LA 2015: 2017 Ford Escape Gets Refreshed, Quietly Nixes Problematic Four-cylinder Engine
Ford unveiled Tuesday its refreshed 2017 Ford Escape complete with two new-ish engines and a slew of new technologies, including stop-start, that could help the crossover catch the best-selling Honda CR-V.
The base Escape still comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four, but Ford replaced its 1.6-liter turbo four with a 1.5-liter turbo four that produces the same power in higher trims. The outgoing 1.6-liter engine was the subject of at least two different recalls, including an incorrectly installed fuel line and overheating problem that could potentially cause fires.
A 2-liter boosted four from the Edge will also be available in the Escape. That engine produces 245 horsepower and will be available in SE and Titanium trims.
All Escape engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and SE and Titanium models with turbocharged engines can be equipped with all-wheel drive.
Ford is keeping the same its lineup of available trims in the Escape: S, SE and Titanium trims will be available, with a sport appearance package available on the higher two trims.
According to Ford, start-stop technology on the turbocharged engines will improve fuel economy by 4 to 6 percent, but won’t affect fuel economy ratings. This year’s Escape managed 22/29/25 mpg with the 1.6-liter AWD, and 21/28/23 mpg with the 2-liter AWD according to the EPA.
Oh, and you can also turn your car on with your phone now. Ford has a system like OnStar, apparently.
In a statement Tuesday, Ford said it expects SUV sales to continue to grow. Currently, sales of SUVs and crossovers comprise about one-third of all new car sales. By 2020, Ford said it expects that number to grow to 40 percent.
In its recent contract with the United Auto Workers, Ford outlined a plan to shift car production from American plants to focus on building more crossovers like the Escape. Ford is expected to shift production of the full-size Taurus out of its Chicago plant to make way for the Lincoln MKC, and to produce more Escapes.
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I wondered how long it would take to give the Escape the Ford corporate face. I like it.
Time to drag out my favorite Escape joke: Ford wanted to get rid of the Bronco's association with OJ Simpson, so they discontinued that model and brought out the Escape.