Compare 2017 Ford Escape vs 2016 Escape

2017 Ford Escape vs 2016 Ford Escape

Serving Waxahachie, TX, Dallas, and Red Oak

The Ford Escape is a compact sports utility vehicle that was first released in 2000. Now in its third generation, the 2017 Ford Escape has several new mechanical and technological features making buyers wonder how it stacks up against its 2016 predecessor. Below is an assessment of specifications and features of both the 2016 and 2017 Escape.

Design

The 2017 model is easily identified by its rugged and angular cosmetic differences, that provide more of an SUV-like look. Firstly, it has a grill that is larger than its predecessor, that contains two horizontal bars within a hexagonal border. The fog lights are now housed in similar yet smaller hexagonal frames and are stationed off-center, laterally and upwards. This in combination with the larger headlights, and taillights, make for a wider looking stance. Also, three exciting new colors were also introduced: lightning blue, Canyon Ridge, and White Gold. The gear shifter was thoughtfully moved from the center of the 2016 model, to the left of the console in the 2017 model, moving it closer to the driver and making room for a new electronic parking brake and storage space. The steering wheel has also been further refined from the 2016 model, making the portion that houses the airbag more linear at 10 and 2 for better visibility of the instrument cluster.

Convenience & Safety

The SYNC 3 informational and entertainment interface makes life easier with voice recognition, simplified graphical user interface, and larger LCD touch screen. Sync Connect allows you to unlock or lock your vehicle, track your vehicle location, and start your vehicle remotely. The Sync Connect smartphone app also provides information such as fuel level and service appointments. A couple features maximize performance handling, including a Curve Control and Torque Vectoring Control, as well as AdvanceTrac® with Roll and Stability Control. Two features new to the 2017 model are the Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision warning with Brake Support, and the Lane Keeping System which rely on the sensor added below the grill and a camera added to the windshield.

Performance & Fuel Economy

In the 2017 model, the 1.6L EcoBoost I-4 engine was replaced with a 1.5L EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop engine. This new engine has more torque and horsepower, 185 ft-lbs and 180 hp. The 2017 SE and Titanium submodels with this engine, have a 23 city to 30 highway miles per gallon front wheel drive, and 22 city to 28 highway miles per gallon* four-wheel drive. This is similar to the 23 city and 32 highway miles per gallon* front wheel drive, and 22 city and 29 highway miles per gallon four-wheel drive in the 2016 models.

The 2017 Escape has an optional 2.0L Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine, which also comes with Auto Start-Stop, has a front wheel drive fuel economy of 22 city and 29 highway miles per gallon, and four-wheel drive rating of 20 city and 23 highway miles per gallon. This engine puts out 245 horsepower and a solid 275 ft-lbs of torque; with the Class II Towing Package, this escape to can tow 3500 lbs. The 2016 2.0L EcoBoost Ti-VCT GDTI I-4, which can likewise tow 3500 lbs with the special towing package, puts out 5 less horsepower and 5 less foot-pounds of torque, though it may allow a slightly better fuel economy.

The 2017 Escape S has a 2.5L iVCT engine that gets 21 city miles per gallon and 29 highway miles per gallon, similar to the 2016 Escape S with a 2.5L i-VCT I-4 that gets 22 city and 31 highway miles per gallon. Minor differences aside, all engines of the 2016 and 2017 models work with a 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic.