We got a 2025 Platinum Max for my wife about 3 weeks ago. Thus far it has been a wonderful vehicle. It’s very comfortable and the tech in it is a big step up in cohesiveness for Ford. The side camera views next to the speedometer when the turn signal on is a surprisingly nice feature. The seats are nicely bolstered and comfortable. The new Ford Experience infotainment system is SO MUCH better than the vertical sync 4 system in my lightning. It’s actually enjoyable to use.    Only real gripe is with Ford build options. You cannot spec a Stealth model, nor King Ranch, with a second row bench. It’s weird because the interior seats aren’t different in the Platinum between the regular or Stealth models. Why gate keep it. You also can only get phone as a key in the King Ranch. Why… 

I read this review a couple days ago. I didn’t think it was unreasonable and I agree with some of their gripes.  I recognize that most headlights are automatic nowadays, but was it really necessary to move the headlight controls to the screen. I thought it was a ridiculous change.  I do like the color of that ride though.  

I saw a 1990s Ford Econoline conversion van the other day that was in pristine condition. I Recalled how nice it was riding in those. Maybe RAM is to something🙂

We have had two 20+ model Escapes, a 20 and 23.  I don’t disagree with you regarding the  reviewers.  It could be I’m biased because I’m a Ford enthusiast but it certainly appears reviewers will allow things to pass on other brands but not on Ford. The 1.5L is more than adequate. Its engine noise is acceptable. The transmission programming could use some improvement, as it is laggy here and there, but not problematic.  The fit finish of our Escapes have been good.  There were some nice upgrades to the 23, that definitely made it a nicer looking vehicle with a better interior. I’m still disappointed about the removal of physical controls in the 23, a trend I hope reverses.  Overall, they’ve been good for us, and my daughter has liked them.   In the real world, I think this is a negligible. I’ve driven and ridden in my mother-in-law’s RAV4 a number of times, and I did not think it felt any different than our Escape, nor does the cargo area appear to be noticeably bigger.  I too would argue Ford’s interior materials were nicer than the RAV4, which felt like it had more hard plastic.  Ultimately, I didn’t think our Escapes were any better or worse than the RAV4.  

It could’ve been dealer advertisements. I could be conflating things, and too lazy to look for the examples. 

As Ford rep Jim Baumbick briefly mentioned, their goal was diesel or better performance. For emissions purposes, it’s a clever relocating of power and torque into the electric side and even though a PHEV with relatively small battery and range, it still functions effectively  as a hybrid on launches, delivering most of the perceived lost performance. so yeah 207 Kw (278 hp) 697 nm (516 lb ft)     But here’s the thing, Ford also cleverly clipped the power so that the PHEV couldn’t get close to Ranger Raptor performance. I think that was unfortunate because it would have offered a pathway to the future and an alternative to brute force ICE power while keeping the likes of BYD Shark 6 and Great Wall Cannon Alpha PHEV pickups at bay - both of those perform better. Maybe Ford isn’t ready to give up all those AU$94,000 Ranger Raptor sales just yet….   Ford South Africa also makes the Amorok in V6 diesel but also a 2.3 EB versions, I guess people could buy that if they wanted but it’s also limited to a high series trim so the cost is more than the Ranger PHEV XLT 

Somehow better than Toyota still. 

To emphasize just how big a deal it is for Ford to be able to build LFP batteries in the U.S. without Chinese critical minerals:  

Miss Drake sure knows how to talk a big game huh? In all seriousness, if what she said is true it's a huge competitive advantage for Ford.   Maybe that's why Ford's competitors (GM in particular) have been busy lobbying the Feds to disfavor Ford's BlueOval Battery Park Michigan plant, according to 'Ol Billy Boy:    “We do know that others in our industry are trying to submarine it to hurt us,” Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford said. “That’s just sour grapes, frankly.” Ford stopped short of naming names, but four people familiar with the matter told Automotive News affiliate Crain’s Detroit Business that GM is behind lobbying efforts.

Maybe the mixed results are in line with what Ford's head honcho said at the beginning of this year about quality?   "It’s our chance … to take our future in our own hands to perform like we should. But we’re focused on much more than recalls. We’re focused on short-term, three months in service and long-term powertrain durability. Our quality story will start to evolve this year."