Note: Discontinued. See reviews of the latest models.
The Escort Passport iX is the entry-level Escort with GPS technology, used by high-end radar detectors to reduce false alarms.
Its windshield mount attaches to the detector magnetically, an effortless process. Once installed, it grips the glass tenaciously.
FEATURES
It receives the corporate OLED display, which has shortcomings we've noted before. Among them: too much data crammed into too little space, tiny fonts and low contrast.
Some of the iX feature set is shared with the Escort Redline 360c, Escort's range-topping high performance model. This includes the ability to lock out nuisance signals like radar-controlled automatic door openers. It does this automatically after passing them a few times, an Escort-exclusive feature called AutoLearn.
Likewise it inherits software that varies sensitivity according to speed, dialing it back automatically at low speeds to help limit false alarms.
Also borrowed is the annoying Overspeed Alert. Factory-set at 70 mph, every trip north of that speed elicits a verbal admonishment—"Overspeed!"—and the speed display ominously turns red.
The speed nanny can be disabled by those willing to change the user mode to Advanced and navigate through the Preferences menu.
OPERATION
The iX is controlled by six top-mounted buttons with hardly any space in between. An average-sized finger can easily depress four of the six simultaneously. Except when using the oversized Mute button, the safest time to adjust the iX is probably while the vehicle is parked.
BEHAVIOR
A new IVT filter helps it to identify and ignore Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) systems. These lane-change warning systems operate on the same frequency as police radar and set off every detector in the vicinity.
Auto NoX shuts off X band to cut false alarms, a worthwhile move except in Ohio, whose highway patrol continues to use the ancient radar band. An Auto LoK setting chops K-band sensitivity by 65 percent to help reduce false alarms.
The two features can't be used simultaneously, however. This gives drivers a choice between fewer X-band false alarms or fewer K-band false alarms, but not both.
Some competing models offer a somewhat wider array of anti-false-alarm measures. For instance, the Radenso XP and Radenso Pro M allow users to set speed thresholds for the onset of audible alerts. Visual warnings remain, but the audio tones and voice alerts only begin at the threshold speed. This reduces the number of annoying alerts at lower speeds when there's no danger of getting ticketed.
PERFORMANCE
The performance of the Passport iX was measured at our Hill/Curve test site. It showed balanced radar performance although the Escort Passport iX trailed the competing Radenso XP in two of the three tests. On K band it lagged behind by 7 percent and on 34.7 GHz Ka band by 8 percent. Against 35.5 GHz radar the two were equal.
THE VERDICT
The Escort Passport iX benefits from software that automatically recognizes and ignores non-police radar. On the downside, cramped controls, a dim display and some annoying features could make it a less enjoyable traveling companion for some.
The iX is probably best suited to drivers who prefer set-and-forget operation and minimal involvement with a radar detector. But even after its price dropped by a hundred bucks, to $399, it remains somewhat less than a bargain. The model has been replaced by the Escort Max 3, identical in price and considerably more sophisticated.
The iX is probably best suited to drivers who prefer set-and-forget operation and minimal involvement with a radar detector. But even after its price dropped by a hundred bucks, to $399, it remains somewhat less than a bargain. The model has been replaced by the Escort Max 3, identical in price and considerably more sophisticated.
