Steve and Johnnie Road Test: 2017 Ford Escape Titanium
Along with a host of styling updates, the 2017 Escape benefits from a number of updates inside the cabin and under the hood.
In addition to a complement of new safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, and lane-departure warning, the ’17 Escape comes with Sync 3—the latest generation of Ford’s connectivity interface–and an all-new Sync Command remote-access system.
Per Ford, Sync 3 promises enhanced voice recognition along with simpler voice-command menus and more-intuitive screen graphics.
The available Sync Command allows Escape owners to access their vehicles remotely, allowing them to lock and unlock doors; locate the vehicle in a parking lot; and check tire pressure, fuel level, and even battery condition—all via their smartphone.
Under the hood, the popular 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is replaced by a new 1.5-liter unit, which Ford promises will be both more powerful and more efficient. Also new is the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which replaces a same-displacement EcoBoost mill. The new 2.0-liter engine is preliminarily rated at 245 horsepower, up 5 over the engine it replaces. The base 2.5-liter engine returns unchanged.
Also new for 2017 is a Sport Appearance Package on top-line SE and Titanium models.
CG Says:
We’ve always appreciated the Ford Escape, daunted only by the often-balky Sync/MyFordTouch interface systems and steep pricing on options and upper trim levels. Any improvements to the Sync systems will improve our opinion of this otherwise likable—though slightly pricy—compact crossover.
