Because of this, players in the white-hot segment must work extra hard to stand out from the bunch. Along with its fresh new appearance, the 2017 Ford Escape also has two new powertrains, new tech features, and a significantly reworked interior.
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Under the hood resides a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine (replacing the 1.6) delivering 180 bhp (134 kW) and 185 lb-ft (250 Nm) whereas the revised 2.0-liter EcoBoost is rated at 245 bhp (183 kW) and 275 lb-ft (374 Nm). There are two new engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost and 2-liter EcoBoost. The new engines are in addition to the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine it is carrying over from the outgoing Edge. All engines will continue to be paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
After making its official debut at the 2015 Los Angeles auto show, the 2017 Ford Escape will go on sale in late spring 2016, likely with similar pricing as the 2016 model, which starts at $23,995. The application is connected to a built-in modem in the vehicle and the owners will be able to lock and unlock remotely their auto, to start the engine or scheduling a future start, to check vehicle status, including fuel, oil and battery levels, along with tire pressure readings or it can find the car’s location so you will not have to remember where you let it in that huge parking area at the mall. A two-step authentication process is required to access the app, with the idea being to keep crafty hackers and aspiring auto thieves at bay.
Now in 12 million vehicles globally, Ford SYNC is the industry’s first system to widely and most affordably offer voice-activated technology to control smartphones. Connect comes with a free five-year activation plan; Ford hasn’t yet revealed the user cost past that point. The front fascia features a hexagonal grille that incorporates active grille shutters for improved fuel economy.
Now, for 2017, the updated Escape will again launch new technology. The tailgate and standard LED taillamps are new, and Ford even messed a bit with the suspension, replacing the rear progressive springs with linear units and fitting firmer dampers. The traditional parking brake has been axed in favor of and an electronic switch, which clears up a lot of space on the center console for more useful storage cubbies. A new steering wheel offers redesigned controls, and the amperage of the USB ports has been upped to provide for faster charging. Escape sales are up 1 percent through the first 10 months of 2015, according to Autodata Corp., and the compact SUV has overtaken the Fusion to become Ford’s second-best selling vehicle, behind the profitable F-150 pickup.
The 2017 Escape will come in three trim levels – S, SE and Titanium. New colors and materials will be available, to boot.
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Because customers equate quiet with quality, Ford has added sound insulation to the front doors and A pillars, as well as acoustic side glass, new windshield sealing and more aerodynamic side mirrors. With numbers like that, it’s easy to understand why Ford chose to tread lightly with this update to its popular compact crossover.
