Ford Escape - Variants explained

When the Ford Escape came out in 2001, it became a fan favorite for sure and now it’s back with the new FWD global architecture as an ‘urban’ SUV which has a new unibody kit that has been designed to make it more compact and chic.

There are as many as four powertrain options including an all-new hybrid variant and the new model features a sleek, sporty design that is not entirely too rugged. As far as equipment updates are concerned the all-new Ford Escape now gets innovative features like sliding second-row seats, a standard selectable drive mode system, and more technology than ever before which separates the offering from every other competitor in the market for North America.

The all-new Ford Escape comes in S, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and Titanium trim levels. The standard engine in the U.S. is a “Dragon” 3-cylinder 1.5-L EcoBoost motor that produces 181 hp of power and 190 lb·ft of peak torque. The motor comes with a new cylinder-deactivation mode that lets the car run on only two cylinders, providing a claimed 6% fuel economy boost. The optional gas engine in the U.S. is a 4-cylinder 2.0-L EcoBoost that churns out 250 hp of power and 280 lb·ft of peak torque. Both gas engines will be paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, which contributes to the claimed 10% gain in 0-60 mph times.

Let’s take a closer look at all the variants of Ford Escape and what they have to offer.

Ford Escape S AWD/FWD

Ford Escape price for this model starts at $24,885 and its EPA estimated gas mileage stats stand at 26 mpg (City) and 31 mpg (Hwy). The engine offered in the model is an Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3 that churns out 181 bhp of power.

There are a host of changes throughout the vehicle, including aluminum lower control arms, hood, differential housing, and mini spare, lighter-weight carpets, neodymium speaker magnets, and hollow shock-absorber shafts.

Some key features offered in the Ford Escape S trim level include Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, which is an array of safety features that ensure that Ford Escape offers the best-in-tech protection to its occupants.

The second-row sliding seat comes with a 60/40 Split-fold down feature and Ford Pass Connect system which allows the occupants of the SUV to stay connected to the Escape with the use of a smartphone. This smartphone app allows the user to access features like remote start scheduling, vehicle location indicator, lock and unlock the car and even start and stop the engine remotely.

The app also relays mileage stats and the cabin comes equipped with a 4G LTE powered AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspot. This network can be accessed by up to 10 smartphones at a time with up to 50 feet away from the vehicle and the app also allows you to keep a check on your Wi-Fi data usage.

Ford Pass connect is, however, an optional feature and can be availed for an additional charge once the first year trial period is over.  

The drivetrain is available in both an all-wheel-drive and front-wheel drive.

Ford Escape SE FWD/ AWD

The prices for the Ford Escape SE trim starts from $27,105. The EPA estimated Gas Mileage for the AWD variant start at 26 mpg (City) and 31 mpg (Hwy) and that of the FWD models stands at 27 mpg (City) and 33 mpg (Hwy).

Other than all the features mentioned in the S trim above the SE variant comes equipped with Ford’s SYNC 3 system. This system can be accessed by a capacitive touch-screen and also gets a voice recognition feature. SYNC 3 comes compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

The second-row seats get a sliding feature along with a 60/40 split fold-down feature which enhances the versatility and practicality of the cabin. This translates into best in segment leg room with 40.7 inches of personal space.

At the front, we find a 10-way power adjustable driver seat with a heating feature. This feature is available on all trims above and including the SE models.

Ford Escape SE Sport Hybrid FWD/AWD

Prices for this trim level start at $28,265 for the FWD model that offers EPA estimated Gas Mileage of 44 mpg (City) and 37 mpg (Hwy). The fuel economy drops down to 43 mpg (City) and 37 mpg (Hwy) for the all-wheel-drive models.

This model is powered by a 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine that comes mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The hybrid power train also features an 88 KW electric motor that draws its energy from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that is situated under the second-row seats.

The new battery pack is one third the size of the one offered in the preceding models. These variants also get a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and ride on 19-inch machined-faced aluminum wheels that flaunt ebony painted pockets.

Ford Escape SEL FWD/AWD

Prices for Ford Escape SEL start at MSRP $29,265 and the FWD variant offers EPA estimated Gas Mileage of 27 mpg (City) and 33 mpg (Hwy). The gas mileage drops down to 26 mpg (City) and 31 mpg (Hwy) for the all-wheel-drive version.

Other than the standard features offered on the trims towards the lower end of the model lineup the SEL models also come equipped with features like hands-free foot-activated liftgate. The SEL models also come equipped with the active X seating material which features mini perforations. Lastly, we have a reverse sensing system that beeps to alert the driver of any objects that are nearby but might be out of his line of sight.

Ford Escape Titanium FWD/AWD

The Titanium variants are priced at MSRP $36,685 and offer EPA estimated gas mileage stats that are the same as those of the SEL trim models. This is also the case for most of the standard equipment that is offered in the more inexpensive models.

Features exclusive to this top of the line trim include advanced kits such as a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The Active Park Assist feature allows the driver to Parallel Park the crossover by the press of a button after the onboard computer automatically detects a parallel parking space.

Verdict

The $27,105 Escape SE specs sheet includes heated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat in addition to other smart features such as keyless ignition, automatic climate control, and heated mirrors. It also gains an 8.0-inch touchscreen and satellite radio, with options for a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and. It’s our value pick for the lineup, with front- or all-wheel drive.

Also read: Upcoming Ford Focus RS may get a hybrid engine