2017 Ford Escape
For families that need plenty of seating and cargo room, but don’t want to compromise on fuel efficiency, compact crossovers are a great category for their next automobile. The 2017 Ford Escape has been redesigned from the ground up, leading to a model which is truly both new and improved. For families that have to rush from school to practice to an exciting outing, this vehicle can do it all.
What's New?The Ford Escape has been one of the top rated compact crossovers on the American market for several years, and the redesigned 2017 model is no exception. The cabin has been completely redesigned to be more user-friendly, and the exterior has been revamped for a sportier look. The SE and Titanium models now boast either Ford’s 1.5 liter or 2.0 liter Ecoboost engines, giving drivers an exciting increase in power while also improving fuel efficiency.
Exterior FeaturesThe new Ford Escape has body-colored front and rear bumpers with accent stripes; the rear bumper has a metal-look insert in the bumper as well. The rear door has Liftgate cargo access, and the rear door lock is included in the power locks. This year’s hood has also been revamped, and is now made from lighter aluminum. Three new finishes are offered on the new 2017: Canyon Ridge, White Gold, and Lightning Blue.
Interior FeaturesAccording Ford’s Chris Mazur, “Virtually every [interior] surface a customer will touch is new, in design or material.” The 2017 Escape includes more soft surfaces and better aesthetics, but the redesign went far beyond just looks. The new steering wheel features more functions, making driving much more user-friendly. The old parking brake, lever-style, has been removed and replaced with an electronic switch. This frees up valuable real estate in the center console, which now includes improved cubbies and cup holders.
TechnologyWith the 2017 Escape, Ford has introduced its first vehicle featuring Sync 3, which works both with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some models also feature Sync Connect with improved voice recognition and a better touchscreen. The Escape already featured remote locking, unlocking, and starting, and these features remain available through the downloadable smartphone app, Ford Pass. The console also includes either one or two USB ports with upgraded charging speed for power on the go.
Engine/Fuel EfficiencyThe Escape S with Front Wheel Drive keeps the same reliable powerful engine, but both the SE and Titanium offer Ford’s upgraded EcoBoost engine. Some trims include Sport mode, which offers a 6-speed automatic paddle shift. The Escape also offers an AWD version, which when combined with the 2.0 liter EcoBoost offers 275lb-ft of torque with 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, making the Escape a class leader. Fuel efficiency sees a slight improvement this year, to 21 city/24 combined/29 highway.
SafetySince compact crossovers are so often family vehicles, safety is paramount for many customers. The 2017 Escape relieves its customers’ worries with Roll Stability Controls, Driveline Traction Control, and an array of dual-stage airbags positioned to prevent injuries in serious accidents. A back-up camera helps drivers make sure that they can truly see 360-degrees around the vehicle. The 2017 Ford Escape received a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.