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This 2015 Escape S earns its badge by keeping things simple, and at $6,719 that simplicity is the whole point.

The S is the one trim where the 2.5-liter four and the six-speed SelectShift automatic come standard — front-wheel drive only, no all-wheel-drive option, 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, with active grille shutters that close at speed to help it hold an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined on regular gas per FuelEconomy.gov. CarsDirect steers buyers toward the SE or Titanium for more comfort, and that's fair; what you're getting here instead is the lighter, less complicated version of the same SUV for less money. It has SYNC with MyFord voice control, a 4.2-inch center screen, six speakers with USB and iPod input, and enough room behind the seats for a bat bag, a folding chair, and whatever the school run adds on the way home. White, automatic, 112,234 miles — about 10,203 a year, which is honest Central Texas commuting, not abuse.

On safety, we'll give you the whole picture rather than the flattering half: the IIHS rated the 2015 Escape Good in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, and Poor in both driver- and passenger-side small overlap front tests, so it did not receive a Top Safety Pick. That's worth knowing before you buy, not after.

We'd rather you check than take our word for it. Pull the Carfax and read it yourself, and take this Escape to your own mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection — we welcome it, because we expect the car to hold up under a good look.

When you're ready, we can talk extended warranty options and GAP coverage, and we work with every credit situation; cash buyers are just as welcome. No pressure, no runaround — come drive it and see what you think.

2015 Ford Escape S Sport Utility 4D