Also not a fan of the new "SUV" designs. To me the look much less utility based and more just a big car.
I have a 2011 Escape with the 3.0 V6 and a class III hitch. It can haul a NIB widebody, in the box, inside without any difficulty and still get 30mpg, I doubt the new design escape can do that with its wierd sloped back and angled cargo opening. It can haul a small (8x10) trailer with several pins and still get 20mpg and has no issues with climbing (travel the grapevine with it all the time)... the new escape models are all 4 cylinder so probably a no there too.
I'm going to be sad when I finally have to replace it. At least she's only got 160k and still going strong.