The updated Escape has been revealed at the end of 2015 sporting a new design and mildly updated engines. The European version has been released a year later offering the same design as the US model but different engines. The upcoming 2018 Ford Escape is set to be released in the upcoming months and so far it seems the car won’t change much from the outgoing model. Most of the design, the engines as well as the overall trim levels are expected to stay the same as before. The car could receive slight upgrades inside the cabin but that’s about it.
In detail
The car won’t change much because an entirely new version is going to be released in the next couple of years. This means the Escape will have to hang on for just a bit more and the current car is not what we would call old. It still offers great value for money and it remains one of the better driving cars in its class. The 2018 model is more than likely going to cost just as much as before. The base version will start at roughly $24,500 with the top end models going for not much more than $35,000.
2018 Ford Escape design
There is no question about the fact the 2018 Ford Escape will be identical to the 2017 model. In the front the car will carry over the same two-horizontal slats hexagonal grille, the swept back headlights and the aggressive bumper. The rear of the car is also going to be carried over entirely.
source:carpreview.com
Some suggested a sports version offering a honeycomb mesh is possible but it seems Ford has scrapped the idea a while ago. New color options might be added in order to allow buyers to better customize their cars but that’s about it.
Inside the cabin
Here the 2018 Escape will share its dashboard, instrument cluster and most of the rest of the cabin with the outgoing Focus and Escape. The dashboard, while a bit quirky in its design with the curved center stack, offers a good layout for all the buttons, so it is far easier to use than some of its rivals.
source:carpreview.com
The Escape might receive a better screen for the infotainment system and possibly more safety features in the base trim levels. This would further elevate its value for money and make it an even better deal than before.
Under the hood
The 2018 Ford Escape will likely carry over the same 3 engines as before. While none of them is really all that efficient, all of them better than average performance. The base model, mostly aimed at fleets, will use a 2.5 naturally aspirated mill boasting just 168 horsepower. Most people will go for the optional 1.5 liter turbo-four EcoBoost which currently makes 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This would be enough to get the Escape to 60 MPH in 9.2 seconds and give it an average fuel economy of 26 MPG. The top of the range engine will remain the 2.0 liter EcoBoost inline 4. This will boast 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, enough to get it to 60 MPH in 7.1 seconds while offering up to 24 MPG on average. All engines will come as standard with a 6 speed automatic and front wheel drive. An optional all wheel drive system will be available across the range. Unfortunately the car is not going to receive Ford’s new 9 speed automatic. While this would increase the fuel efficiency, it isn’t compatible with Escape’s aging chassis. Some also suggested the 1.5 liter engine could be replaced by Ford’s new 3 cylinder unit. However, we find this very unlikely, especially since the Escape is going to be discontinued in the next couple of years.
