2017 Ford Escape — A major refresh

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 6, 2017) For 2017, Ford has given the popular Escape crossover utility vehicle what is known as a mid-cycle refresh. The Escape was completely redesigned back in 2013, when Ford dumped the boxy old Escape for the one we currently see in dealer showrooms.

The Escape has been around for 16 years, and other than the F-150 pickup, is Ford’s best-selling vehicle. It’s also one of the top movers in its class, with more than 306,000 sold for 2015, outpacing that number for 2016. But with major competitors like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson introducing completely redesigned vehicles, Ford needed to freshen up the Escape not only to compete, but to broaden its appeal in what is perhaps the most competitive automotive segment.



Much of what Ford got right with the 2016 Escape has been left untouched with the 2017 version. The redesigned hood and raised trapezoidal grille are thankful improvements over the previous Escape, which now carries signature styling elements found on most Ford products.

There’s a new Sport Appearance package to dress up the Escape with black 19-inch wheels and mirror caps, smoked lamp bezels and darker grille inserts. Inside, the package includes more supportive seats, upholstered in cloth and leather with white stitching.

Escape is the first Ford vehicle to make auto start-stop technology standard with either of the two EcoBoost engines. It includes SYNC® Connect mobile access, allowing owners to use a Smartphone to start, lock, unlock, and locate their Escape.

Changes to the interior begin with a new push-button electronic parking brake, replacing the hand-actuated parking brake. There are new storage bins, a larger center armrest, steering wheel and improved cupholders.

We tested the Escape SE trim level with front-wheel drive, powered by the heavily revised 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower. Escape uses a six-speed automatic transmission.

As a mainstay compact crossover utility skiff, the refreshed Escape is impressive. The seats are comfortable, accommodating and it now looks an awful lot like it’s bigger Ford Edge brother. That’s a good thing.

As with all compact crossover vehicles in this class, excitement isn’t part of the package. Engine performance is completely acceptable, steering precise but numb. The ride and handling are predictable and overall it’s easy to drive, functional, and easy on the eyes.

The compact utility class is expected to continue to grow and Escape will serve as completely adequate transportation for most people, delivering carefree service and sufficient transportation at an affordable price.

Vital Stats

Price: $23,750 - $29,250
Price as Tested: $33,660
Seating: Up to 5
Engine: 2.0-Liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 240
Fuel Economy: 22-mpg City – 29-mpg Highway

Fab Features

SYNC 3 infotainment system
Peppy fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine
Nicely updated exterior and interior design