Our spy photographers have captured what appears to be the next generation of Ford Escape. 
Though it wears thick camouflage and polka dot wrapping, several details are visible, including its updated front grille and new rear taillights.
A quick glance behind the coverings will reveal a grille that takes heavy cues from the newly revised 2015 Ford Edge. The new corporate look gives the Escape a more modern, grown-up style that lends a more premium feel to its appearance.
The crossover still rides on a compact platform with two rows and seating for five. Ford’s efforts to keep the interior under wraps were successful as there are no clear shots of the updated dashboard.
We can expect Ford to debut the new Escape in the first quarter of 2016 – likely at the Detroit Auto Show in January. That will slot the new Escape for the 2017 model year and will begin hitting dealer showrooms by late 2016.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Ford Escape.
Spy Shots
May 18, 2015 – First testing session
Exterior
Here we see the Escape’s new six-sided grille borrowed from the updated Edge and current Fusion sedan. Within the grille lies two horizontal bars that hold the blue oval. Flanking the grille are updated HID headlights with LED daytime running lights. The lights’ design feature a few sharp angles as evidenced by the angular side marker visible in the front three-quarter view.
Down low, the bumper features a large center cut-out with what looks like two smaller openings on either side. Fog light indentions appear below the headlights but are covered in the camo wrapping. Despite the camo, front parking sensors are clearly visible as are low-mounted air deflectors for the front wheels.
Around the side, the Escape looks rather similar to the current model. The strong belt line runs under the windows and kinks upward at the D-pillar. Below that, a hard accent line runs through the door handles, giving the crossover a wider appearance. Lastly, a kink in the doors near the rocker panel brings the SUVs visual weight down low.
Out back, the updated rear end features new taillights. The new units are hard to see in these spy shots, but the center-mounted reverse lights seem to protrude from the lighting structure. The whole unit blends from the side of the quarter panel onto the liftgate. The familiar license plate surround returns, helping the Escape keeps its recognizable identity. Down low, dual exhaust tips peek from under the bumper as does a two-inch trailer hitch receiver.
Interior
2015 Escape shown
The spy photographers were unable to snap shots of the 2017 Escape’s interior. Nevertheless, we suspect Ford will have a heavily revised version of the crossover’s current theme. Expect an updated version of the SYNC infotainment system, along with updated materials across the dash.
Ford’s current sedan and crossover interior design still looks fresh, though it could use some minor updates to stay relevant. Once there is more to report, we’ll update this section.
Drivetrain
Rumors suggest Ford will be phasing out the Escape’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost in favor of the new 1.5-liter EcoBoost that debuted in the 2014 Fusion. In that application, the turbocharged mill makes 181 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Those output numbers are three horsepower and one pound-feet of torque more than the current 1.6-liter EcoBoost. Reports from of the new 1.5-liter EcoBoost say the engine feels a bit peppier, but its peak output occurs higher in the rpm band, necessitating a generous jab of the throttle to get moving.
Despite the new engine, Ford will likely stick with its six-speed automatic transmission. That slush box will also come pated to the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost expected to remain in the Escape lineup. Currently, the larger EcoBoost makes 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Those who might discount the 2.0-liter EcoBoost’s effectiveness should consider the engine is not only used in several Ford products, but is also found in both Volvo sedan and the Range Rover Evoque.
As before, the Escape will come standard with front-wheel-drive while AWD will be an optional extra.
Prices
Ford isn’t likely to jack the price too high with the updates. The current Escape starts at $22,960 and tops out just over $30,000. At most, Ford might tack on another $500 to $900 to the base MSRP of each trim level.
Speaking of trim levels, the Escape should continue with the same three trim packages: S, SE, and Titanium.
*Prices for 2015 models
Competition
Honda CR-V
Like the Escape, the CR-V got its last major design updates in 2012, though for the Honda , 2015 brought a mid-cycle refresh. The newest rounds of updates bring a far-funkier front clip with an interesting new design featuring a grille the flows into the headlights. Like in years past, the CR-V maintains its impressive approach angle and tall greenhouse. Likewise, the interior for 2015 has been revamped to include upscale materials and better ergonomics.
The drivetrain also got a welcomed refresh for 2015. A new 2.4-liter four-cylinder featuring Honda’s “Earth Dreams” technology puts out 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Those hippie technologies include direct fuel injection and Honda’s famed i-VTEC system. A CVT remains the only transmission choice.
Pricing for the 2015 CR-V starts at $23,320 and climbs into the low $30,000 range for the top trim packages.
Read our full review here
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has been Toyota’s answer to the small crossover since before time began, though its most recent refresh came in 2013. The update included funky new styling that is rather unconventional compared to the 2012 model, yet feels at home against the current Escape, Rouge, and CR-V. Those design changes have held fast through 2015 with only minor changes.
Under the hood lies a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers fall under its competition and it’s noticeable when driving. During a recent test, the RAV4’s engine felt just adequate for pulling the crossover along. Nevertheless, gas mileage retuned a respectable 25 mpg combined, despite the tester having AWD
Pricing for the 2015 RAV4 starts at $23,680 and dives into the low $30,000.
Read our full review here
Conclusion
The updates to the Escape should help it stay relevant in this highly competitive segment. With SUV and crossover sales soaring these days, it’s no wonder why Ford and other automakers are pouring so much into these high-riding sedan alternatives.
Though nothing is known for sure, the visual and mechanical updates on the 2017 Escape seem well conceived and smartly timed. The current Escape is still fresh as it’s only three years old (having been released for 2012), but by 2017, the new design will be a welcomed sight. The updated 1.5-liter EcoBoost powertrain will also help fuel economy numbers while also keeping the Escape within a lower tax bracket in China.
All told, the Escape is a popular crossover and these updates will only further its world domination.
