After years of loyal service, the Ford Escape will be treated to some much needed pampering for 2013. On the roster: the addition of an EcoBoost engine and the retirement of the V6 mill and hybrid version.
Physically, the SUV will look similar to the Vertrek concept unveiled in Detroit last year.
Buyers will have a choice of three four-cylinder engines in all. The base Escape will be powered by a 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated powerplant, while the higher end versions will feature a 1.6- or 2.0-litre engine with direct injection and a turbocharger.
The latter will be replacing the V6 and can also be found in the Edge and Explorer crossovers, where it puts down 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm.
The 1.6-litre should generate a little over 175 hp and 170 lb-ft.
So we can expect this Escape to be much more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.
Hybrid put to rest
Ford decided to retire the Escape Hybrid and keep the powertrain for the upcoming C-Max Hybrid.
A company spokesperson said the shape of the C-Max is “more conducive to a hybrid powertrain”.
The SUV will land in dealerships in early 2012 as a 2013 model year and be assembled at Ford’s Louisville, Kentucky, plant.
