2018 Ford Escape in Valdese, NC - $14,500

The Ford Escape – the vehicle that helped popularize one of the largest automotive segments has been significantly updated for the 2017 model year. The compact SUV’s popularity has made it the automaker’s number two best selling nameplate behind the F-Series. The compact Ford SUV recaptures a bit of its rugged heritage with an updated front end design. The raised trapezoidal grille featuring horizontal bars is consistent with the other vehicles in the Ford SUV family. As a result, the design changes to the front and rear give the new Escape a more confident, rugged persona. The redesigned hood and raised trapezoidal upper set a wider stance – evoking a more prominent feel for the front of the new Escape.

Available in S, SE and Titanium trim levels, base power is generated by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Optional powerplants include a 1.5L EcoBoost turbo four cylinder or a 2.0L EcoBoost twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder engine. Torque is delivered through the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-wheel drive is an available option. Escape is the first Ford vehicle to make Auto Start/Stop technology standard on its two available EcoBoost engines. Auto Start/Stop technology shuts off the engine during common stops, so the vehicle burns no gas and emits zero tailpipe emissions.

Escape’s unitized welded steel body features control hardware that consists of independent MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar at the front and a Control Blade rear set-up with a stabilizer bar at the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and traction control are standard.

Inside the passenger compartment, changes to the interior began with a new push-button electronic parking brake, which replaces the large, traditional hand-actuated parking brake. This change dramatically enhanced the front-row experience for the driver. The gear shifter was repositioned rearward to give improved access to climate controls on the center stack. In addition, a media bin was added at bottom of the stack, offering access to a USB port and a covered power outlet. The redesign also features improved cup holders, two new storage bins and a larger center armrest.

The new Escape features an all-new steering wheel with easy-to-work buttons for audio and climate system controls, and a new “swing-bin” glove box gives provides easier access to stored items.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 105.9; overall length: 178.1; width: 72.4; height: 66.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 168 hp at 6000 rpm and 170 lbs-ft of torque at 4500 rpm; 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder – 179 hp at 6000 rpm and 177 lbs-ft of torque at 177 lbs-ft of torque; 2.0L EcoBoost twin-scroll four-cylinder – 245 hp at 5500 rpm and 275 lbs-ft of torque at 3000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 2.5L four-cylinder – 21 city/28 hwy.; 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder – 23 city/30 (FWD), 22 city/28 hwy. (4WD); 2.0L EcoBoost twin-scroll four-cylinder – 22 city/29 hwy. (FWD), 20 city/27 hwy. (4WD).
Cargo capacity: 68.0 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Safety Features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, traction control, curve control, AdvanceTrak with roll stability control, daytime running lamps, automatic headlamps, SYNC communications system, SecuriLock, remote keyless entry, alarm system, rearview camera, and tire pressure monitoring system. SE adds front/rear skid plates and fog lamps. Titanium adds blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, reverse sensing system, foot-activated hands free rear liftgate, SYNC connect, remote engine start, universal garage door opener, and intelligent access with push button start.

Optional safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support, Enhanced Active Park Assist, Lane-Keeping System includes lane-keeping assist and lane-keep aid, Driver Alert System, bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, forward sensing system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, navigation system, and automatic high beams.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Ford Escape starts from $23,600 for the S, $25,100 for the SE and $29,100 for the Titanium. Destination charges add $895.