FORD CANADA - The new Ford Escape is certified by the Transport Canada as the most fuel-efficient small SUV with an automatic transmission. The Escape's 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine is certified at 6.0 L/ 100 km – 15% better than the Honda CR-V and 13% better than Toyota RAV4.
All three engines in the new Escape are certified at 6.9 L / 100 km or better on the highway. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost, certified at 6.9 L / 100 km on the highway, beats the Toyota RAV4 and the Chevrolet Equinox.
"The fuel economy of the all-new Escape showcases the continued success of Ford's development of smaller, yet more powerful engines," said Raj Nair, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. "Ford understands people want fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing power and space requirements."
Escape's 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine – offered for the first time in North America – delivers 6.0 L / 100 km highway and 9.1 L / 100 km city and produces 178 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, topping the Mazda CX-5 by more than 20 horsepower and 30 lb.-ft. of torque.
Those looking for maximum power coupled with solid fuel efficiency can opt for the 2.0-litre EcoBoost with 6.9 L / 100 km on the highway and 9.8 L / 100 km in the city. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. It is also rated at 3,500 pounds (1,500 kilograms) towing, which leads the pack for small, turbocharged SUVs.
The Escape's 2.5-litre offers 6.3 L / 100 km on the highway – an 11% improvement over the outgoing standard engine – and 9.5 L/ 100 km in the city.
EcoBoost engines are standard in the SE, SEL and Titanium editions. The SE model come with the 1.6-litre standard and the SEL and Titanium models come with the 2.0-litre. The 2.5-litre is available in the S edition.
With EPA certification, Escape is the latest vehicle to join Ford's fuel-efficient lineup.
Top fuel economy and performance
EcoBoost engines are at the core of Ford's plan to offer outstanding fuel efficiency for millions of drivers. By 2013, more than 90 per cent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford also holds more than 125 patents on EcoBoost engine technology.
Both new Escape engines combine EcoBoost's core technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging and add twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver even better miles per gallon and save customers money on fuel.
In Escape, EcoBoost engines are mated to specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmissions, which are standard. Drivers who want more hands-on experiences can manually control gear selection from a switch on the left-hand side of the shifter.
Improved aerodynamics
Fuel efficiency in Escape is helped by a new Active Grille Shutter System. Positioned between the grille opening and radiator, the shutter is monitored by the engine control module. The grille automatically opens and closes to maintain ideal operating temperature and optimize aerodynamics.
The new Escape arrives in Canadian dealerships in May. In addition to class-leading fuel efficiency, Escape features a liftgate with motion-sensing technology similar to video games and an upgraded MyFord Touch system that makes connecting with digital devices even easier.
The Escape is built at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky.