2017 Ford Escape
Ford's small crossover holds its own in a tough segment.
In the sea of small crossovers, the Escape is a strong swimmer. Distinctive, athletic looks; a quiet, mostly stylish interior; and a comfortable ride are all part of its appeal. Its handling is precise, predictable, and competent. The Sync 3 audio and touchscreen interface, introduced in 2016, are highly improved over the MyFord Touch system. The Mazda CX-5 is sportier, the Honda CR-V is roomier, and the Jeep Cherokee is, well, Jeepier. The Escape, however, is a solid all-around package that will satisfy a wide range of customers. In fact, it already does: behind the F-150 pickup truck, the Escape is Ford’s best-selling vehicle.
What’s New for 2017?
For the Escape’s 2017 refresh, Ford took one of our favorite compact crossovers and sweetened the deal with a simpler front-end design and other significant improvements. Inside, a new electronic parking brake frees up valuable console space for added storage, a lighted USB port, and a covered power outlet. The Sync 3 infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the Sync Connect app allows owners to use their phone to locate the car, remotely start the engine, and lock or unlock the doors. Under the hood, SE and Titanium models get a new standard 179-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder in place of the previous turbo 1.6-liter. The optional turbo 2.0-liter sees a power increase to 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and both turbo engines now turn off during stops to boost fuel economy. An assortment of new electronic driving aids includes adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake assist, a lane-keeping system, and automated parking assist.
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Standard Feature Highlights• Sync voice-controlled infotainment
• Automatic headlights
• Remote keyless entry
• Cruise control
Trims and Options We’d Choose
We’d skip the base S model, which has limited equipment availability and is only offered with front-wheel drive and the 2.5-liter inline-four. For a good balance of features and price, we recommend the SE with its available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. At $27,490, it includes:
• Cloth interior with a 10-way-power driver’s seat
• Front dual-zone automatic climate control
• Keypad entry
• Six-speaker audio system with CD player and SiriusXM satellite radio
To that, we would add the 201A Equipment Group for $1395. It includes Sync 3 and Sync Connect, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, reverse sensing, voice recognition, and another USB port.
If you need them, heated front seats are $490, and all-wheel drive is available for $1750.
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