Ford unveiled the 2017 Ford Escape ahead of this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, and the company has loaded its popular compact crossover with more features in an attempt to woo customers with new tech, more connectivity and enhanced styling. “The announcement for us is the beginning of a broader deployment of Sync Connect capability across our vehicles and across the globe”. There is an app for that.
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Ford’s latest mobile app hints at a future where app-connected cars are the norm, Digital Spy reports.
Sync Connect also lets owners locate the vehicle using Global Positioning System and check the status of certain items including the amount of gas, oil life, battery condition and tire pressure. But Sync seems to be the cherry on top of the innovative sundae – users can verify their identity by way of a two-step authentication process, ensuring that not just anyone will be able to start your vehicle from afar. The new system is faster than the previous version and now includes conversational voice recognition, touch screen and updated graphical interface. Buyers will benefit from adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, a lane-holding system and active park assist.
Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert: BLIS can alert drivers when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot in a neighboring lane.
Ford The new Ford Escape will come with the option of either a 1.5-liter or a 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Even with the stop-start feature and new engines, Ford doesn’t expect the Escape’s fuel economy rating to rise in comparison to the outgoing model. The engine starts on its own in no time (no more than half a second, the company says) when you take your foot off the brake. “It’s a high-tech approach to more efficient driving”. Paddle-shifters for the standard six-speed automatic transmission are also now available on the SE and Titanium trim levels. The Escape’s new face is the most immediately visible sign of change.
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).
The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four carries over as the base engine. Sync 3 is standard on Titanium Escapes and optional on SE models with the Technology Package. Salerno leather seats feature a unique horizontal pattern. There are three color choices: Lightning Blue, White Gold and Canyon Ridge. Once you hop inside of the redesigned Ford Escape, you’ll discover updated air vents, a more streamlined center stack with two cup holders, a new steering wheel, a more comfortable armrest, along with a smart electronic parking brake. Its biggest SUV, the Expedition, is expected to be redesigned in 2017.
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“Well, that was thrown out the window when the compact SUV segment surpassed both of those segments a year ago to emerge as the No. 1 segment in the industry”, Schad said. That’s why the 2017 Ford Escape appears to be a significant refresh, as the automaker wants to continue its momentum going forward.
