- The 2013 Ford Escape, unveiled this week at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show, aims for a big boost in fuel economy, thanks to two optional EcoBoost engine offerings.
- The standard engine in the 2013 Ford Escape is an updated version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the current vehicle.
- Although the EPA has yet to weigh in, Ford says projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than the outgoing Escape.
LOS ANGELES — The 2013 Ford Escape, unveiled this week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, aims for a big boost in fuel economy, thanks to two optional EcoBoost engine offerings.
Although the EPA has yet to weigh in, Ford says projected fuel economy is up to 5 mpg better than the outgoing Escape. The 2012 Escape FWD with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission returns 21 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
The standard engine in the 2013 Ford Escape is an updated version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Ford says that engine will deliver an estimated 168 horsepower; the current 2.5 makes 171 hp.
The 2013 Escape, which goes on sale next year, can also be equipped with an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers an estimated 237 hp, or a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers an estimated 173 hp. Both engines combine direct fuel injection with turbocharging. The EcoBoost engines in the Escape are linked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is making its American debut in the Escape.
Ford also notes that the new Escape is 10 percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing model. An active grille shutter system comes on models with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The system helps to cut wind resistance.
Pricing has not yet been announced on the 2013 Escape.
Ford said the 2013 Escape will also feature "curve control technology," which slows the vehicle down when it's cornering too fast, and "torque vectoring control," to help it accelerate through turns.
Goodies on the 2013 Escape include an optional power liftgate.
The new Escape — it will be sold as the Ford Kuga in Europe and China — will make its European debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show in March with "unique powertrains and features," Ford said in a statement.
Although the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline stands at $3.41, according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge, oil analysts tell Inside Line that they wouldn't be surprised to see $4-$5 per gallon gas in the spring — about the same time as the Escape hits showrooms.
Inside Line says: It's all about the fuel economy with the redesigned Ford Escape.
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casey7570 says:
03:08 PM, 12/28/2011
I'm okay with the exterior look but what did Ford do to the dashboard? OMG, it looks like something out of cheap sci-fi space flick. Check yourself Ford.
kennethwayne says:
06:22 AM, 12/27/2011
I am extremely disappointed with this latest version of the Escape. I bought one of the first Escapes in 2001, still have it, and it runs like a charm. My parents and one of my friends liked it so much that each one of them both an Escape in recent years. One of the reasons that we purchased the vehicle was because of the driver visibility all around the car. The windows were level with the ground and there was a very small pillar between the rear side and rear windows. The new one has the typical upswept body that gets higher from the front of the vehicle as it goes toward the back resulting in greatly diminishing driver visibilty. Another reason why I bought the Escape is because it offered great cargo space. It is amazing what I have been able to transport in it over the years. Now, like all SUVs, we get the sloped back end which restricts what can be carried in the cargo area. Why couldn't Ford leave well enough alone? Why does every car have to look like the same flying wedge doorstop that is low in the front and high in the back. The only good thing about it is being able to kick the car and have the rear hatch open. I don't care too much about the rear hatch, but I sure do want to kick the back of this Escape. It is a huge disappointment. I won't be buying one of these!
dbzimp says:
11:08 PM, 12/14/2011
All of these aerodynamic drag reducing gizmos won't work worth a d++n when they are coated with ice/snow and road salt/grime .
rwright100 says:
05:44 AM, 11/25/2011
This baby is indeed very nice. The exterior design is just about perfect, and despite what some of you are saying, I really like the dash. I would take this over the CRV any day.
powered_by_k20 says:
12:06 AM, 11/24/2011
I'll take this over the new CR-V which I was going to purchase. I like the 2.0T and MPG. The CR-V has a nicer clean interior but the Ford's is not bad. I like the power lift kick feature for the misses. Can't wait to test drive.
the4doer says:
12:11 AM, 11/22/2011
If it's about fuel and practicality of an SUV (35+mpg) I'm in, style and good looks over rated,( hummer H2-H3)
silverstang1 says:
11:35 AM, 11/21/2011
I actually really liked it in person at the LA auto show.
grant81 says:
01:46 PM, 11/18/2011
If you ask me, one of the most important aspects of a new car is it's fuel economy and this car has it. my wife read your blog and found it to be extremely helpful. Thank you for this. The engines design for being gas economical totally goes along with the idea behind Six Sigma Training. She has been looking at cars all week and I think it was your blog that finally gave her the insight to go ahead and make the purchase. Thank you for having such high quality information here.
Grant
contheon says:
10:31 AM, 11/18/2011
Looks like a cute ute designed by a woman for people who can't drive thru curves. The standard engine is a disappointment and the interior goes for style over function. So much for utility. It took Ford forever for this redesign and I expected more.
wizard_ says:
06:28 AM, 11/18/2011
Who at Ford approved that Dash design? It's so odd and over the top it's like a cartoon car from Pixar.