2013 Ford Escape World Debut

[blazerdude20]

Is the Duratec 25 improved for FE? It is rated at 175hp/172 lb-ft in the current Fusion. It's estimated at 168hp/167lb-ft (projected).

 

i believe the press release said it would be good for two mpg increase, so 30 mpg? the 1.6 is said to be a 5mpg increase so 33mpg?

[Pioneer]

Or better known as the $35,000 Escape.

 

My wifes stickered for $33k and hers is only an XLT.

[sullynd]

My 2009 Mariner stickered at over $33K! I would say $35K is a reasonable expectation for the top-end Titanium model, perhaps too reasonable.

 

They have not released pricing yet, right? $35k for a fully loaded Ti would be a steal.

 

My wifes stickered for $33k and hers is only an XLT.

 

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how the internet collective locks in on pricing once it's announced. All Flex sell for $60k, and Ford gives away CD2 Escapes with a test drive.

 

I've been pricing out 2012 Escapes to see if it is worth pulling ahead my purchase to avoid the Kuga, and after incentives, an Escape equivalent to my current one would be more expensive than my Flex was.

[Sherminator98]

My wifes stickered for $33k and hers is only an XLT.

 

What the hell...what does she have in it? My GF was 27K and about 24K after X plan and I think a 1K discount

 

She has nearly everything in it but leather and navigation..

[BORG]

What the hell...what does she have in it? My GF was 27K and about 24K after X plan and I think a 1K discount

 

She has nearly everything in it but leather and navigation..

 

The Mariner had the VOGA package...also add trailer-tow, AWD, and Navigation. It adds up quickly. BTW, white leather in a cheap Mariner is a bad idea, it started to peel after a year. But man did that car look sharp when it was new!

Edited November 17, 2011 by BORG

[mettech]

This may have been asked already...

 

Is the CX-5 and '13 Escape the same platform?

[suv_guy_19]

To be honest, the styling is a bit of a let down.

 

I agree, especially when it comes to the side profile. This one gets crossed off the list, I think...not that I was in the market right now.

[2005Explorer]

My wifes stickered for $33k and hers is only an XLT.

 

What in the world sort of options does it have? Wow. Mine was just over $31k and it is a Limited with moon and tune, AWD, V6, tow package, running boards, etc. I think the only options I am missing are the 17" chrome clad wheels, park assist and navigation. However those 3 options can add up pretty quickly.

 

No price is too reasonable. :shades:

 

I can see your new around here. LOL Although I love getting and try my best at getting a great deal the consensus around here is if you want a Ford you better be willing to pay the price and most want to see Ford raise prices without offering any discounts. Although I am not sure how many go into a dealer and request Ford keep all rebates and they pay MSRP they sure want prices to be raised and discounts taken away.

Edited November 17, 2011 by 2005Explorer

[NickF1011]

I'm slightly disappointed that the uniqueness of the current Escape's styling has been lost for a more "blend with the crowd" look.

 

I think people are confusing "unique" for "dated".

 

If the 1986 Taurus debuted as a new model today, it would sure look "unique" next to its contemporaries too.

 

:shrug:

[BORG]

This may have been asked already...

 

Is the CX-5 and '13 Escape the same platform?

 

Nope, these products are not related in anyway.

[BORG]

I think people are confusing "unique" for "dated".

 

If the 1986 Taurus debuted as a new model today, it would sure look "unique" next to its contemporaries too.

 

:shrug:

 

THIS!

[NickF1011]

THIS!

 

Heck, I remember all of the complaining on the forums here when the last Escape refresh debuted: "Oh that doesn't go nearly far enough!" "It looks so old!" "That's all, Ford??" Let's admit it folks: It succeeded in spite of its looks, not because of them.

[BORG]

Heck, I remember all of the complaining on the forums here when the last Escape refresh debuted: "Oh that doesn't go nearly far enough!" "It looks so old!" "That's all, Ford??" Let's admit it folks: It succeeded in spite of its looks, not because of them.

 

I'm mostly relieved because Ford finally has a small fuel-efficient SUV that isn't a cheap perfunctory tin box with absolutely no identity beyond it's basic function. Finally you don't have to spend a fortune to get an alluring SUV at Ford.

[PREMiERdrum]

Let's admit it folks: It succeeded in spite of its looks, not because of them.

 

Sounds familiar...

 

Ford's Escape: Successful In Spite Of Itself

 

Don't stone me just yet.

 

I know how harsh the headline sounds, but hear me out. I say this all as a dyed-in-the-wool Ford guy, and current generation Escape owner. Yes, last summer we made the choice to take home an Escape due to its many endearing features. But in this day and age, in an outrageously competitive market, "good enough" isn't good enough.

 

Continued at LINK - The Alternator Blog

[NickF1011]

I'm mostly relieved because Ford finally has a small fuel-efficient SUV that isn't a cheap perfunctory tin box with absolutely no identity beyond it's basic function. Finally you don't have to spend a fortune to get an alluring SUV at Ford.

