Yea, I know, but if this thing looks like an Explorer/edge... why the hell doesn't the escape look like a FORD?

 

This, except I DON'T like it.

 

This is the new global Ford and this is the Kuga from overseas. According to Europe, this is a Ford - that's the design language they've had for a while. They really couldn't do much in terms of design here because of that.

 

Interior looks nice...exterior is terrible.

 

Looks nice. Can I get one with the ecoboost, AWD, and a manual? No? No longer interested then.

 

I don't like the looks of it at all. Much prefer the current styling (which is ho-hum).

There's no 'utility vehicle' styling. Looks like a short tall car:

 

it does look very car-like. Also, I agree with the fact that it doesnt look like a ford. It looks like a Mazda to me, maybe with a little VW thrown in

 

Sure you can. You just have to move to Europe. You can also get it with AWD, manual, and a diesel.

 

Hmm an SUV with a manual. That sounds crazy.

 

Since most everything makes its debut outside of the US, and the rest of the world gets stuff before us, and since only limited options on those vehicles are available to use, is it safe to say yet that the US is no longer the premier automotive nation in the world?

 

Sounds crazy to Americans. Manual SUVs are still common place in the rest of the world. Look at the new three row Trailblazer coming out - that will have an available manual. We still have a few here though some are a stretch as they're more like tall cars:
Nissan Juke/Xterra, Subaru Forrester, Porsche Cayenne (I'm sure that's a shocker for some), current Escape, BMW X3, Hyundai Tuscon, Jeep Compass/Patriot/Wrangler, Kia Sportage/Sorento, VW Tiguan, Suzuki Grand Vitara. etc...

There's no reason that we can't be the premiere nation, but because of trends in what Americans are buying, manufacturers are forced to only offer limited options. I think a big part of it is that we're only one country while in Europe you have several countries/markets to offer too. A larger market makes it more economically feasible to offer more options. For example, I was reading the new A1 5-door press release - 6 gas and diesel engines will be offered ranging from 86 to 185hp, two manuals, and an auto. 6 engines in a 100hp span!!

 

Yeah, I've ridden in some. And a couple of them were even in America, although they were Jeeps and hardly count.

I don't really see the point in something like the Escape. Perhaps it is sort of like a taller hatch, but the S for Sport is nonsense anyway. Might as well give it an automatic since that is the mileage king now, and demand is small for gear rowing in the US.

 

...that is hideousness beyond description.

 

Those all are just horrible.

 

That side profile is terrible. I retract my previous statement of liking it