2016 FORD Escape 2.0L EcoBoost 6AT AWD (245 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Ford introduced the third generation of the Escape nameplate on the American market in 2011 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and, in 2016, it improved it.

While the previous two generations were developed together with Mazda, the third iteration of the Escape nameplate had nothing to do with the Japanese carmaker. Actually, it was a rebadged European Ford Kuga, built on top of a Ford C1 Platform shared with the Focus and other Volvo/Mazda products.

For the facelifted version, Ford went all in and completely changed the front fascia. The 2016 model featured the chromed three-slat grille with a hexagonal shape. Also, the lower bumper received new fog lights in the side clusters mounted above the daytime running lights. At the back, there was a new tailgate and a redesigned set of taillights.

Inside, at first sight, it was a game of “spot the difference” challenge. The dashboard looked the same, albeit there was a new steering wheel and a revolutionary infotainment system named Sync3. The Escape was the first to receive this equipment that allowed users to connect to their cars via an app on their smartphones. They could unlock it, start the engine, and check the vehicle’s status. Moreover, they could find it easier in a parking lot.

Under the hood, Ford introduced two new turbocharged engines that offered 179 hp and 245 hp, respectively. Besides these, there was also a 2.5-liter inline-four that Ford offered for the lowest-priced Escape.