By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Maintaining a fresh look and keeping up with the latest in technology and equipment is imperative in the exploding small crossover segment, and for 2017 Ford has freshened its popular Escape with revised exterior styling, a newly available 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and an improved infotainment experience with the availability of the SYNC3 system. In addition, several safety features have been added.

Whether Ford has done enough to hold its own remains to be seen, but we were impressed with the 2017 model, driving a top-of-the-line Titanium all-wheel drive with most of the available technology including new-for-2017 lane-departure prevention, a driver drowsiness monitor and — our favorite — adaptive cruise control. Standard for the first time in all but the base vehicle is engine start-stop. Also impressive is the new SYNC3 system, which came as standard equipment on our loaded $39,000 test vehicle.

Ford has again provided the Escape with a three-engine lineup and all three are mated to a 6-speed automatic and all models except the base Escape S — with the venerable 2.5-liter engine — can be outfitted with all-wheel drive.

With three choices it gives the bargain hunter the opportunity to get behind the wheel at a pocketbook-friendly price of $24,495, but Ford has kept the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the lineup mainly for business fleet buyers. The long-running engine makes 168 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. Mileage is an acceptable 21 mpg in city driving and 29-highway.

Probably the most popular engine will be the new 1.5-liter turbocharged four making 179 horsepower and 172 foot-pounds of torque. Gas mileage in front-wheel drive guise is measured at 23-city, 30-highway and 26-combined.

The top-of-the-line 2.0-liter turbo gets five additional horsepower over the outgoing engine, now making 245 together with 275 foot-pounds of torque. Performance has been measured at 7.1 seconds from 0-to-60 and 15.6 seconds @ 86 mph in the quarter mile — among the best times in the segment. Perhaps even more important to some owners, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Gas mileage is measured at 22 city, 29 highway and 25 overall. All-wheel drive lowers the combined mileage to 23. The bigger engine is a $1,295 option on both the SE and Titanium trim levels that come standard with the 1.5-liter engine.

All-wheel drive comes as a $1,750 option. Shoppers who want the bigger engine, but can do without some of the optional high-tech features, should consider upgrading the SE bringing the price of a front-wheel drive version to $27,290 including destination charge.

We found the Escape's steering precise and its handling traits first-rate giving us a first-class driving experience on our favorite winding rural road "test track," comparing favorably to a couple of hot hatches we recently tested.

The 2017 freshening includes design changes to the front and rear giving the Escape a more confident, rugged persona. The redesigned hood and raised trapezoidal grille give the Escape a more prominent look from the front.

Changes to the interior include a new push-button electronic parking brake. Additionally the gear shifter was repositioned rearward to give improved access to climate controls on the center stack. In addition, a bin was added at the bottom of the stack, offering access to a USB port and a covered power outlet. Something as simple as the new storage bin immediately caught the attention of one of our riders who owns a 2016 model. "I could really use that in my car," he said wistfully. "I have to use the cupholders for my phone and other stuff."

We found the new SYNC system appealing with an attractive interface and large virtual buttons that are easy to press. Swiping motions switch between screens and the navigation system has the now-familiar pinch-to-zoom functionality. Note that navigation even on our Titanium model is a $795 option.

The front seating area is spacious and the seats comfortable. The rear seats are adult-friendly with adequate legroom and good headroom. Cargo capacity behind the seats measures up well for the segment at 34.3 cubic feet. With the rear seatbacks folded, cargo storage increases to 67.8 cubic feet, about average for the segment. An attractive available feature is a hands-free power liftgate, which opens with a wave of the foot under the rear bumper.

Our top-line all-wheel drive Titanium test vehicle carried a base price of $31,745 including destination charge and a bottom line of $39,010 after the addition of $7,265 in options that included the $1,995 technology package that includes all the latest safety features.

Essentials
Base price: $24,495; as driven, $39,010
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 245 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 275 foot-pounds @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive all-wheel
Seating: 2/3
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Length: 178.1 inches
Curb weight: 3,552 pounds
Turning circle: 38.8 feet
Luggage capacity: 34 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 68 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Fuel capacity: 15.7 gallons (regular)
EPA rating: 20 city, 27 highway, 23 combined
0-60: 7.1 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee

The Good
• Quick acceleration from 2.0-liter engine
• Sync3 Infotainment system
• Excellent handling
• New-found storage space up front

The Bad
• Lot of similar looking buttons on dashboard

The Ugly
• Mediocre performance from 1.5-liter engine