Have put about 2000 miles on new 2007 Escape XLS with automatic transmission. The interior noise level seems quite high for a new vehicle. The standard General tires are only quiet on some types of asphalt roads. I can live with the tire noise, but there is a constant gear or bearing type noise that I feel should not be there. We test drove an XLT at the dealership and we don't remember it having that much interior noise. Are these vehicles known for excess interior noise?
Otherwise, we are enjoying the new Escape, and have no other complaints.

this problem is usual and very common. the only thing that you could do is strip the interior and put dynamat allover the place which would make it realy quiet, but only if you have lots of time and money on hand.

Bought a new 2001 Escape and found it very noisy inside. Now have a 2005 and altough a bit better but still noisy.
Cannot understand that Ford cannot come up with a solution but can understand they are losing so much market share.
Maybe some day we will all drive Camry's. LOL