The Restyled 2017 Ford Escape Debuted in Los Angeles

2017 Ford Escape (Credit: © Ford)

The Los Angeles Auto Show is already in the books, and there were plenty of great reveals at the show. One model that was well overdue for a restyling and got it in L.A. was the Ford Escape. This revamped version of Ford’s small crossover not only gains a new look, but it also gets a pair of new engines.

Overall, the outward appearance of the Escape carries over unchanged, except the front end. Up here, you’ll find an all-new look that includes a hexagonal grille like on the new Edge, revised headlights, new fog lights and surrounds, a new lower air intake, and a new hood. This updated look removes some of the sportiness the Escape had gained over the years and gives it a more classic crossover look. This new-look SUV also gains three new colors — Canyon Ridge, White Gold, and Lightning Blue – and six new wheel designs.

The updates are not only limited to the outside, as the interior also got a few modifications for the 2017 model year. These include a repositioned gear shifter to give better access to the climate-control interface, a new storage cubby under the center stack, new cup holders, a longer driver-side armrest, and a push-button parking brake. An optional heated steering wheel also joins the Escape for 2017.

2017 Ford Escape (Credit: © Ford)

Under its hood, the 2017 Escape carries on with its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. In the SE and Titanium trim levels, the Escape gains a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is estimated at 180 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the Titanium trim is a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant with 240 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.

Both of the new turbocharged EcoBoost engines feature auto start and stop, which extends fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic by four to six percent.

Towing is not the Escape’s forte, but it also doesn’t run away screaming if its owner tries installing a trailer hitch. The base model can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while models with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost can tug around 2,000 pounds and those with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost can haul 3,500 pounds.

Ford hasn’t announce pricing details of a release date for the 2017 Escape, but those should come soon, so stay tuned.