The Ford Escape was first launched 17 years ago. It was produced in a joint venture with Mazda. The collaboration saw Mazda release the Mazda Tribute. The 2018 model will be the third generation. With the new model, Ford is looking to discard the notion of the Escape being just an entry-level crossover SUV. To do this, the automaker will revise all its trim levels to ensure even the lower trims offer quality materials. According to reports, the 2018 Ford Escape will shed its plastic surfaces in favor of high-quality materials. This will help the model to compete better with its competitors.
2018 Ford Escape Exterior
The automaker has revised the exterior design of the Ford Escape to look more stylish. Designers derived inspiration from 2013 Ford Fusion sedan especially for the front fascia. It features a gigantic grille as well as a sportier bumper. New headlights flank the grille. On the sides, the model has aggressive lines compared to the outgoing model. The 2018 Ford Escape will also be paired with 19-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, the 2018 Ford Escape features a new bumper with a different color from the body color and a new design for the taillights.
The model also features a panoramic roof. Other features largely carry over unchanged from the outgoing model. The current exterior design of the Ford Escape is attractive and does not require many changes. Most of the revisions for the new model are concentrated on the inside.
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Interior
To start with, Ford has enlarged the interior to ensure all the five passengers are comfortable. All passengers will enjoy ample headroom and legroom. The seats are wrapped in leather. In higher trims, the front seats are heated. The driver seat is height-adjustable to ensure the driver has a good view of the rod ahead. The rear seat has a reclining functionality. The model offers 34 cubic feet of cargos space that can be expanded to 64 cubic feet upon folding of the rear seats.
Buyers will also love the model’s new entertainment features including a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, Wi-Fi connectivity as well as an App link Smartphone integration.
Safety has also been taken care of with a host of semi-autonomous features such as adaptive cruise control, GPS navigation system, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, satellite radio, ABS, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and driver memory settings among others.
Engine and performance
Details about the engines that will power the Escape are still a mystery. However, according to reports, the model will continue with the current lineup of engines. The base unit is a 2.5 L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The engine has an EPA rating of 24 mpg on combined drives. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that channels power to the front wheels. AWD is optional.
The turbocharged 1.6 L, EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine will also be retained. It produces 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. It is EPA rated at 30 mpg on combined drives with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with AWD. The final engine is a turbocharged 2.0 L, 4-cylinder EcoBoost mill that produces 245 horses and 275 lb-ft of torque. FWD models return 29mpg while AWD models return 27 mpg on combined drives.
Price and release date
Due to the upgrades, the model’s price will increase slightly. The 2018 Ford Escape will be offered in three trim levels i.e. the S, SE and Titanium trims. The S trim will have a starting price of around $23,500 while the SE trim will start at around $24,000. The top Titanium trim will fetch around $30,000 before options. Ford will likely display the 2018 Escape at an international Auto Show this summer. Sales in the U.S. will commence in this fall while other markets will receive the model in the first quarter of next year.
