2017 Ford Escape Trend 1.5l EcoBoost 2WD Review | Loaded With Features, But Short On Driver Appeal
Ford has been strangely quiet about its newest SUV, the Escape - although ‘new’ might be overstating things a little. The 2017 Ford Escape is really an updated version of the previous Kuga, but it’s an important model for the brand and one that deserves a bigger push to help get the word out.
The Escape can be identified by new, more chunky front and rear styling making it look more like an SUV and less like a tall hatchback, something that will no doubt help it grab attention in a crowded medium SUV marketplace.
The Escape also comes with a range of turbocharged engines, giving it an edge over some of the underwhelming powertrains in competitor products, plus Ford’s Sync infotainment system for up-to-the-minute connectivity is another big plus for modern active families.
Vehicle Style: Medium SUV
Price: $32,990 plus on-road costs
Engine/trans: 134kW/240Nn 1.5-litre turbo petrol | 6sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 7.2 l/100km | Tested: 9.8 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The mid-grade Escape Trend is bookended by the base model Ambiente and top-spec Titanium and as a reflection of the SUV segment’s growing diversity Ford offers the Trend with front wheel drive for the first time, which is the variant tested here.
The two-wheel drive version runs a 134kW 1.5 litre turbo engine, but if you decide all-wheel drive is for you there’s a choice of either the 178kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol or 138kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel.