How Does the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Perform in a Car Seat Check?

The 2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) earns top marks for car seat installation, receiving straight A grades for its easy-to-access LATCH anchors and ample space for two child safety seats. While its battery placement slightly reduces rear legroom compared to the standard Escape, it does not compromise functionality for families. Based on our assessment experience, the SUV accommodates two car seats with ease, though fitting three car seats is not recommended.

What is the LATCH System and How Does the Escape PHEV Score?

The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is a standardized set of anchors in vehicles designed to simplify and secure child safety seat installation without using the seat belt. In the Escape PHEV, this system excels.

• Lower Anchors: The two sets of lower anchors are clearly exposed, making connection straightforward.
• Top Tethers: There are three top tether anchors on the rear seatbacks, which are also easily accessible with good clearance. This combination results in an A grade for the LATCH system, indicating no significant issues with finding or connecting the anchors.

How Easy Is It to Install Different Types of Car Seats?

We tested the Escape PHEV with a range of common child safety seats to evaluate real-world usability. The front seats were adjusted to accommodate a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-6-inch passenger.

Infant and Rear-Facing Convertible Seats: Installing both was simple. The thin design of the front seatbacks and large cutouts behind them help maximize space, making the second row feel roomier than its dimensions suggest. The front passenger maintained comfortable legroom in both configurations.

Forward-Facing Convertible and Booster Seats: For the best fit, the rear head restraints needed to be removed. After removal, both seat types fit flush against the seatback. The outboard seat belt buckles are on stable stalks, which helps children use the booster seat independently. The middle buckle, however, is floppy, which is a minor drawback.

Can the Ford Escape PHEV Fit Three Car Seats?

The Escape PHEV cannot comfortably or safely accommodate three car seats across the second row. When we attempted to install a forward-facing convertible in the center with a booster and an infant seat in the outboard positions, the configuration was too tight. A child in the booster seat would likely struggle to reach the seat belt buckle due to the constrained space.

What Are the Car Seat Check Grading Criteria?

Our grading scale, developed by certified child safety seat technicians, is based on three key factors: space, ease of connection, and overall fit.

• A Grade: Plenty of room for the child and seat; does not impact front occupant legroom; easy to connect to LATCH/tether anchors; no fit issues.
• B Grade: One issue related to room, fit, or connection.
• C Grade: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue.
• D Grade: Insufficient room with multiple issues.
• F Grade: Does not fit or is unsafe.

The Escape PHEV consistently achieved A grades across all tested categories for two-car-seat configurations.

What Should Parents Know Before Installing Car Seats?

For parents using the Escape PHEV, here are the key takeaways:

• You have options: Remember that you can use either the LATCH system or the vehicle's seat belt to install a car seat. Both are safe when used correctly.
• Mind the weight limit: LATCH anchors have a combined weight limit of 65 pounds, which includes the weight of both the child and the car seat itself. Beyond this limit, you must switch to using the seat belt for installation.
• Check the fit: Always ensure the car seat is installed snugly with minimal movement at the belt path.
• Plan for two: The vehicle is ideally suited for families with two children in car seats.

The 2022 Ford Escape PHEV proves to be an excellent choice for families with one or two young children, offering hassle-free installation and generous space. Its primary limitation is the inability to fit a third car seat, a crucial consideration for larger families.