2017 Ford Escape – Albany, NY

One of the biggest draws for any driver to a particular vehicle is its performance. Drivers praise the new 2017 Ford Escape for its quick and responsive steering and well-designed body control for driving on twisty roads. New this year for the refreshed 2017 Ford Escape is its powerful EcoBoost engine in three levels: the base S trim starts with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 168 horsepower and 170 pounds-feet of torque, a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; upgrading to the SE adds a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine providing 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with 179 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque. At the top of the line, the Titanium is equipped with the same engine as the SE trim. Optional on the SE is a more powerful, larger top-of-the-line 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This engine produces 245 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque. Drivers will be pleased with its fast 0-60 mph time of a speedy 6.5 seconds.

Of course, one of the prime indicators of a popular vehicle is its safety technology. The 2017 Ford Escape does not disappoint. It offers a wide variety of crash prevention and safety technology, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision alert warning that primes the brakes if an emergency stop is needed. During routine driving, its new powerful braking system using auto start-stop technology lets the turbocharged engine shut down when the driver comes to a complete stop.

You’ll also appreciate its lane-keeping system that alerts you to unintentional lane drift and helps to steer you back into your lane. Finally, the blind-spot information system with cross traffic alert uses radar to identify vehicles in your blind spot and indicates their presence to you with a mirror-mounted light. Blind spot mirrors also alert you to crossing traffic as you back out of a parking spot or driveway. Parents who have teenage drivers will feel more at ease letting their offspring drive the 2017 Ford Escape. That’s because it is equipped with the Escape’s MyKey system to prevent their children from speeding and driving irresponsibly.

As for the all important safety ratings, the NHTSA has rated the 2017 Ford Escape with an overall five-star rating (out of a possible five stars).

Driving the popularity of the 2017 Ford Escape is its host of technology advancements. It all depends on which trim level you choose. The S is Ford’s base model but you’ll be pleasantly surprised with its rearview camera, Bluetooth, Sync 3 tech interface and smartphone integration. If you move up to the SE, you’ll be rewarded with a new engine, nicer wheels, a power-adjustable driver seat and more available options. The top-of-the-line Titanium trim adds luxurious features, such as xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, a heated steering wheel, lane departure warning and intervention, and an automated parallel and perpendicular parking feature (which includes front and side parking sensors), a hands-free power liftgate, and ambient cabin lighting. But let’s delve a little deeper.

Prospective drivers are intrigued with its technology options. The 2017 model offers such goodies as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Ford’s new Sync 3 voice recognition and communication infotainment system loaded with apps. The new Sync 3 includes clear touchscreen graphics, quick response time, and easily navigable menus. There’s even a SYNC Connect app that allows you to lock, unlock, and start (when equipped with remote start) the Escape crossover using a smartphone app. By being equipped with the new auto start-stop technology, the Escape saves gas, engine wear, and the environment. The apps also monitor the Escape’s health and will even help you find parking.

If you’re taking the Escape on a trip, you’ll appreciate its voice-activated navigation system and new adaptive cruise control. To make your long distance drive even more appealing, Ford designers have added new switches on the automatic climate controls of SE and Titanium models to make the system easier to adjust. Need a map? The Sync 3 includes a pinch-to-zoom map feature on the 8.0-inch touchscreen.

For busy parents who are loading the trunks with their hands full, the foot-activated foot sensor power tailgate makes loading sports equipment, luggage, and groceries easy.