2012 FORD Escape 2.5L Duratec 6AT FWD (168 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The third generation of the Escape was a big departure from its previous model. It was a global car since it had the same shape in Europe, but with a different name. It was also known as the Kuga.

While the first generation of the Escape was like a pile of boxes on top of each other, the second generation featured a sleek design, with long and curved lines. The car was a true small cross-over with a footprint similar to a Ford Focus.

The car was designed in Europe, but it was successful in the U.S. as well. The front fascia featured angled headlights and an aerodynamically enhanced front bumper. The car was 10 percent more aerodynamic than the previous generation. Unlike the other two older versions, which were made together with Mazda, the 2017 model was 100% Ford.

Inside, the new generation of the MyFord Touch was installed. It featured a color screen on top of the center stack and the control buttons were right in front of it. As an option, a Sony premium sound system was on the list. The front seats offered good comfort and some side support due to its bolsters. In the back, there was room for three adults.

Unlike its European brother, it wasn’t fitted with diesel engines. It didn’t feature a V6 or a hybrid version as the second generation of the Escape. But it was fitted with the latest EcoBoost 1.6-liter engine, which was more fuel-efficient than the hybrid and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost that was more powerful than the V6. The base model featured a 2.5-liter inline-four. All versions were mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The automatic all-wheel-drive system transferred the torque from front to rear and from left to right wheels, according to the traction level.