Ford Escape - Third Generation (2013)

Third Generation (2013)

The all-new 2013 Ford Escape was revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It shares the same basic platform as the all-new 2012 Ford Focus. Most of its styling derives from the Ford Kuga, which is sold in Europe and Asia. Two EcoBoost inline four-cylinder turbocharged engines will be offered. The basic engine is a 2.5L naturally-aspirated I4. The new Escape is the first Ford vehicle to offer a new 1.6-liter unit, soon to be available in the Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, and possibly the Ford Fiesta. In the process of revamping the Escape's engine lineup, both the Hybrid model with its 2.5-liter Atkinson powertrain and the 3.0-liter V6 engine will be dropped. Ford claims that the fuel economy of the new 1.6L EcoBoost engine will match that of the current Ford Escape Hybrid, while the new 2.0-liter engine produces more horsepower than the current V6 unit. The transmission is a six-speed automatic.

Also new for the 2013 model year is MyFord Touch, which is currently available on many Ford vehicles. The newest software version of the MyFord Touch System will offer an all-new UI and additional features.

Another new feature is the optional hands-free liftgate. A person carrying the keyless entry transmitter can raise their foot under the rear bumper of the Escape to remotely open the tailgate. This feature will also be available on the Ford C-Max Hybrid later in the year, and was introduced on that vehicle in Europe. The Ford C-Max Hybrid will replace the Escape's hybrid model.

Eco-friendly seat fabrics are standard on lower trim levels, as well as the vehicle's carpeting being mostly constructed from recycled plastic water bottles. This allows the new Escape to be mostly recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

The new Escape will be offered with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive options, and will be offered in the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trim levels. The 2013 Ford Escape production began April 11. The production of the 2012 Ford Escape ended on April 28, 2012, overlapping slightly in production with the 2013 model due to plant issues, with limited availability of the 2012 model year Ford Escape vehicles being available at Ford showrooms. As of mid-May 2012, the third generation Escape is available at most dealerships across the U.S. and will be introduced in Canada starting June.

In 2012, about 3,500 Ford Escape were damaged in a hail storm on April 28 in Louisville KY while they awaited shipment to dealers. Ford prepares a launch to dealers in June.