- Ford will preview the next-generation 2012 Escape via a concept vehicle to be unveiled at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.
- The new Escape is expected to be based on the European Ford Kuga.
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Ford said it will preview the next-generation 2012 Escape through a concept vehicle to be unveiled at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. It has been widely reported that the new, more fuel-efficient Escape is based on the Ford Kuga model sold in Europe.
"Ford will signal its future direction for the next-generation Escape through a concept vehicle debuting at the North American International Auto Show in January," said Ford in a statement on Thursday.
The 2011 Escape equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission delivers 23 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
Ford also announced that it will spend $600 million to retool its Louisville, Kentucky, plant and hire 1,800 workers to produce the 2012 Escape late next year. The overhauled Louisville plant will be able to "build up to six different vehicles at the same time," said Ford. But it did not specify which vehicles it might add to the plant. Some analysts predict that Ford could add a small Lincoln SUV in mid-2012, as well as the U.S. version of its European Grand C-Max wagon. The retooled plant could also provide extra capacity for the Ford Focus.
Ford noted that the plant is the third North American truck plant that it is retooling to build smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Inside Line says: We'll get a good look at the redesigned Escape in a few weeks — probably one with a Euro flavor. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
tcesni says:
05:38 PM, 01/09/2011
Since the 2004 CRV was rated at 26 mpg highway, the present Escape compares pretty well and I am sure the newer version will do better. And you can always buy the hybrid at 34 mpg. I fear the 2012 version won't be offered with the V6
olds350 says:
09:33 AM, 12/16/2010
"That is pretty much a ho-hum EPA number, and it will become much more ho-hum when it finally comes out a year from now."
"2.5l 4 cylinder & 5 speed manual transmission that gets 28 hwy? what is this 1999?"
You all need to read better. The EPA figures cited are for the current Escape, which, actually you're right, is not far from 1999 in it's basic structure. Most of Ford's recent new vehicles/powertrains are at or near the top of their class in mileage (Fiesta, Fusion, Edge, Explorer). No reason not to expect the same for the new Escape, being based on a high-mileage Euro version.
jeffgriz says:
10:32 AM, 12/12/2010
I have a 2004 CRV 2.4 L with a 5 sp stick (and 156,000 miles on it) and get 30-31 mpg on the Hgwy. If Ford can match that with a manual tranny I may have to give it a look-see.
ford_flexer says:
09:26 AM, 12/11/2010
I Like the Ford Escape for what it is and know that is very fuel efficent especially the hybrid version so i expect something a whole lot better if it's based off the Kug,and did you hear that a small licnocoln suv that means the aviator is coming back.
ed124c says:
09:24 AM, 12/11/2010
That is pretty much a ho-hum EPA number, and it will become much more ho-hum when it finally comes out a year from now.
Examples:
Outback with a 2.5 and CVT... and AWD gets 22/29
Sorrento 2.5 V6 with 6 speed auto gets 19/26 (for a few grand more, I know which car I would want.)
Then again, it is a long way from Dec '10 to late Fall? 2011. We shall see.
But, it is hard to get past the EPA numbers for so many of the Hyundai/Kia models. Ford, GM, and Chrysler are playing catchup once again. (I have little faith in the GM EPA numbers, but Ford's seem pretty accurate, so I think they have a better chance at catching up with the Koreans. And Chrysler? An unknown at this time.
jscion says:
06:34 PM, 12/10/2010
The Escape is wicked old! But American car makers tend to keep cars around that long or even longer so are you really that suprised it hung around so long? At least Ford updates their products regularly which is more than I can say for Chrysler or GM.
bluff10 says:
03:10 PM, 12/10/2010
About time to replace the aging Escape. I like Euro flavors. ;-)
06scooby says:
02:15 PM, 12/10/2010
2.5l 4 cylinder & 5 speed manual transmission that gets 28 hwy? what is this 1999?
lions208487 says:
01:37 PM, 12/10/2010
The current escape has rear drum brakes standard, so Ford better work out that issue before I consider it.