Ford Escape

Accurate as it is, calling the 2013 Escape all new seems like a massive understatement; this is the very definition of an extreme makeover. Aside from the obvious styling update, key highlights are a pair of turbocharged EcoBoost engines, the larger of which replaces the old top-trim V6. The 1.6L is the one to choose, though, for its great power delivery and good fuel economy. It plays well with the automatic transmission, too. The Escape’s suspension is fantastic, toeing the delicate line between ride comfort and nimble handling, and helping to make this little crossover feel expensive. That’s good, because the Escape gets pricey fast when popular options are added.

Three engines are available in the new Escape: a base 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder producing 168 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque does duty in the base S trim; a 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder, good for 178 hp (or 173 hp on regular gas) and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, is standard on SE and SEL trims; and a range-topping 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder, with 240 hp (or 231 hp on regular gas) and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, is optional on SE and SEL trims and standard on Titanium models. All engines are mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission powering the front wheels or all four corners (with the exception of S trim, which is only available in front-wheel drive).

In S trim, features include 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch steel wheels, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, air conditioning, overhead console, centre floor console with armrest, floor mats, message centre and trip computer, map lights, rear cargo lamp, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, cloth seating, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, body colour rear spoiler, integrated blind spot power mirrors, manual liftgate, privacy glass, engine block heater, airbags (front, front side, driver’s knee, side curtain), emergency brake assist, LATCH, SOS post crash alert system, TPMS, keyless entry, and Ford MyKey.

SE trim adds 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear seat armrest with cupholders, compass and outside temperature display, additional 110V outlet, body colour door handles, automatic headlamps, Ford SYNC, satellite radio, 6-way manual driver’s seat, heated front seats, black upper grille with chrome bar, chrome beltline molding, fog lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, and SecuriCode keyless entry keypad. Intelligent 4WD is available on this trim.

SEL trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, cargo cover, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows with one-touch up/down, ambient lighting, 9-speaker audio, SYNC with MyFord Touch, leather trimmed heated front seats with 10-way power driver’s seat, driver’s seat and mirror position memory, gloss black upper grille with chrome bar and surround, gloss black lower grille, integrated turn signals in body colour heated mirrors, chrome liftgate garnish, black roof rack rails, power liftgate, and perimeter alarm. Intelligent 4WD is available on this trim.

Titanium trim adds intelligent 4WD, 19-inch wheels, push button start, Sony audio, partial leather-trimmed sport seats, body colour liftgate garnish, HID headlights, silver roof rack rails, foot activated liftgate, and reverse sensing system.More information about the program is available on the web site at www.hmhid.com.