The 2022 Ford Escape marks a significant model year in the compact SUV segment, offering a blend of style, efficiency, and technology. For safety-conscious consumers, understanding how a vehicle performs in crash tests is paramount. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2022 Ford Escape, drawing insights from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to provide a comprehensive overview of its crashworthiness and safety features.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation for the 2022 Ford Escape
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object, like a tree or pole. This test is particularly demanding on a vehicle’s structure. The 2022 Ford Escape underwent this rigorous assessment, and the results are detailed below.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/thigh | Good |
| Lower leg/foot | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
The 2022 Ford Escape achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front crash test, the highest rating possible. This indicates robust structural integrity and effective occupant protection in this challenging scenario. Key measurements from the test further illustrate the vehicle’s performance.
The occupant compartment of the 2022 Ford Escape demonstrated minimal intrusion during the driver-side small overlap test. Measurements showed intrusions of only 2 cm at the lower hinge pillar and footrest, and even less in other critical areas. This limited intrusion is crucial for maintaining survival space for the driver.
Dummy kinematics in the 2022 Ford Escape driver-side test were also rated “Good.” The airbags and safety systems effectively controlled the dummy’s movement, minimizing the risk of head and body injuries. The frontal and side curtain airbags worked in coordination to protect the head.
Lower extremity protection in the 2022 Ford Escape was also a highlight of the driver-side small overlap test. The test data indicated a low risk of injuries to the driver’s legs and feet, further contributing to the “Good” overall rating.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Assessment of the 2022 Ford Escape
The passenger-side small overlap front crash test mirrors the driver-side test but evaluates protection for the front passenger. The 2022 Ford Escape’s performance in this assessment is crucial for the safety of all occupants.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/thigh | Good |
| Lower leg/foot | Good |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
The 2022 Ford Escape achieved a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test. While the structure and safety cage received an “Acceptable” rating, all passenger injury measures and restraints were rated “Good.” This indicates a slightly less robust structural performance compared to the driver’s side, but still provides good passenger protection.
Technical measurements from the passenger-side test showed greater occupant compartment intrusion compared to the driver-side. Notably, the lower hinge pillar intrusion measured 7 cm, and the right toepan intrusion was 8 cm. Despite this, injury measures for the passenger dummy remained low.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original and Updated Evaluations for the 2022 Ford Escape
The moderate overlap front crash test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front impacting a deformable barrier. The IIHS conducts both original and updated versions of this test. The updated test, relevant for 2022 Ford Escape models built after May 2022, includes assessment of rear passenger protection.
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test (2020-24 Models)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Leg/foot, left | Good |
| Leg/foot, right | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
In the original moderate overlap front test, the 2022 Ford Escape earned a “Good” rating. Both structural performance and driver injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating excellent protection in this common type of frontal collision.
Moderate Overlap Front: Updated Test (2022-25 Models Built After May 2022)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Thigh/hip | Good |
| Leg/foot | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Thigh | Good |
| Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Acceptable |
The updated moderate overlap front test, which includes rear passenger assessment, also resulted in a “Good” overall rating for the 2022 Ford Escape. Driver injury measures remained “Good.” Rear passenger protection was largely “Good,” although rear passenger restraints and kinematics were rated “Acceptable.” This “Acceptable” rating is primarily due to the rear passenger dummy’s head approaching the front seatback, indicating a potential, though low, risk of head injury. Improvements were made to rear seatbelts in models built after May 2022 to enhance rear occupant protection.
Despite the head proximity concern, injury measures for the rear passenger dummy in the updated test indicated low risk of head, neck, and chest injuries. The shoulder and lap belts remained well-positioned during the crash.
Side Crash Test: Original and Updated Evaluations for the 2022 Ford Escape
Side impacts are a significant source of injury in real-world crashes. The IIHS evaluates side crash protection using both original and updated tests. The updated side test is more demanding, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed.
Side Crash: Original Test (2020-25 Models)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Torso | Good |
| Pelvis/leg | Good |
| Driver head protection | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Torso | Good |
| Pelvis/leg | Good |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good |
In the original side crash test, the 2022 Ford Escape achieved a “Good” overall rating. All aspects of driver and rear passenger protection were rated “Good,” demonstrating excellent side impact performance under the original test conditions.
Side Crash: Updated Test (2020-25 Models)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Marginal |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Torso | Marginal |
| Pelvis | Marginal |
| Driver head protection | Marginal |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Torso | Acceptable |
| Pelvis | Acceptable |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good |
The 2022 Ford Escape’s performance in the updated, more stringent side crash test was “Marginal” overall. While structural performance was “Acceptable” and head/neck protection for both driver and rear passenger remained “Good,” driver head protection, torso, and pelvis protection were rated “Marginal.” For rear passengers, torso and pelvis protection were rated “Acceptable.” The “Marginal” rating for driver head protection stems from the dummy’s head moving past the side curtain airbag and hitting the window sill, indicating inadequate head protection in this more severe side impact scenario.
