None of us can believe 2015 is almost over already, so I’m a little sheepish about mentioning something that sounds like 2016 is being skipped altogether. But I have to, because it involves one of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite cars.
Ford has just unveiled the 2017 Escape compact crossover vehicle, with updated interior and exterior styling, additional safety and technology equipment, and a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder among the three engine choices. EcoBoost is Ford’s name for its selection of turbocharged, direct injection gasoline engines that improve fuel economy without laying waste to performance.
The new Escape arrives at local dealerships next spring – so no, 2016 won’t be skipped.
The 2017 Escape is the first Ford vehicle with Sync Connect, an extension of Ford’s Sync 3 communications and entertainment system. With Sync Connect, drivers can use their smartphone like a remote control device to lock and unlock the car’s doors, start the engine, check tire pressures and fuel levels, and even locate the car from a distant location. Sync Connect comes with complimentary activation for 5 years.
Several new items have been added to Escape’s available driver-assist features list, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support; enhanced active parking assistance; lane-keeping alert system; and a driver alert system that detects signs of driver fatigue and issues a warning.
Trim levels for the Escape are carried over from the outgoing version: S, SE and Titanium. New for 2017 is a Sport Appearance Package available on SE and Titanium models.
A new 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is standard on the SE and Titanium. Its official horsepower rating hasn’t been determined yet, but Ford expects it to be 180, with 185 lb-ft of torque. A new twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is optional for these two trims, producing 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.
The 2.5-liter i-VCT four-cylinder used on the previous model is carried over as standard equipment on the 2017 Escape S.
All engines and trim levels come with a six-speed automatic transmission, and new paddle shifters are included on the SE and Titanium. Models equipped with the 1.5L or 2.0L engine are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the 2.5L comes in front-drive configuration only.
The 1.5L and 2.5L engines take regular unleaded fuel. The 2.0L can cope with regular but premium is recommended.
In another first for Ford vehicles, Auto Start-Stop is standard with the two EcoBoost engines. To conserve fuel, the system shuts off the engine when the car is sitting idle. The result is a 4 percent to 6 percent boost in fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic. When the brake pedal is disengaged, the engine automatically restarts in less than half a second.
Pricing and EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Ford Escape aren’t available now but will be announced closer to the on-sale date next spring.
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association.
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