Ford Escape, the vehicle that helped popularize one of the largest automotive segments when it was introduced for 2001, is significantly updated for the 2017 model year. Escape now features more of what customers said they really wanted – the latest driver-assist technologies, connectivity, and two new fun-to-drive, efficient EcoBoost® engines.

Escape is one of the best-selling vehicles in its class. In 2015, a record 306,492 Escapes were sold in the United States – making it Ford’s No. 2 nameplate behind F-Series, the country’s best-selling vehicle line for 34 straight years.

The new Escape features available SYNC® Connect mobile access, which allows owners to use the FordPass®smartphone platform to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle. It features driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, a lane-keeping system and enhanced active park assist – all packed in a vehicle that’s been redesigned from the inside out.

Escape is the first Ford vehicle to make Auto Start-Stop technology standard with either of the two EcoBoost offerings – a 1.5-liter engine and a 2.0-liter twin-scroll. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine during common stops, so the vehicle burns no gas and emits zero tailpipe emissions, restarting automatically when the brake pedal is released.

Changes to the interior begin with a new push-button electronic parking brake that replaces the large hand-actuated parking brake, dramatically enhancing the front-row experience for customers. The gear shifter has been repositioned rearward for improved access to climate controls on the center stack. A media bin added at the bottom of the stack offers access to a USB port and covered power outlet.

The redesign also brings improved cupholders, two new storage bins and a larger center armrest. An all-new steering wheel includes easy-to-work buttons for audio and climate controls, and a new swing-bin glove box provides easier access to stored items.

Exterior design changes give the new Escape a more confident, rugged persona. The redesigned hood and raised trapezoidal grille evoke a more prominent feel.

Ford Escape has long been a leader in offering advanced driver-assist technologies, and the 2017 model continues that. In addition to such favorite features as hands-free liftgate and SYNC 3, the new Escape offers these available technologies:

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support uses sensors to detect a slow-moving vehicle in front and adjust cruise control accordingly
• SYNC Connect lets owners use the FordPass smartphone platform to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle
• Enhanced active park assist provides automatic steering assistance to park the vehicle in a parallel or perpendicular parking spot, and pull out from tight parallel parking spots
• Lane-keeping system includes lane-keeping assist, which alerts drivers when they drift unintentionally from their lane, as well as lane-keeping aid, which provides steering assistance to guide an unintentionally drifting vehicle back into its lane
• Driver Alert System uses data from the lane-keeping system to detect signs of fatigued driving – providing a warning on the instrument cluster