2013 Ford Escape: the smarter utility vehicule

After making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Ford Escape is gearing up for its first appearance on Canadian soil, which will be at the Montreal International Auto Show.

Vertrek concept design

From a style standpoint, the new Escape could be mistaken for the Vertrek concept car, which was unveiled in Detroit in January. The sharp angles are gone, making way for much more attractive lines and improved functionality. 

This updated new look will no doubt help the Escape challenge the Honda CR-V, the upcoming Toyota RAV4 and other compact SUVs.

Although the Escape is a little small overall, the interior now offers passengers more room and can even accommodate up to seven people.

Cargo space varies from 971 to 1,928 litres with the seats down – a substantial gain over the current model.

More technology

This vehicle includes all of Ford’s most recent technologies, including:

  • MyFord Touch
  • Ford SYNC
  • Automated Parking Assist
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Curve Control
  • Hands-free Hatch

More hybrids, more V6s

The 2013 Ford Escape has not only lost its hybrid engine (now offered in the C-Max compact crossover), it’s also lost its V6.

That said, this new compact SUV will now be equipped with more fuel efficient engines. They are:

  • 2.5 L 4-cylinder base engine with 168 hp and 167 lbs.-ft. of torque
  • 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with 237 hp and 250 lbs.-ft. of torque
  • 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that promises to be very fuel efficient, though its output has yet to be confirmed

The two new Ecoboost engines (the 1.6 and 2.0 L) come with fuel injection, a turbocharger and twin independent variable camshaft timing, which Ford calls Ti-VCT.

Finally, the 2013 Escape is not offered with a manual gearbox; a six-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission available on this vehicle.

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