2013 Ford Escape Gets Best in Class Towing in Obscure Segment
Ford has just announced the 2013 Escape will get an official tow rating of 3,500 lbs., which makes it best-in-class out of all small turbocharged SUVs – an rather obscure statistic.
The Escape used to be powered by a 3.0L V6, and carried a 3,500 lbs. tow rating, same as the new Escape. Now with Ford’s 2.0L Ecoboost, the engine is downsized to provide better fuel economy and still give Escape owners 3,500lbs. of towing capability. The 2.0L Ecoboost makes 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a six speed automatic transmission.
“Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, Powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape.
The Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Acura RDX are the closest competitors to the Escape (all being either turbocharged or offering turbo versions), but all fall short by at least 1,300 lbs. worth of towing capability.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Are they afraid to release the MPG numbers while 2012's are on the lot? The "Kuga" is listed at 47 mpg (IMP GAL & 95 OCTANE) and I'm hoping that will translate to 35 mpg here in the US ( UG GAL, 83 OCTANE w/ 10% ETHANOL & AIR PUMP EMISSIONS)
Just purchased a 2013 Titanium Escape. I plan to trade in my 28 ft motor home and get a small travel trailer in the 2,500 lb class to pull. Having pulled trailers with a suburban in years past and knowing the stability that is achieved with that vehicle I know the Escape will have limitations. We'll see how the new rig works out. If anyone has a suggestion on lightweight travel trailers under 3K pounds I would like to hear about them.