Ford Escape.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
It is the most popular SUV in Australia for a good reason. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the modern family car.
The Ford Escape didn’t make the final cut. Despite the brilliant engineering behind its smaller Ford Puma sibling (and numerous other Ford vehicles), the Ford Escape misses the mark, according to the judges.
The Ford Escape has a perky turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers brisk acceleration. But it’s thirsty and the throttle is overly sensitive.
The same can be said of the steering, which is so responsive it makes the Ford Escape feel nervous even when driving straight ahead.