2013 Ford Escape Revealed With Stylish Looks, Turbocharged Engines: 2011 LA Auto Show
Ford has ditched the Escape’s more traditional SUV styling, overhauling the compact crossover for the 2013 model year. The North American market will now finally be treated to styling more in line with Europe’s Kuga crossover, proving that Ford is focusing on its One Ford plan of ensuring products offered in North America are nearly identical to their European counterparts.
The 2013 Ford Escape clearly takes a page out of the successful Focus design book and while some may or may not love it, we’re greeting the departure from typical SUV styling with open arms. Ford also announced what will be powering the 2013 Escape, offering a 2.5L four-cylinder with 168-hp and 167 lb-ft of torque as standard. An all-new 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder can also be had with 173-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque while the top-of-the-line model will be powered by a 2.0L EcoBoost with 237-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.
All three engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while Ford boasted that the 2.0L is capable of towing up to 3,500-lbs. Official EPA numbers or estimates haven’t been released yet, but Ford claims that the new Escape is up to five gallons more efficient than the previous model, dependent on the engine of course. An AWD option is also available for those who just don’t dig a FWD SUV.
New technology on the inside include the newly revamped MyFord Touch system along with active park assist and hands-free liftgate system.
GALLERY: 2013 Ford Escape
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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The 2.5 is a good engine but yes the numbers do not look great. When the 1.6L and the 2.0L were announced I wondered if buyers would be too concerned about a turbo. Didn't happen with the F-150 so we can wait and see on the new Escape. I am only slightly wowed by the exterior but...the 2013 Fusion is going to sell like an Accord during the Clinton administration!
I was on Ford, Honda, Acura and Chevrolet lots recently. The Ford lot was just screaming buy me now!!! Can't say the same about the other brands. Another concern is the automatic transmissions. Honda and Nissan are dealing with a small mess in their 4cyl automatic transmissions right now from a decade ago. Customers expected those cars to go well over 100,000 miles before a new transmission. Very high expectations. As long as Ford does not surprise buyers with big bills these new rides are going a long way to get people into a Ford. There may be a bit too much use of automatic transmissions / CVT's to get gas mileage up. Time will tell!