Ford today is touting that the new 2013 Escape compact crossover SUV which comes to market soon boasts a best in class 3,500 lb towing capacity. The class it bests of course is “small SUV’s with turbocharged four-cylinder engines”.
Before you scoff at the claim as being a bit reaching, keep in mind that the class is significant and growing, now including the Volkswagen Tiguan, Acura RDX, Kia Sportage and soon the Buick Encore. All of these come standard with or offer a turbocharged engine.
The Ford Escape has a 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with both turbocharging and direct fuel injection that delivers 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission, its towing capacity outguns its competition by 1,300 – 2,000 lbs.
Ford explains that Escape’s greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile and the trailer they ride on. The Escape also features trailer sway control which Ford boasts is a class-exclusive feature.
The 2013 Escape will be available with a choice of three four-cylinder engines. In addition to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, Escape will be offered with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 177 horsepower and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder cranking out 171 horsepower. The company is proud that their new EcoBoost four replaces a 3.0-liter V6 engine from the previous generation Escape with no loss of performance and nets gains in fuel economy.
“Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, Powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape. “These inherent efficiencies are improved with the EcoBoost technology of direct fuel injection and turbocharging.”
