LATE on the scene in the soaring soft-roader segment, the five-door Escape is one of the few in class to strike a good balance between on-road and off-road ability. Ditto for ride and handling, a strong engine and automatic transmission pairing, and price versus equipment in XLT form. An uninspiring and slightly dysfunctional interior disappoints, but otherwise most ingredients are there to steal sales from the all-conquering Honda CR-V - and to grow the recreational 4WD market even further.