 

True there too. I may have preferred something a tad smaller than my Edge. I really don't need all the room most of the time, but the Escape was just too pedestrian looking to even consider.

[rkisler]

Nope, these products are not related in anyway.

 

Borg, this statement might be too strong, but I'm just guessing.

 

It's true (as far as I know) that the Escape and CX-5 were not developed through a joint program (i.e., not like the Edge/CX-9 joint program).

 

But Mazda is still using the C1 platform for the Mazda 3. Mazda has been much smarter than Ford for many years on "making do" by sharing components, so I would say the CX-5 used the Mazda 3 platform (i.e., C1) as a starting place. What we have are two products that are similar -- they had the same dad but different moms. So there is a partial relationship, some DNA might be common, maybe even some of the components might be common, but the majority are likely unique.

 

Given how similar the products ended up, it is a shame they weren't done together for worldwide economies of scale (like the C1 program), but Ford has essentially cut Mazda loose.

[NickF1011]

Given how similar the products ended up, it is a shame they weren't done together for worldwide economies of scale (like the C1 program), but Ford has essentially cut Mazda loose.

 

Given the new economies of scale created by combining the Escape and Kuga into a single global program makes involving Mazda entirely unnecessary. With Mazda management no longer in the Ford fold, it must be infinitely simpler for Ford to develop a vehicle program on its own.

[V8-X]

Let me re-phrase your statement to say the exact same thing, but give a decidedly different point of view (ie: not soundling like bashing the new Escape without having details). Here goes:

 

 

Exactly, and that could be of issue. Say for example, the lowest point on the outgoing new Escape was the outer most portion of the Control Arm, and the lowest point on this the outgoing Escape is the frame or muffler. In that situation, the older new Escape would have a decided advantage, because as it was conquering obstacles, the control arm would go up/down with the tire, and means the undercarriage is higher. Whereas if the frame/muffler on this new the outgoing Escape is the lowest point, it'd cause the new old Escape to get hung up much easier. Not saying this is true or not about the old/new Escape. Just wonder what are the two point they are comparing between each model to make a more educated decision on the true difference.

 

Again, it is a soft-roader, so it doesn't make any difference! It will clear all speed bumps and non-rock crawling situations with aplomb!

Very true, and totally understand that point. The Escape was never a rock crawler. Not saying the older was better, as I totally expect the new version to be better in many more ways. And I'm not bashing the new Escape for it's capabilities or interior. Mostly, I just do not like the exterior style, especially from the profile views. I have no real bone to pick with the current/upcoming Escapes, as I would never consider purchasing either. Just giving my opinion from an outsiders point of view on my likes/dislikes.

 

The fender vent is this generation's coach light, vinyl roof and opera window.

 

It wouldn't be there if people as a whole had a negative opinion of it.

 

However, in a few years it will seem (to these same people!) terribly gauche.

Agreed 100%!!! I hate these fake fender vents. Every car I see with them, I think of the kids who go to auto zone and buy the $5 fake vents and throw them on their Neon. Gives it a cheap feel to me.

 

Now I will admit the only vents on a Ford product I did like were the 08-10 Super Duties, in red or black, depending on the motor. I do not like the emblem/vent look on the hood/fender of the 2011+ Super Duties though.

 

You fiddle with the HVAC routinely with the vehicle in park? I mean, come on. Do I PREFER that? Meh, not really. But end of the day: EATC is set at 70 and it's done. If I become uncomfortable, it's while I'm driving, so I'd adjust then and the controls aren't blocked by the shifter. (Admittedly, I haven't been in it, obviously, so I don't know how easily accessed they are with the vehicle in Drive).

Sure do at times. This setup is very similar to the Kuga (shifter so close to the dash controls), and from what I've seen, even with the vehicle in drive, there isn't a great deal of room between the shifter and HVAC controls. May be nit-picky, but is a turnoff in my eyes.

 

Shit, my Porsche Boxster only has 3 inches of ground clearance and it doesn't bother me at all! And I'm 6 feet tall, 63 years old, and have never scraped the bottom of the sports car even once yet. The new Escape is a fricking stilt compared to it. If the new Escape doesn't have enough ground clearance to your liking, buy a very angular, boxy, rugged Jeep. Then you will be in SUV heaven.

And that partly explains why I'd surely opt for a Jeep over an Escape. Then again, comparing a Porsche Boxster to an Escape is freakin ridiculous.

 

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-ford-escape-la-2011/med/#photo-4616243

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-honda-cr-v-la-2011/med/#photo-4616794

 

Escape on top, CR-V on the bottom. I'm slightly disappointed that the uniqueness of the current Escape's styling has been lost for a more "blend with the crowd" look. Time will tell if that was a good choice.

 

And WTH was Honda thinking taking design inspiration from the Crosstour (grille)? Someone should be fired.

Agreed. Sure you see the differences in the images. But there are simply too many similarities between the two to make either stand out from the crowd.

