Specifications of Ford Escape (facelift 2017) 1.5 EcoBoost (179 HP) Automatic
General characteristics of Ford Escape (facelift 2017) 1.5 EcoBoost (179 HP) Automatic
The Ford Escape's dimensions allow it to fit snugly into the compact segment. It has a length of 180.5 inches and a 106.7-inch wheelbase. It stands 66.1 inches tall without its roof rack. Fold in the side mirrors and the SUV can squeeze into a parking space 78.7 inches wide. And, while it may have grown in size, the base model S weighs in at slim 3,298 lbs. The heaviest model maxes out at 3,566 lbs with the bigger 2.0-liter engine and AWD equipped. Ground clearance is 7.8 inches.
The three-cylinder engine struggles to move the Escape, despite the loss of a few pounds over the previous-generation car. According to independent testers, the base 181-horsepower engine takes a modest 7.7 seconds to get the SUV up to just 60 mph. While not the kind of quickness you'll get from a hot hatch, this is still significantly faster than the previous Escape.
If you want a lot more fun, though, there is the available turbo-four engine on the SEL and Titanium trims. With 250 hp and 280 lb-ft on tap, these trims are able to make the 0-60 mph sprint in a far more impressive 5.7 seconds, according to the same testers. Faster throttle responses and a more refined driving experience are big selling points for the new Escape, which help it to compete with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which handily trounced the previous generation.
Two powertrains are available to the 2021 Ford Escape. The lower-tier S, SE, and SEL get a 1.5-liter turbo-three-cylinder engine as standard, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox to develop 181 hp and 190 lb-ft, directed to your choice of the front or all four wheels. This base engine fails to impress. It gets the SUV moving, perhaps a bit better than the heavier, previous-generation Escape, but passing on the highway is still a chore, though.
The other available combustion engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. This powertrain, for either the SEL or Titanium, develops 250 hp and 280 lb-ft for all four wheels only. A far more compelling driving experience is delivered by this powertrain, with more potent acceleration and far better passing power on the highway.
With access to two powertrains and either front- or all-wheel-drive, the Ford Escape's mpg figures depend on the spec you choose. The standard three-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 28/34/30 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles when set up in front-wheel-drive. The all-wheel drivetrain sees these figures drop across the board to 26/31/28 mpg. The other available combustion engine is the turbocharged four-cylinder, which comes standard with all-wheel-drive. This powertrain is a bit thirstier, getting only 23/31/26 mpg. The three-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive comes paired to a 14.8-gallon fuel tank, while all AWD models get a 15.7-gallon tank. In its most optimized configuration, the FWD three-cylinder Escape can travel up to 500 miles on the highway before needing to refuel. Overall, the Ford Escape's gas mileage figures are definitely manageable.
Much like the exterior, the Ford Escape's interior was completely overhauled in 2020. It is far more modern now, with design elements that seem to have been inherited from the popular Ford Edge. Extra driver-assistance features come standard, along with a driver-information display and a SYNC infotainment interface - SYNC 3 on the upper trims. The controls are easy to access and operate, although the hard plastic or padded vinyl don't do much to make it feel very upscale. There's plenty of space, though, both for passengers and cargo, and the sliding and folding rear seats make it easy to maximize either.
The Ford Escape is able to seat five in comfort. The SUV supplies ample head- and legroom regardless of where you're sitting. Front passengers will have nothing to complain about, with more than 40 inches of head- and legroom, while those in the back lose only a smidge of each. However, the hybrid models can't be quite as generous, as the under-seat battery steals a few inches of legroom. Still, most adults should fit without a fuss. The standard model gets a six-way manual driver's seat, while upgrading to the SEL or above replaces this with a ten-way power seat and heating for both front seats. Getting in and out of the SUV is a simple task thanks to its ample step-in height and wide-opening doors. It also offers excellent visibility from the driving position.
The Ford Escape's cargo space has always been pretty generous. The 2021 model boasts a trunk with up to 37.5 cubic feet of space on offer behind the rear seats when they are slid all the way forward. With them all the way back, 33.5 cu-ft is on offer. The SUV supplies enough room for just about any day-to-day task, be it grocery shopping for the week or carting the kids between school and their extracurriculars. If you need even more space, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split to free up 65.4 cubic feet with a flat cargo floor for storing larger items.
There's a fair amount of small-item storage around the family-centric cabin. A total of six cupholders are spread out for ease of access, and there is even an overhead console. Naturally, there is a standard glove compartment, and the door pockets are large enough to store water bottles. The center armrest houses a modest storage cubby, and there are two media bins set within the center console.
