Ford Escape 2017 Review
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2017 Ford Escape Review: A Practical Compact Crossover
Introduction
Compact Crossovers have dominated the market for several years, proving to be cost-effective options for small families in and around the UAE. The Ford Escape has maintained its relevance and popularity since its launch in 2001. Competing against models like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan X-Trail, the Escape stands out due to its affordability, practicality, and everyday usability.
Exterior
The Escape’s mid-cycle refresh features subtle aesthetic changes including:
- Ford's twin-slat hexagonal grille
- Eye-catching lower bumper garnish
- Redesigned head and tail lamps for a more aggressive stance
While it shares design cues with the Ford Focus, the Escape opts for a conventional approach, lacking the ruggedness seen in its Japanese and Korean rivals.
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Interior
The interior of the Ford Escape is designed with functionality in mind, featuring:
- A well laid out cabin with an emphasis on function over form
- A redesigned center console and premium feel steering wheel
- Increased knee-room for front passengers
However, rear passengers may find legroom and cargo space to be less than that of the segment-leading Honda CR-V.
Safety & Features
The Ford Escape features the all-new SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes:
- Smartphone-like swipe and pinch to zoom functionality
- Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Panoramic roof and foot-activated tailgate
- Cruise control and inbuilt speed limiter
Safety features are impressive, including:
- Seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Auto stop-start for improved fuel efficiency
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Drive
The 2017 Ford Escape features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces:
- 239 horsepower
- 366 Nm of torque
This engine allows the Escape to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds, achieving a top speed of 200 km/h. On highways, the Escape impresses with:
- An average fuel economy of 12.1 kilometers per liter
- Comparable efficiency to vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Cruze
Additionally, the full-time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system enhances performance by:
- Monitoring grip on each tire up to six times per second
- Automatically directing power to each wheel to prevent over-and-under steer
Verdict
The Ford Escape is an affordable, practical, and enjoyable crossover well-suited for modern families. Given its offerings and competitive pricing, it stands as a strong contender against Japanese and Korean rivals.
Pros:
- Phenomenal value for money
- Powerful and fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine
- Advanced technology features onboard
Cons:
- Stability on highways could be improved
- Material quality needs enhancement
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