All-new Ford Escape provides more towing power than competition with lean yet strong EcoBoost engine

Packing 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, the optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine enables the all-new 2013 Ford Escape to tow 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) - best in class among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine
delivers the ultimate combination of performance, fuel economy and capability that SUV customers with active lifestyles need in today’s environment of record high fuel prices.

The next closest competitor, the Volkswagen Tiguan, has a tow rating of just 998 kg (2,200 lbs), while turbocharged versions of the Kia Sportage and Acura RDX have tow ratings of 907 kg (2,000 lbs) and 680 kg (1,500 lbs) respectively.

The Escape’s greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jets skis or a snowmobile, and the trailer they ride on. The ability to carry greater loads will save Escape drivers both time and fuel by reducing the number of trips. Travel is also made safer with class exclusive trailer sway control among turbocharged four-cylinder small SUVs.

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine replaces the 3.0-litre V6 in the current Escape with no loss of performance and with fuel economy to be better than the 10.9 L/100km city and the 8.0 L/100km highway in today’s Escape.

“Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, Powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape. “These inherent efficiencies are improved with the EcoBoost technology of direct fuel injection and turbocharging,” he added.

The all new Escape will be available with a choice of three four-cylinder engines. In addition to the 2.0-litre EcoBoost, Escape will also be available with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 177 hp and a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder that cranks out 171 hp. All three engines are mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. The all new Escape also features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) which also saves fuel.

The EcoBoost difference
EcoBoost has been a popular choice among customers since the EcoBoost V6 was introduced in 2009 in the Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS. Last year, Ford sold more than 127,000 EcoBoost equipped vehicles.

Using some of the same technologies found in diesel engines, EcoBoost can improve fuel economy by as much as 20 per cent over the larger, conventional engines they replace. This year, Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine technology to not only the Escape, but also the Fusion.

These engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By next year, more than 90 per cent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford holds more than 125 patents on this engine technology.

The all-new Escape comes to dealerships later this spring. The current Escape is the best-selling sport utility in the United States.

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