The Escape XLT moves and handles like a sportscar. I rather like the growl of the V-6 Duratec engine when I accelerate.<br>This is my first SUV. Does anybody have any comments on experiences with other SUVs compared to the Escape in regards to acceleration and handling.<br>It might be my imagination (or heavy foot) but the Escape seems faster and more agile than most SUVs I pass. (Jimmy's, Jeeps, Pathfinders etc.)<br><br>Larry.

The Escape does not "float" like many of the others ie: Explorer, Jimmy etc. Very solid through corners. Power to weight ratio is excellent, beats the cr@p out of the 4.0l 160Hp Explorers and ~160HP Pathfinders and ~183HP 4-Runners on the Highway. <br>The Rav-4's, CRV's, Trackers etc are not even close. Gotta look at the BMW, Lexus, Acura, Mazda to get similar or better acceleration AND handling. The 5.9L Dodges will beat the Escape but are floaters as well as being Dodges. The Grand Cherokee can handles okay but feels "cramped" inside for its size and is a Dodge.<br>The new Santa Fe is a Hyundai (enough said).<br>The new Jeep Liberty does not appear to have the same road manners as the Escape, but will kick the Escape's butt off-road but is a Dodge as well.<br>Honda's new CRV will probably only have a 2.2l 4-banger which is an improvement but still NO V-6.<br>The new Toyota Highlander will be 5 to 10K more US$ than the Escape and looks like something reserved for slow people for Sunday drives.<br>The new Saturn SUV is an unknown.<br>The new Chevy Blazer with the I-6 sounds like a kick-butt vehicle but has scary heritage (the current Blazer).<br>The new Land-Rover that looks like an Escape will be priced like 2 Escapes or more and I would love to have one.<br><br>your mileage may vary . ..