On The Solid Ground With The Second Bestselling Ford
An already good design gets better: The new grille has active grille shutters
We all know that compact SUV’s in Canada and the USA constitute the fastest growing segment.
To the south of the border, as of the end of September, Ford sold 234,764 units trailing Honda CR-V (263.493), Toyota RAV-4 (260,380) and Nissan Rouge (241,169).(1)
In the same period, sales of compact cars in the USA dropped by 5.5.per cent (1,626,933 units sold) while sales of compact crossovers increased by 5.7 per cent.(1,894,585 units sold).(2)
If any automaker does not have a product in this segment, it is simply out-of-the game. Logically, all major players put their best efforts to compete with great products.
Ford, not surprisingly is one of the strongest players in this segment. Almost a decade ago, when Ford launched its new, product-focused strategy with Allan Mullaly, SUV’s were already strong pieces of the portfolio. With 47K units sold in 2015, the Escape is the second best-selling Ford after F-150 in Canada.
The 1.5L Ecoboost engine with direct injection and turbo charging represents the new reality: Smaller displacement and power on demand via turbo.
Sensitive drivers feel the lack of bigger engine volume, even if occasionally.
The dashboard is not all new, but refined with higher quality materials and more storage space
The instrument cluster is not overly complicated and well designed.
The current generation of Escape was introduced in 2013 not gets a face-lift as 2017 model. The already attractive design with very good proportions got a boost with the new grille with active grille shutters.The new head-and taillights also give Ford’s compact SUV a fresher look to better compete with new entrants.
The 19″ black wheels with low-profile tires give a sportier look but do not fit well to the vehicle
The trunk capacity behind second row is 964L and good for this class
What Is Better, What Is Worse
For me, the most important improvement is Sync-2, the new infotainment system which is more user-friendly and functional with capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
To be honest, 19” black wheels to not fit well to the rest of the vehicle. Not because they are not gorgeous. However, I had the impression the Escape, in its entirety does not look so sporty (despite the SE Sport Appearance Package) and these wheels look as if they are aftermarket installed.
Narrower taillights are among the design changes for the 2017 model year face-lift and give the Escape a broader stance
Conclusion:
The Escape was and is a strong and reliable choice in this highly competitive segment. And for anybody shopping around in this segment, opting for this vehicle would hardly be a mistake.
The Specifications
Type of vehicle: Compact size SUV
Engine: 1.5 liter, Ecoboost Engine, 179 hp of power, 177 lb-ft of torque, with direct injection and turbo-charging
Transmission: Six-Speed, SelectShift Automatic Transmission
Price (base/as tested): CAD 31,999 / 38.329
Destination charge: CAD 1,690
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km): city; 10.2 highway;7.8 combined; 9.1
Optional features: Equipment Group 201A: 1,550.00
(SE Convenience Package, Rear Paring Aid Sensors, Roof Side Rails, Balack Sync 3, Tonneau Cover, Power 10-Way Driver Seat, Sync Connect)
2.0L ATK IVCT Engine, CVT Transmission & P225/50R17 Tires and are standard
Optional Equipment Other:
Power Liftgate: 500.00; Twin-Panel Moonroof: 1,750.00; All-Waether Floor Mats: 150.00; Voice-Activated touch-Screen Navigation:: 800.00; SE Sport Appearance Package: 1,500
Total Other Options: 7.050.00
Destination & Delivery: 1,600
Total Price as Tested: 38,139.00
(1), (2): Automotive News
Article: Varol McKars
Pictures: Varol McKars, Basak McKars
Test vehicle was provided by Ford Canada (via BHG Media Fleet)
For the most up-to-date and more detailed information, visit:
www.Ford.ca
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