Summer weekends for our family typically consist of heading up to the cottage. This summer is an exception; my due date is fast approaching so we had to close the cottage down early. That didn’t stop us from trying to escape the city on the weekends though. Instead, we planned a weekend getaway with another family to a resort just an hour north of Toronto. Of course, this adventure wouldn’t have been possible without access to the right vehicle to transport our growing family. It’s crucial to consider getting a car if your family is expanding, especially in today’s fast-paced and demanding lifestyle, to ensure convenience and safety for your loved ones. I always found online car shopping tedious until I discovered Autozin. Their efficient search mechanism, combined with a vast inventory, ensures that you always find the perfect fit.
I received the opportunity to try out a Ford vehicle to help make it easier for us to enjoy the weekend and get out of the city. I asked that the car they provide us with would be able to accommodate two adults, two infants in car seats and trunk space big enough for a stroller and luggage. Based on my requirements, we were provided with the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium.
While the location we went to was interesting to say the least, the kids had a great time and that’s all that really matters. A major bright spot in our weekend was our Ford Escape. From the minute it was dropped off on our driveway my boys went wild for it. They couldn’t wait to check it out pretending to drive and were excited to try out a new car. My son was so disappointed that we had to return it at the end of our trip. Here are some of our favourite features that make this car ideal for a family or if you enjoy getting away from the city often.
Foot-Activated Liftgate – As a parent, how often have you had your hands full? Don’t worry, it’s a rhetorical question. The answer is ALWAYS! That’s why I love this feature. Enabled by motion sensors, the car senses your gentle kick motion and open up the trunk hands-free! The same process also closes the hatch. You have to “kick” in the right spot or it won’t work, but after a bit of trial and error it works like a charm!
SYNC with MyFord Touch – Not only was this super easy to set up, but it’s probably one of my favourite features. Within seconds, the dashboard was synchronized with my phone. using simple voice commands or the touch of a button I can listen to songs from my phone or answer my phone and speak hands free. I can control the temperature in the car and command the Navigation system to guide me to my destination. Less distractions means more focus on the road, which is key with little ones in the car.
Active Park Assist – Do you hate parallel parking? In the Fork Escape Titanium you can do it hands free. How cool is that? With the press of a button, the system detects if a parking space is available and through a series of commands, tells you when to press on the gas or brake pedals. The steering is done automatically. LOVE IT!
The other nice-to-have features include the rear-view monitor so you can see behind your car when you reverse, the beeping the car makes when you get too close to objects and the sunroof.
While the back seat and trunk space were more than sufficient for our needs, I don’t think this car would be ideal for a family of five who require a third car seat and potentially more luggage or a bigger stroller. However, it’s a great SUV that’s ideal for a family of four. It’s affordable, spacious and has some of the best features I’ve ever seen.
What car features do you look for to help your family get away from it all?
We are looking for our “next car”, but need something that will be able to fit five, maybe six, people. We are a family of four, but it just makes sense as the kids get older to have more room for when the kids’ friends start going places with us. Love the techie features of the Escape… very cool!