The new Ford Escape will join the Australian lineup in 2017, coming in as the replacement for the current Kuga as part of Ford’s global naming structure.
Ford Australia confirms the new model will be offered with a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 134kW and 240Nm (110kW when equipped with six-speed manual). With front-wheel drive, the new variant brings the overall entry price down to $28,490.
Buyers will also be offered a 2.0-litre turbo producing 178kW and 345Nm, or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel generating 132kW and 400Nm. Both these engines will only be available with the six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive.
Coinciding with the model name change, the 2017 Escape introduces a styling refresh with unique headlights and front end trimmings, a trapezoidal two-bar grille, along with new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel options for the Trend and Titanium variants.
All models will also come with Ford’s latest SYNC 3 connectivity system. It’s capable of recognising voice commands like “I need a coffee”, while also incorporating an 8.0-inch LCD touch-screen system which, according to Ford, is the largest in the class. See below for starting prices (excludes on-roads) and highlight features for each variant confirmed for Australia.
New Ford Escape Ambiente
1.5L FWD 6-speed manual MLP $28,490
1.5L FWD 6-speed automatic MLP $29,990
1.5L AWD 6-speed automatic MLP $32,990
Standard Features
- SYNC 3 with 8.0-inch capacitive touch-screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto#
- Embedded satellite-navigation with Traffic Management Control (TMC)
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- AM/FM/DAB+ radio, six-speaker audio with USB input, Bluetooth streaming
- Reverse Camera and rear parking sensors
- Cruise Control with speed limiter
- Daytime running-lights
- Push-button start
- Front and rear fog-lamps
- Electronic Parking Brake
- SYNC Emergency Assist
- Ford MyKey
New Ford Escape Trend
1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6-speed automatic MLP $32,990
2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic MLP $35,990
2.0L TDCi AWD 6-speed automatic MLP $38,490
Standard Features
As per Ambiente, plus:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Roof-rails in silver finish
- Privacy Glass
- Automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers
- Automatic-dimming rear-vision mirror
- Automatic on/off headlights
- Follow-me home lighting
- Leather-wrap gear lever
New Ford Escape Titanium
2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic MLP $44,990
2.0L TDCi AWD 6-speed automatic MLP $47,490
Standard Features
As per Trend, plus:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Smart Keyless Entry
- Power folding mirrors with approach light Bi-Xenon HID headlights with auto levelling
- LED Daytime-running lights
- Adaptive Beam Shape and Dynamic bending headlights
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front-seating
- 10-way power-adjustable Driver’s seat
- Front parking sensors
- Enhanced Active Park Assist
- Panoramic glass roof
- Front and rear velour floor mats
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Multi-colour ambient lighting
- LED taillights
- Nine-speaker audio
