FORD Escape 2017

Body and cabin

The 2017 Ford Escape sports a hexagonal grille and new headlights that reinforce its family resemblance to the Ford Edge… while creating an undeniable likeness to the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson. New combined taillights call to mind both the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester, indicating that styling trends for the segment are very clear cut.

To stand out a bit more, you can opt for the new Sport Appearance package that adds black and gloss-black body parts and trim, including 19-inch alloy wheels. Selling for $1,200 on the Titanium and $1,500 on the SE, the package also includes distinctive cabin elements.

The cabin receives several changes for 2017. Ford repositioned the gear shifter and moved from a manual parking brake lever to an electronic switch, which frees up room for open storage bins that were cruelly lacking since 2013. Climate controls are simplified. Switches on the redesigned steering wheel are easier to use, and a heated steering wheel is now available as an option.

The showstopper, however, is the Sync 3 infotainment system located in the middle of the dash. With its 20.3-cm (8-in.) touch screen, it is infinitely more legible, rapid and logical than the MyFord Touch it replaced in 2016. The new model adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay applications, which facilitate smart phone integration. Even the 25 to 30 percent of buyers who choose to pass on the Sync 3 will get improved audio controls.

All told, the refresh gives a boost to user enjoyment of the Escape, which was already on the good side of average for the segment. However, we’ll have to wait for the next full remake to eliminate such shortcomings as the too-short front seats and tight space for the driver’s left foot.

Safety

Ford has updated Escape’s advanced safety equipment for 2017. Included now are frontal collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning with lane keeping assistance. These features join the blind spot monitor and active park park assist systems that became available in 2013.

For the time being, all this technology is exclusive to the high-end Titanium; hopefully, Ford will extend availability to the top-selling SE model. Ford still offers practical wide-angle lenses on the exterior mirrors of the S and SE. Another plus, a backup camera is now standard on all models.

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: 5 / 5
Frontal impact: 5 / 5
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact:
- driver side: 3 / 4
- passenger side: 2 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4

Mechanical overview

For 2017, Ford is revising its EcoBoost direct-injection turbocharged engines installed in 97 percent of Escapes sold in Canada. The SE now offers a 1.5L 4-cylinder outputting 179 hp, 6 hp more than the former regular-gasoline 1.6L. Maximum torque is 177 lb-ft, 7 lb-ft less than before.

As for last year, a 2.0L 4-cylinder is optional on the Escape SE and standard on the Titanium. A twin-scroll turbo and other internal modifications boost power to 245 hp and maximum torque to 275 lb-ft, 5 units more for both. Attaining these ratings requires premium gasoline; regular is acceptable but there’s a slight reduction in power.

Front-wheel drive is standard with both turbo engines; all-wheel drive is a $2,200 option. It is curious to note that city/highway combined fuel consumption ratings of both engines increase slightly for 2017, despite the addition of an automatic start-stop function as standard equipment.

A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Escapes, including the S version with its 2.5L normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, unchanged since 2013. Though smooth and well geared, it sometimes hesitates when downshifting.

We sampled both EcoBoost versions of the 2017 Escape in a first drive between Calgary and Jasper. The 1.5L performed well in normal driving but came up a bit short in hilly terrain and when passing. It also gets quite noisy under heavy acceleration.

Though without displaying the fiery temperament promised by a Ford rep, the 2.0L engine delivers a much more flexible, quiet and smooth drive. It also increases towing capacity to 1588 kg (3500 lb), from 907 kg (2000 lb). We wouldn’t hesitate one second to pay the extra $1,000 for this engine, particularly since it was the most fuel efficient of the two during our test drive, at least according to the trip computer.

Except for the engines, Ford did not indicate any other mechanical changes to its compact SUV. The 2017 version thus perpetuates the stable, balanced handling we’ve become accustomed to since the 2013 Escape. Controlled body lean and a modicum of road sensation from the precise steering even provide a dynamic feel.

Supple yet well-controlled damping along with adequate soundproofing—despite some wind noise around the windshield—make the Escape pleasant to drive on long trips.