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 kilograms (2,200 lbs), while turbocharged versions of the Kia
Sportage and Acura RDX have tow ratings of 907 kilograms (2,000 lbs)
and 680 kilograms (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.”
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
horsepower and a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder that cranks
out 171 horsepower. All three engines are mated to a fuel-saving
six-speed automatic transmission. The all new Escape also
features EPAS – electric power-assisted steering – 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 percent 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.