The fully-loaded Ford Escape Titanium rivals some luxury brands' crossovers in terms of equipment and features, with leather, heated memory seats, power tailgate, HID lights, and the usual ...

Now we've had a chance to test the Escape model with the highest fuel efficiency: a 2014 Escape SE with the smaller 178-hp 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and front-wheel drive, rated at 26 mpg combined.

Lacking full leather, a trailer hitch, and a sunroof, the Escape titanium 4WD tested here lists at $34,735; adding those options would hike the sticker above $37,000.