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Ford might be getting serious about selling cars other than the Ranger. The 2017 Escape is charged with scoring some runs for Ford in the very competitive medium SUV category.

 

At present, the Mazda CX-5 continues to set the pace, with the Hyundai Tucson not too far behind.

 

The new Escape will need to do better than the Kuga it replaces. Aside from the name change, specifications have been updated along with a small reduction in price.

 

There are refreshed exterior and interior designs along with more technology. SYNC 3 is standard across the range and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

The Escape range has also been bolstered by the addition of a front-wheel drive Trend model. Ford believes this model is an important inclusion that will get customers into Ford showrooms.

 

“Offering a front-wheel drive Escape Trend is significant news for consumers looking for value,” said Graeme Whickman, Ford Australia President and CEO. “If you look where consumers are purchasing, in this hotly-contested segment, the biggest volume is in mid-level, front-drive models. Now, with a front-drive Trend, we’ve significantly broadened the appeal for Escape, something we’ve learnt from consumers both directly and through engaging with our dealer network.”

 

Pleasingly, the Escape has plenty of safety kit and has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

 

 

 

1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6-speed manual $28,490

1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6-speed automatic $29,990

1.5L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic $32,990

 

- SYNC® 3 with 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

- Embedded satellite navigation with Traffic Message Centre (TMC)

- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents

- AM/FM/DAB+ radio, six-speaker audio with USB input, Bluetooth streaming

- Reverse Camera and rear parking sensors

- Cruise Control with speed limiter

- Daytime running lights

- Push-button start

- Front and rear fog lamps

- Electronic Parking Brake

- SYNC® Emergency Assist

- Ford MyKey

 

 

1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6-speed automatic $32,990

2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic $35,990

2.0L TDCi AWD 6-speed automatic $38,490

 

 

- 18-inch alloy wheels

- Roof rails in silver finish

- Privacy Glass

- Laminated front side windows

- Automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers

- Automatic-dimming rear-vision mirror

- Automatic on/off headlights

- Follow-me-home lighting

- Leather-wrap gear lever

 

 

- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Driver Alert

- Lane Keeping Assist

- Auto High Beam

- Autonomous Emergency Braking up to 50km/h (previously up to 30km/h)

- Adaptive Cruise with Forward Alert and Enhanced Collision Mitigation

- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (rear-cross traffic alert is new)

- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

 

 

2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic $44,990

2.0L TDCi AWD 6-speed automatic $47,490

 

 

- 19-inch alloy wheels

- Smart Keyless Entry

- Power folding mirrors with approach light Bi-Xenon HID headlights with auto levelling

- LED daytime running lights

- Adaptive Beam Shape and Dynamic bending headlights

- Leather accented seat trim

- Heated front-seating

- 10-way power-adjustable Driver’s seat- Front parking sensors

- Enhanced Active Park Assist - Panoramic glass roof

- Front and rear velour floor mats

- Hands-free power tailgate

- Multi-colour ambient lighting

- LED taillights

- Premium Sony nine-speaker audio system

 

 

- Hands-free power tailgate with Open Sesame

- Smart keyless entry with push button start

 

 

- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Driver Alert

- Lane Keeping Assist

- Auto High Beam

- Autonomous Emergency Braking up to 50km/h (previously up to 30km/h)

- Adaptive Cruise with Forward Alert and Enhanced Collision Mitigation

- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (rear-cross traffic alert is new)

- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

 

Let’s start a Car Conversation, is the 2017 Escape capable of taking a significant slice of the medium SUV market?