross-members to reinforce the load floor while the aluminum tailgate is damped. Utility and versatility are maximized with strong integrated tie-downs and under-rail bed lighting.

Built at Toledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio the mid-size pick-up measures 218.0 inches long, 74.1 inches high with the hard top, and 73.8 inches wide on a 137.3-inch wheelbase, for a ground clearance of 11.1 inches. The Rubicon with an automatic transmission weighs in at a robust 5072 lbs.

Inside, the Gladiator combines Jeep style, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin. The heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design. Soft-touch surfaces enhance tech items such as intuitive placement of climate and volume control knobs, media charging and connectivity ports, and Engine Stop. A U-Connect 4C Navigation system with 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard as is a push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround.

The cabin is niche-roomy, and provides 40.8 inches of front and rear row headroom in the hardtop, 41.2 inches of front legroom with 38.3 inches in row two, and 55.7 inches of front and rear shoulder room.

My Gladiator was powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the setup focuses on low-end torque – good for off-roading and hauling heavy loads – the automatic has a trailer tow rating of 7000 lbs. The system is rated at 17mpg/city, 22mpg/highway and 19 mpg/combined for the automatic. My 3.6 accelerated smoothly and predictably and finished off a hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint in 8.1 seconds during a 16.1-second quarter-mile. A week of mixed-use tests and some off-road trails ended with an average consumption of 18.0mpg. I found Gladiator off-road capable, highway adequate and in-town cool and fun to drive.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is available in 10 trims, from the base Sport at $34,645 to the top-of-the-line High Altitude at $52,455. My fully Willys – fourth up in the line --  started at $40,550. Sting Gray paint added $245.  Windshield with Corning Gorilla Glass adder $195; Black tubular side steps by Mopar added $6235; a Mopar spray-in bedliner added $495; an Alpine Premium Audio System and Wireless Bluetooth speaker added $295; an 8.4-inch radio and premium audio group  (with automatic temperature control and a/c) added $2095; Jeep Active Safety group with blind-spot and cross-path detection and rear park assist, added $995; and an 8-speed automatic transmission was $2000. The net price on my test ride was $46,455.

You can see Jeeps through the eras, and all things Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth at the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 15-17, 2022.

The largest Mopar event in the world, the show features more than 2,800 vehicles from all decades of the Chrysler brand, along with parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more.In

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

When the sun rises on Friday, January 15, 2022 it will have been 727 days since Auto Mania last took place within the Agri-Plex building at the Allentown Fairgrounds.  The wait…is almost over!  Carlisle Events is excited to return to Allentown for 33rd offering Auto Mania, Pennsylvania’s largest indoor and heated automotive flea market for three days, January 15-17. 

Auto Mania takes place within a singular building and adjacent parking lot of the Farmers Market complex and thousands of enthusiasts travel from regional towns and cities to buy, sell, and trade anything automotive and more.  The over 200 vending spaces indoors and out make an otherwise cold weekend in Lehigh County an automotive hot spot.  In addition to an all-automotive sales floor, attendees have an opportunity to snag a collector car via the car corral.  This forum allows for owner and seller to deal directly with one another in a no pressure, no haggle environment.

Cars are for sale as noted within the car corral and outdoor swap area, but there can be a few within the inside vending spaces too.  Auto Mania isn’t a car show, rather it’s a parts buying buffet of nearly everything imaginable for all makes, models, brands and more.  The laid-back nature of Auto Mania affords deals that just can’t happen online or by way of social media.  Given the all-weather nature of Auto Mania, vendors sign up to bring the car or parts knowing as much.  The thrill of the hunt is a big draw too, between the variety of cars, parts, vintage advertising, merchandise, collectibles, and practical items available, there really is something for everyone.

At its peak, Auto Mania continues the tradition of selling out its vending space allotments and will once again offer items suited for any type of restoration project.  Back in 2022, Auto Mania will also have wine tasting from local vintner; Boyd’s Cardinal Hollow Winery.  Boyd’s, from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, has been recognized in Napa Valley wine circles for its unique Jalapeno Wine.  It and others will be available for “of age” attendees. 

Finally, the best part of the show is the ease and convenience of finding it.  The Allentown Fairgrounds are less than two hours from New York City, Philadelphia and Scranton with major roads like I-78, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 22 all nearby.  In addition, because of its location on the fairgrounds property, ample FREE parking is available.

Don’t just sit around waiting for springtime and car show season, beat the winter blues with Auto Mania and experience a mix of food vendors, plus those selling car and automotive themed items.  There’s even a neighboring Farmer’s Market on Friday for day 1 attendees.  The doors open at 12 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Complete details can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.  Spectator tickets are just $10 (kids 12 and under are free) and must be purchased at the door during the event.  In addition, interested vendors who wish to be part of the event should connect with Carlisle Events via the aforementioned phone number.