 

Although the design turned out better then I had first thought, I don't care for something about that "beak" out front from this angle. I couldn't find a good picture, but something about the front almost looks like a profile of the GM minivans with the tacked on front.

That is exactly the part I dislike the most about the style. the front end just is not a cohesive design that flows with the rest of the vehicle. Like I stated before, they tried to mesh two different cars/designs together, and the final result is a disappointment. And I don't think the issue is only with the image angle you posted. Every pic I've seen of the profile shows this same bad design element.

 

They have not released pricing yet, right? $35k for a fully loaded Ti would be a steal.

Wow! People say it's okay for the Escape to creep into the Edge and even Explorer territory, and it'd be a steal. But many of the same people here say you can't offer a compact/mid-size truck (Ranger) that creeps into F-Series territory because no one would buy one or because it'd steal sales from the F-Series. Not saying you said this sullynd, but too many posters on this site have said this. Wouldn't that logic be a double standard and be a contradiction though?

Edited November 17, 2011 by V8-X

[fordmantpw]

Now I will admit the only vents on a Ford product I did like were the 08-10 Super Duties, in red or black, depending on the motor.

 

Agreed! They look great on my F250, but they are functional...at least, they are supposed to be.

[Sherminator98]

Wow! People say it's okay for the Escape to creep into the Edge and even Explorer territory, and it'd be a steal. But many of the same people here say you can't offer a compact/mid-size truck (Ranger) that creeps into F-Series territory because no one would buy one or because it'd steal sales from the F-Series. Not saying you said this sullynd, but too many posters on this site have said this. Wouldn't that logic be a double standard and be a contradiction though?

 

Not really...How many 35K Escapes are they going to sell? If someone wants one that loaded up...why not offer it to them.

 

As for the Ranger vs F-150....Personally if I'm spending 30K+ on a truck, I think I'd go with the more capable truck in the form of the F-150...its far easier to fit real sized adults in it. The only reason the Ranger sells is because of cost...the Truck market is far different then the CUV/SUV market.

[V8-X]

Not really...How many 35K Escapes are they going to sell? If someone wants one that loaded up...why not offer it to them.

And how many $35K Rangers would they potentially sell? And if someone wants one loaded up...why not offer it too? No difference there, except in your opinion. I've seen plenty of decked out Tacoma's and Frontiers and even Colorado's that most like crept into the mid $30K range.

 

As for the Ranger vs F-150....Personally if I'm spending 30K+ on a truck, I think I'd go with the more capable truck in the form of the F-150...its far easier to fit real sized adults in it. The only reason the Ranger sells is because of cost...the Truck market is far different then the CUV/SUV market.

And that is your personal opinion. Many people don't want/need the size, nor need the full capability of an F150. But they would like to have a smaller truck that is capable and decked out to the gills.

 

How many Lariat, FX4, Platinum, KR and such model F150's does Ford sell every year? Yes the trucvk market is different, but shows many of the truck owners want capability, but they also want the fancy features that are put into cars and SUV/CUV's. Who say's you wouldn't have better sells, or simply more sells of higher end model Rangers if you actually offered equipment similar to the F150 and other higher end model Ford products? A decade ago trucks were basic and would never have the features they do today. Those features were strictly for cars then.

Edited November 17, 2011 by V8-X

[akirby]

And that is your personal opinion. Many people don't want/need the size, nor need the full capability of an F150. But they would like to have a smaller truck that is capable and decked out to the gills.

 

How many Lariat, FX4, Platinum, KR and such model F150's does Ford sell every year? Yes the trucvk market is different, but shows many of the truck owners want capability, but they also want the fancy features that are put into cars and SUV/CUV's. Who say's you wouldn't have better sells, or simply more sells of higher end model Rangers if you actually offered equipment similar to the F150 and other higher end model Ford products? A decade ago trucks were basic and would never have the features they do today. Those features were strictly for cars then.

 

[RichardJensen]

Ford has essentially cut Mazda loose.

I wonder if Ford will open up its archives, eventually, to a writer that can explain what happened with Ford & Mazda.

 

With Jaguar and Land Rover, I can believe that Ford simply didn't have the time/money to weed out and restructure those operations in order to get rid of the 'hobby farm' culture that had developed there since Ford's takeover. And I believe similar considerations were in play at Volvo.

 

But with Mazda, things seemed different. Mazda led development of the Fiesta platform, and contributed to C1. Mazda was also profitable on a more or less continuous basis.

 

One hopes that Mazda wasn't cut loose for ideological reasons: "One Ford!"

[Captainp4]

^^It certainly seems that way. I've always been a fan of Mazda (I even bought a brand new one back in '06!), I like their commitmet to racing and the way it flows into their development (zoom zoom dealio), love the way their cars drive and handle. It never seemed right to me that they split the way they did when Mazda was so involved with Ford's small to medium car offerings.

[V8-X]

All I'm saying is, you can't say it's perfectly fine to overlap price points in one or multiple segments, but it's not possible in another. Just pointing out the hypocrisy.