The new Ford Escape has been recently released and brings with it the brand’s characteristic fuel-saving engine and 11 fresh exclusive features as it competes in the country’s sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment.
“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘smarter utility vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” said Raj Nair, group vice president for Global Product Development.
“Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy. Our team has worked hard to make sure we deliver even more of what small SUV owners really want,” Nair added.
The 2015 Ford Escape boasts a myriad of technologies that helps every driver each trip down the pavement. Included are a hands-free power liftgate that opens the lift with a kick under the center rear bumper as long as the key fob is nearby; SYNC with MyFord Touch for easy access to the vehicle’s controls; Active Park Assist for automatic steering wheel control when parallel parking; a sensor-based Blind Spot Information System for crossing the open roads; assists such as Curve Control and Torque Vectoring Control for easier turns; and a 4WD System for off-road performance.
EcoBoost for Fuel Economy
The Ford Escape ships in two EcoBoost variants: the 2.0L EcoBoost and 1.6L EcoBoost. The former gives off 240hp and 270 pound-foot of torque, while the former is capable of outputting 178hp and 184 pound-foot of torque. Both feature direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) for maximum fuel mileage.
The engines are paired to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission, with a gearbox fashioned with a new torque converter and with revised gear ratios for a smoother driving experience.
Furthering the Escape’s fuel efficiency is an aerodynamic build that is 10 percent sleeker than its predecessor; and an active grille shutter system that remains open to cool the engines during bumper-to-bumper traffic, and shuts when at highway speeds improving how the Escape slices through the air.
A versatile perfomer
The Escape’s liftover stands 27-inches above the ground so users can easily haul cargo into the 68.1 cubic feet area behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row. With just a touch of a button, the SUV’s rear seats are capable of folding flat, giving you maximum luggage volume. If your haul doesn’t fit into the vehicle, then you’d be glad to know that a properly equipped 2.0L Escape can tow up to 3,500lbs.
Intelligent 4WD System
The 2015 Ford Escape’s 4WD System gathers and analyzes data from 25 external sources, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position, and steering wheel angle to assess road conditions and driver inputs for easier rough terrain driving.
“This all-new Ford model opens a new chapter in the world of SUVs,” Nair said. “By being smarter, this utility vehicle will help customers around the globe find better, easier ways to connect with technology, maximize fuel efficiency and find the versatility and capability they need and want.”