Road Test: 2017 Ford Escape Titanium

Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Ford

Specifications:

Price: $44,239 (as tested)

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve Inline-4

Trans: 6-speed auto

Power: 245 hp@ 5,500 rpm

Torque: 275 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,840 lbs./ 1,742 kg

Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 11.5/8.7

New for 2017: The Ford Escape underwent a facelift for 2017 which included a revised front grille and headlights setup, plus a sharper rear end design. Additionally a new 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the 1.6L turbo and comes standard on SE and Titanium models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are also added as are new safety features.

Segment Competitors: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, GMC Terrain, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equinox, Volkswagen Tiguan, Jeep Cherokee, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mitsubishi Outlander

The Skinny: The Ford Escape has been one of the top sellers in the ultra-competitive compact-crossover segment and is the best-selling Ford this side of the always popular F-Series trucks. During my testing of the top-of-the-line Titanium version with the optional 2.0L turbocharged engine, I found it very easy to see why. The new looks are a huge improvement over the previous years, the comfortable interior has plenty of room and is easy to figure out, and with the added performance that comes with the 2.0L engine I found that the Escape handled every driving situation with ease.

Pros: Really like Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with the Apple CarPlay, and was thoroughly impressed with the acceleration from the 2.0 turbocharged engine.

Cons: Only issue I can think of would be it can get fairly pricey when you get the Titanium and start adding options.

The Verdict: Many would be surprised to find out that the Escape is the best-selling, non F-Series Ford model however if you were to spend some time behind the wheel, the reasons why would become clearer. The Escape is just about everything you’d want a compact-crossover to be; good looking, easy and fun to drive and big enough to haul around people or cargo, but small enough to easily maneuver big city settings. Once you tally all of these things up it’s hard to see any way the Ford Escape will not continue to be in the upper echelon of its segment.