The 2016 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has garnered attention for its blend of style, performance, and safety features. As a vehicle owner, understanding its crash rating can provide valuable insights into its safety performance in the event of an accident. The Escape is designed with a focus on protecting its occupants, and various safety tests have been conducted to evaluate its crashworthiness.
Safety Ratings Overview
The safety of the 2016 Ford Escape has been assessed by several organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations conduct rigorous testing to determine how well vehicles protect their occupants in various crash scenarios.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ratings
The NHTSA evaluates vehicles on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars indicating the highest level of safety. The 2016 Ford Escape received the following ratings:
- Frontal Crash: 4 stars
- Side Crash: 5 stars
- Rollover: 4 stars
These ratings suggest that while the Escape performs well in side crashes, there is room for improvement in frontal crash scenarios.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Ratings
The IIHS provides a more detailed assessment of vehicle safety through various tests, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints. The 2016 Ford Escape achieved the following ratings:
- Moderate Overlap Front: Good
- Small Overlap Front: Acceptable
- Side Impact: Good
- Roof Strength: Good
- Head Restraints: Good
Overall, the Escape received a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS, indicating that it meets high safety standards.
Key Safety Features
The 2016 Ford Escape is equipped with several safety features designed to enhance occupant protection and prevent accidents. Some of these features include:
Advanced Airbag System
The Escape comes with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, which provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision.
Electronic Stability Control
This feature helps drivers maintain control of the vehicle during challenging driving conditions, reducing the risk of skidding or losing control.
Rearview Camera
A standard rearview camera assists drivers in reversing safely by providing a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available on higher trims, this system alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing lane change safety.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This feature automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
Understanding the crash ratings and safety features of the 2016 Ford Escape can help potential buyers make informed decisions and current owners appreciate the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
In-Depth Analysis of the 2016 Ford Escape Safety Performance
The 2016 Ford Escape is a popular compact SUV that has made a name for itself not only for its performance and versatility but also for its safety features. Understanding its crash rating is essential for potential buyers and current owners alike. Here, we will delve into the crash ratings, statistics, key parameters, and how the Escape compares to its alternatives and previous models.
Crash Ratings Overview
The crash ratings for the 2016 Ford Escape are derived from rigorous testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations evaluate vehicles based on their ability to protect occupants during various types of collisions.
NHTSA Ratings
The NHTSA provides a star rating system, where vehicles are rated from one to five stars. The ratings for the 2016 Ford Escape are as follows:
| Crash Test Type | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| Rollover | 4 Stars |
IIHS Ratings
The IIHS uses a more detailed approach, assessing vehicles based on various crash scenarios. The ratings for the 2016 Ford Escape are:
| Crash Test Type | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Small Overlap Front | Acceptable |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Roof Strength | Good |
| Head Restraints | Good |
The Escape received a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS, indicating that it meets high safety standards across multiple categories.
Key Parameters Affecting Safety
Several factors contribute to the overall safety performance of the 2016 Ford Escape:
- Structural Integrity: The Escape’s body structure is designed to absorb and distribute crash forces effectively.
- Airbag System: Equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, the Escape offers comprehensive protection.
- Electronic Stability Control: This feature helps maintain vehicle control during sudden maneuvers or adverse conditions.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Features like blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control enhance safety by preventing accidents.
Pros and Cons
When evaluating the 2016 Ford Escape’s crash rating and safety features, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- High side crash rating (5 stars) indicates strong protection for occupants.
- Comprehensive airbag system enhances occupant safety.
- Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS reflects overall safety performance.
- Advanced safety features available on higher trims improve accident prevention.
Cons
- Frontal crash rating of 4 stars suggests room for improvement in head-on collisions.
- Small overlap front test rated as “acceptable,” indicating potential vulnerabilities in certain crash scenarios.
Comparison with Alternatives and Previous Models
When considering the 2016 Ford Escape, it’s beneficial to compare it with its competitors and previous models. Below is a comparison table featuring key safety ratings and features of the Escape alongside two of its main competitors: the 2016 Honda CR-V and the 2016 Toyota RAV4.
| Vehicle Model | NHTSA Frontal Crash | NHTSA Side Crash | IIHS Moderate Overlap | IIHS Small Overlap | Top Safety Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Escape | 4 Stars | 5 Stars | Good | Acceptable | Yes |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | Good | Good | Yes |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | Good | Good | Yes |
As seen in the comparison, the 2016 Ford Escape performs well in side crash tests but lags slightly in frontal crash ratings compared to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which both received 5 stars in frontal crash tests.
Understanding the crash ratings and safety features of the 2016 Ford Escape is crucial for making informed decisions about vehicle safety and performance.
Practical Advice for 2016 Ford Escape Buyers and Owners
If you are considering purchasing a 2016 Ford Escape or currently own one, it is essential to be aware of various factors that can influence your experience. This guide provides practical advice on what to pay attention to, potential risks, and better alternatives.
What to Pay Attention To
When evaluating the 2016 Ford Escape, there are several key aspects to consider:
Crash Ratings
Understanding the crash ratings is crucial. Refer to the ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS to gauge the safety performance of the vehicle. Pay particular attention to:
- Frontal crash ratings: The Escape received 4 stars.
- Side crash ratings: The Escape scored 5 stars, indicating strong protection.
- Small overlap front test: Rated as “acceptable,” which suggests some vulnerabilities.
Safety Features
Evaluate the safety features available in the model you are considering. Look for:
- Advanced airbag systems
- Electronic stability control
- Driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control
Potential Risks
While the 2016 Ford Escape has many strengths, there are potential risks to consider:
Frontal Collision Vulnerabilities
The 4-star frontal crash rating indicates that while the vehicle offers decent protection, it may not perform as well as some competitors in head-on collisions. This is particularly important if you frequently drive in high-traffic areas.
Small Overlap Front Test
The “acceptable” rating in the small overlap front test suggests that the vehicle may not provide optimal protection in certain crash scenarios. This could be a concern for drivers who often navigate narrow roads or urban environments.
Better Alternatives
If you are considering alternatives to the 2016 Ford Escape, here are some vehicles that may offer better safety ratings and features:
| Vehicle Model | NHTSA Frontal Crash | NHTSA Side Crash | IIHS Moderate Overlap | IIHS Small Overlap | Top Safety Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | Good | Good | Yes |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | Good | Good | Yes |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | Good | Good | Yes |
These alternatives not only have better crash ratings but also offer similar features and capabilities, making them worthy of consideration.
Maintenance and Owner Feedback
If you already own a 2016 Ford Escape, it is essential to stay informed about maintenance and owner feedback:
Common Issues
Be aware of potential issues reported by other owners, such as:
- Transmission problems
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Fuel efficiency concerns
Regular Maintenance
To ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable, adhere to a regular maintenance schedule, including:
- Oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
- Tire rotations every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
- Brake inspections at least once a year
Staying proactive about maintenance can help mitigate risks and enhance the longevity of your vehicle.
Explore the 2016 Ford Escape crash rating, safety features, potential risks, and better alternatives for informed buying decisions.