2013 Ford Escape SEL SUV

For the 2013 model year, Ford chose to make some serious changes to the Escape. Some of the remodel features sure to come up are:

• New hands-free power lift gate
• Panoramic sunroof
• New four-wheel-drive system
• The V-6 and hybrid engine are replaced with Eco Boost four-cylinders
• Enhanced seals for the vehicle’s windows and doors
• Quieter ride with foam baffles in the fenders and pillars
• Improved chassis components

One word comes to mind when checking out the 2013 Ford Escape: stylish. This compact SUV crossover seats five and is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Outfitted with 17-inch steel wheels, this vehicle is well-equipped for any driving conditions. The upper trim levels have 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. The front-end and grille of the Escape are sporty and assertive, with an incredibly distinctive grille design and smallish rectangular headlights. The sport influence continues down the sides and doors of this SUV. Slightly scoped sides add to the visual interest, and the rear-end is solid with modern lines adding to the look. All trim levels are equipped with a roof rack as well.

Ford equipped the Escape with plenty of attractive features inside the cabin, too. There is no reason to complain about the comfortable and supportive front seats. The rear seats are nothing to sneeze at either, and tall passengers and drivers will fit just fine as the cabin has sufficient head and legroom. The dash is designed well and made with lots of high-quality materials. Drivers won’t have any trouble seeing the large gauges either. The biggest design flaw is the controls for the climate control – they are situated awkwardly in front of the gear selector. Other than that, the Escape is easy to operate and offers a variety of information and entertainment features.

As an SUV, cargo space is obviously a top concern. The Escape does a good job providing enough room in this area. With the rear seats in their normal position, the Escape offers 34.3 cubic feet of space. However, fold the seats down and the number climbs to a whopping 68.1 cubic feet of available space.

Ford certainly didn’t overlook standard safety features for the 2013 Escape. It is equipped with anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Airbags are in more than adequate supply, and are located in the front seat side, full-length side curtain, and driver knee locations.

The 2013 Ford Escape is available with a choice of three powertrains. The base model, the S, only offers the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is capable of 168 horsepower (hp) and 167 lb-ft of torque. This trim level is only available in front-wheel drive. Step up the trim level ladder to the SE and SEL versions, and you’ll find a turbocharged 1.4-liter, four-cylinder. Again, it is paired with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. Power is amped up with this powertrain, boasting 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Consumers can choose between front or all-wheel drive for these models.

Finally, if the Titanium trim level is chosen, things get even more exciting. This trim level is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, offering the more demanding driver an impressive 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

Drivers can expect decent performance from both the 2.5-liter and the 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. They struggle a little in uphill driving, but are more than capable of moving the attractive Escape where it needs to go. For true driving excitement, it’s worth it to spring for the Titanium trim level, with its powerful 2.0-liter version of the turbocharged four-cylinder.

On the road, the 2013 Ford Escape has the advantage of its solid Ford construction. Ford did an excellent job controlling the roll factor of this tall vehicle, but drivers are still likely to notice it to some degree.

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