Ford Escape review - Roadshow. Major changes to chassis and sheet metal used to signal a new generation of a particular model, but Ford's 2. Escape feels like a whole new car with just engine and tech changes. Much of its structure carries over from the previous model year, but redesigns for grille and interior, engine upgrades, driver assistance systems and new connected technology adds up to more than a simple refreshed model. Let's start in the engine bay. Last year's base 2. Ecoboost engines persist.

The larger engine is good for 1. The 2. 0- liter turbo gets a 5 horsepower boost, to 2.

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Those are pretty big numbers for a small SUV, and something to consider if you frequently fill all the seats, carry cargo and pull a trailer. Pint- size power: New 1. L Ecoboost engine In the middle is the new 1.

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Ecoboost option: a tiny, turbocharged four- cylinder engine mated to a six- speed automatic transmission in either front- wheel drive or on- demand all- wheel drive configurations. Even for a small SUV, that's a pint- size power plant, but with 1.

Ford's and the Toyota RAV- 4's 2. At 2. 4 combined mpg (2. I tested, sure, the 1. Ecoboost the most efficient Escape model in Ford's the lineup, but only just barely. Mazda's CX- 5, the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR- V all best it across the board with their naturally- aspirated, 2.

AWD configurations. In its favor, the smaller Ecoboost engine is a pretty good powertrain, delivering decent performance around town and on the highway. It's amazing how, after a few miles behind the wheel, the novelty of the small engine wore off quickly and I was able to just appreciate its solid, lag- free power delivery. To help save fuel, Ford implements idle- stop on the new Escape, which shuts down the engine at stop lights.

When editor Wayne Cunningham tested the Escape earlier this year, his highest praise for this feature was that he didn't even register it happening, as the car quietly brought the engine back to life when he lifted a foot from the brake. Light off- road testing During an extended, light off- roading session at California's Hollister State Vehicular Recreation Area, I was also able to appreciate the engine's ability to smoothly deliver consistent torque and the all- wheel drive system's eagerness to shuffle power from front to rear to pull the Escape over rough terrain and up some genuinely steep inclines lined with loose sand. My SE model's $1,2.

Sport Appearance package 1. A sport mode for the transmission and paddle shifter helped with on- road performance, allowing me to bypass some of the six- speed automatic transmission's tendency to find itself in too tall a gear, but ultimately this is neither a sports car or a true off- roader, so I found myself grateful and impressed by the Escape's modest abilities in either of these areas. Sync 3 with Car. Play, Android Auto My example also came equipped with a SE Technology Package, a $1,3. Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system with apps, along with some rudimentary safety tech. Sync 3 is a pretty good get for the Escape. I'd say it's a must- have option that's streets ahead of the old My. Hd Quality Rebel In The Rye (2017) Watch. Ford Touch setup.

The built- in interface is quick to respond to inputs, like typing an address without stopping between each letter press, and the visuals are crisply rendered. The onboard navigation (a $7. Romantic Movies 2009 A Family Man (2017). Sync 3) also works well with features like traffic data and voice commands that don't suck.