Roof Strength Test for the 2022 Ford Escape
Roof strength is a crucial factor in rollover crashes. The IIHS roof strength test measures how well the roof can withstand forces in such events.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Curb weight | 3,480 lbs |
| Peak force | 19,700 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.66 |
The 2022 Ford Escape earned a “Good” rating in the roof strength test. Its strength-to-weight ratio of 5.66 significantly exceeds the IIHS requirement, indicating a strong roof capable of providing good occupant protection in rollover accidents.
Head Restraints and Seats of the 2022 Ford Escape
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The IIHS evaluates these components dynamically and geometrically.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Dynamic rating | Good |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good |
The 2022 Ford Escape’s head restraints and seats received a “Good” overall rating. Both dynamic performance in simulated rear impacts and geometric measurements met the criteria for a “Good” rating, indicating effective whiplash protection.
Headlight Ratings for the 2022 Ford Escape
Visibility is key to accident prevention, and headlight performance is a critical safety feature. The IIHS rates headlights as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. The 2022 Ford Escape offers different headlight options depending on trim level.
Titanium Trim Headlights:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
The LED reflector headlights on the Titanium trim of the 2022 Ford Escape received an “Acceptable” overall rating. While low beam visibility was good on straightaways, it was only fair on curves. High beam performance was fair on curves but good on the straightaway right side. High-beam assist compensates for some low beam limitations.
S, SE, SE Sport Hybrid, and SEL Trim Headlights:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Marginal |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
The halogen projector headlights standard on S, SE, SE Sport Hybrid, and SEL trims of the 2022 Ford Escape received a “Marginal” overall rating. Low beam visibility was inadequate across the board. High beams provided good straightaway visibility but were only fair on gradual curves and inadequate on sharp curves. High-beam assist helps compensate for low beam deficiencies.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Pedestrian for the 2022 Ford Escape
Forward collision prevention systems are increasingly important in modern vehicles. The IIHS evaluates both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention systems. The 2022 Ford Escape offers standard and optional systems.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention:
- Standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Superior rating. Avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
- Optional Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist): Superior rating. Avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Both the standard and optional front crash prevention systems on the 2022 Ford Escape earned “Superior” ratings in vehicle-to-vehicle tests. Both systems effectively warned the driver and automatically braked to avoid collisions at both low and higher test speeds.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention (Daytime):
- Standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Superior rating. Avoided collisions with crossing adult and child at 12 mph. Speed reduction in higher speed tests.
- Optional Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist): Advanced rating. Avoided collisions with crossing adult and child at 12 mph. Speed reduction in higher speed tests, but less reduction than the standard system in some scenarios.
The standard pedestrian front crash prevention system on the 2022 Ford Escape achieved a “Superior” rating, while the optional system received an “Advanced” rating. Both systems performed well in avoiding collisions with pedestrians in various scenarios, although the standard system demonstrated slightly better performance in higher-speed crossing child and parallel adult tests.
Seat Belt Reminders in the 2022 Ford Escape
Seat belt reminders are a simple but effective safety feature. The IIHS evaluates the effectiveness of these reminders.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Poor |
| Front row reminder | Poor |
| Second row reminder | Not adequately assessed |
The 2022 Ford Escape received a “Poor” rating for its seat belt reminders. The front row reminder was deemed insufficient due to its short duration. Second-row reminders were not adequately assessed as per IIHS protocols at the time of testing.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) in the 2022 Ford Escape
Child seat anchors (LATCH) make installing child safety seats easier and more secure. The IIHS evaluates the usability of LATCH systems.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good + Extra LATCH positions |
The 2022 Ford Escape’s LATCH system received a “Good+” rating, indicating good usability and the presence of extra LATCH positions. It has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position where lower anchors can be borrowed.
Conclusion: 2022 Ford Escape Safety Performance
The 2022 Ford Escape demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving “Good” ratings in many IIHS crash tests, including small overlap front, original moderate overlap front, roof strength, and head restraints. It also boasts “Superior” ratings for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention systems.
However, the 2022 Ford Escape’s performance in the updated side crash test was “Marginal,” particularly concerning driver head protection. Headlight ratings also ranged from “Acceptable” to “Marginal” depending on trim, and seat belt reminders were rated “Poor.”
Overall, the 2022 Ford Escape offers a solid level of safety, especially in frontal and rollover crashes, and with its crash prevention technology. Prospective buyers should consider the “Marginal” rating in the updated side crash test and headlight performance when making their purchase decision and prioritize trims with better headlight options and understand the limitations of the seatbelt reminder system. For detailed information, always refer to the official IIHS reports.
