2017 Ford Escape
New for 2017
The Escape gets a thorough update for 2017, including refreshed styling, two new engines, and some new technology features.
A good SUV gets better
Sometimes you don’t have to change the entire car to make a big difference. The 2017 Ford Escape rides on the same platform as the old model and offers many of the same features. But a major mid-cycle refresh that includes updated styling, two new EcoBoost® engines, and new technology features have changed the Escape enough that you’d almost think Ford pulled off a full redesign.
Performance
The 2017 Escape gets two new turbocharged EcoBoost® engines, and they provide a significant boost (no pun intended) to both performance and efficiency. Along with a base naturally aspirated four-cylinder, they use a six-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on higher-level models. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on most models.
Base models continue to use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available only with front-wheel drive, and Escape models equipped with it are rated at 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) by the EPA.*
Previous versions of the Escape offered Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost® engines, but the Blue Oval is slotting in new versions of these engines for 2017. One is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, which seems a bit small for an SUV, but actually produces an impressive 180 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive models with this engine are rated at 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway), while all-wheel drive models get 24 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
The top Escape engine is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which is good for 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The extra power comes from both the 0.5-liter bump in displacement over the 1.5-liter EcoBoost, as well as a more sophisticated twin-scroll turbo. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is rated at 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive, and 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
Features
The 2017 Ford Escape is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover. It’s available in three trim levels, priced from $23,600.**
Standard equipment on the base Escape S includes SYNC® voice recognition, a tilt-and-telescope multifunction steering wheel, Ice Blue instrument panel lighting, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, LED taillights, and more.
The mid-level Escape model is the SE, which builds on the Escape S with added features like dual-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifters, compass and outside temperature display, SiriusXM® satellite radio, 10-way power driver’s seat, fog lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, skid plates, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Finally, the Escape Titanium incorporates the applicable standard equipment from the other two models and adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; one-touch power windows; ambient lighting; 10-speaker Sony audio system; SYNC® 3 infotainment system and SYNC® Connect telematics system; leather seats; power passenger’s seat; LED signature exterior lighting; and hands-free, foot-activated liftgate.
Design
When it launched back in 2012, the current-generation Escape made quite a statement with car-like styling that bucked the boxy SUV trend. But nothing lasts forever, so for 2017 Ford gave the Escape a facelift to rejuvenate its appearance and create more of a family resemblance with other Blue Oval crossovers.
A hexagonal grille gives the Escape a bolder appearance, as do new headlights with an available LED signature. The revised front end is visually less massive than the previous design, giving the Escape a sportier look. An available skid plate adds a bit of SUV toughness.
On the inside, Ford reconfigured things to free up more space for people and stuff. The parking brake lever was replaced with an electronic button, and the shifter was moved to make access to the climate controls easier. A media bin was added at the base of the center stack, including a USB port and power outlet. A new steering wheel includes easier-to-use buttons, and a new “swing-bin” glovebox provides easier access to stored items.
The 2017 Escape also boasts more technology features. It was the first Ford vehicle to get SYNC® Connect, which allows owners to remotely start the car and monitor it using a smartphone app. The Escape also features Ford’s latest SYNC® 3 infotainment system, with improved performance and an easier-to-use interface.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Ford Escape includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, SOS Post Crash Alert system, and a full complement of airbags. Optional features include front and rear-sensing systems, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a Driver Alert System that checks for driver fatigue.
Verdict
Thanks to several big updates, the 2017 Ford Escape remains a major player in the compact crossover segment.
Be sure to contact us online or visit Lynch Ford Chevrolet at 410 Business 30 SW, Mt Vernon, IA 52314 to schedule a test drive.
*EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy or other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
**Starting MSRP excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration.
Image Credit: Ford