Ford produces an assortment of people-hauling wagons conformed as truck-based sport-utility vehicles plus car-based crossover wagons as well as a large minivan. For 2006, Ford re-makes the best-selling Explorer SUV with new powertrain options and more safety gear aboard. And Ford's Escape compact-class wagon spins off a gas-electric SUV labeled Escape Hybrid.

Ford's front-wheel-drive (FWD) crossover wagon foregoes the body-on-frame structure of a truck-based SUV in favor of a monocoque platform that unites chassis and body in a cohesive unit that's rigid in motion. Easy-to-handle driving traits mimic a sedan, but boxy exterior styling works as a wagon, while optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction brings tire grip on paved roads as well as dirt trails. Many different equipment configurations are sprinkled in three trims segmented as XLS, XLT and Limited. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder base engine pushes 153 hp.

For Escape XLT and Limited, the power increases with a 200-horse 3.0-liter V6 connecting to a four-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) appear on all trims and Escape shows an optional safety package with front-seat side air bags plus curtain-style air bags above side windows. For 2006 Escape offers more paint choices, such as Titanium Green Clearcoat Metallic and Blazing Copper Clearcoat Metallic.

The compact-class Escape crossover wagon spins off a fuel-efficient hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) called Escape Hybrid. The HEV version resembles a conventional Escape, although powertrains differ. For the HEV there's a thrifty 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine aboard that operates on gasoline plus a battery-powered electric traction motor. The electric motor is capable of propelling the wagon by itself, or it can work in concert with the gasoline engine to deliver a power boost that approximates the kick of a V6 engine.

Ford adds an electronic control module to manage all energy produced by the two plants and apply it directly to the front wheels -- or to all four wheels for the optional AWD version -- in infinitely variable measures through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). A new Premium Package brings leather seats, heated front seats, Ford's Reverse Sensing System (RSS) and other popular gear.

Ford's five-door crossover wagon blends the rugged look of a SUV with the versatile cabin structure of a minivan and the sure-footed handling of a sporty sedan with optional AWD grip. Freestyle's innovative cabin design brings a score of different configurations for seats and cargo space. There's room for six or seven adults on three tiers of seats with buckets up front and a back bench folding flat into the floor.

Seats on Row 2 work as a bench with seatback split or reclining captain's chairs with optional floor tracks to vary legroom. Trims run up from base SE and deluxe SEL to luxurious Limited with perforated leather upholstery and wood grain lining the dash stack. For power Freestyle stokes Ford's dual-cam 3.0-liter V6 worth 203 hp with a CVT. New assets for 2006 include an optional navigation system and more paint shades like Silver Birch. (CONTINUED...)