2008 Ford Escape Unveiled

[Blue Oval Guide]

2008 FORD ESCAPE UNVEILED

 

click here for more photos.

BlueOvalNews.com - The Ford Escape, America’s best-selling compact utility vehicle, has a completely new look inside and out for 2008. Escape now makes a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. The all-new interior resets the bar for small utility vehicles, with more upscale appointments, new innovative storage options, and improved comfort and quietness. In addition, chassis refinements deliver impressive fuel economy and agile driving dynamics that belie the Escape’s rugged exterior.

 

“The 2008 Escape offers the capability and styling of a traditional SUV with the benefits of crossover construction – building on the successful formula that has made the Escape America’s favorite small utility vehicle for six years,” says Cisco Codina, group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “The new Escape offers a more refined ride, go-anywhere capability, impressive fuel economy, up to 3,500 pounds of towing, and a more comfortable interior that is quieter and more versatile.”

 

The combination of traditional SUV capability and crossover construction made the original Escape an instant success. More than one million Escapes have been sold since its introduction as a 2001 model – more than any other small utility vehicle or crossover of any size. Six years later, Escape remains the sales leader of the small-utility segment, a remarkable feat considering the segment has almost doubled, from 800,000 sales in 2000 to a projected 1.5 million in 2006.

 

Bolder, Tougher Exterior Design

 

“The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original,” says Doyle Letson, chief designer for the 2008 Escape. “We raised the beltline to give the profile a strong, modern proportion of sheetmetal to glass. Then, we sculpted the surfaces for a more Ford Tough Truck appearance, that now matches Escape’s capabilities.”

 

The high beltline is further emphasized by the new blacked-out B-pillars, integrated running boards, available 17-inch wheels, and the deletion of the original Escape’s molded-in color fascias and lower bodyside molding.

 

To integrate the higher beltline, the hood has also been raised and now features a unique “reverse crease” design that draws the eye to the detailed surface. The new front fascia has headlamps that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lamps. The new headlights bracket the dramatic new grille.

 

Refined and Recycled Interior

 

The 2008 Escape is believed to be the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made from 100 percent post-industrial materials, supplied by InterfaceFABRIC, Inc. InterfaceFABRIC estimates that Ford’s use of post-industrial materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, an estimated 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and the equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

 

Escape also showcases Ford’s first use of a “top of dash” display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicle’s information in one place at the top of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving.

 

Also improving ease-of-use is the clean, uncluttered center console. Rather than the traditional “brick” design for the radio and temperature controls, Escape features dials and buttons that “poke-through” the center console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod audio jack, and controls for the available heated seats and in-dash navigation system.

 

Escape’s interior also features the first use of Ford’s new, signature Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, the center console, the redundant controls on the steering wheel, and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior.

 

Escape’s center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer, and there are three levels of storage space. In addition, the center console features two removable bins with innovative dovetail mounting points, which allows the bins to be hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage.

 

 

 

Refined, Quiet Interior

 

Engineers made a host of changes to the 2008 Escape to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the vehicle.

 

The 2008 Escape is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), a sophisticated system that helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall steering feel.

 

Conventional power steering systems use an engine-driven hydraulic gear, which saps power and efficiency from the engine. The 2008 Escape’s new EPAS system uses an electric motor, rather than the engine’s accessory drive. This new system helps improve fuel economy and eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems.

 

In addition, new recessed channels in the vehicle’s roof panel are designed to improve airflow over the top of the vehicle, while horizontal ribs in the roof also strengthen the body structure and help reduce boom noise in the cabin. A new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and an acoustic headliner also help decrease wind noise. New interior carpeting, which is up to 50 percent thicker, further improves the isolation from road and wind noise.

 

Compared with the previous model, the 2008 Escape is 12 percent quieter on the highway (30.8 sones to 27 sones at 80 mph in the wind tunnel) and 20 percent quieter in high velocity crosswinds.

 

Standard Safety Equipment and Fuel-efficient Powertrains

 

Under its skin, the 2008 Escape has one of the most advanced safety packages in the small SUV segment. Escape comes standard with Safety Canopy™ side air curtains, which provide head and neck protection for the first- and second-row passengers, as well as standard side-impact air bags that deploy out of the upper portion of the front seats to protect the upper and lower torso of the driver and passenger. In addition, I-4 and V-6 Escape models come standard with Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control).

 

The 2008 Escape’s standard 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 I-4 produces 153 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. With a four-speed automatic, the V-6 powered Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

 

Ford Escape Hybrid continues to be a “full” hybrid. This means that, unlike other “mild” hybrid vehicles, Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy.

 

At low speeds, power is delivered by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor, producing 70 kw @ 5,000 rpm and 330V maximum voltage. When additional power is required, the Escape Hybrid’s 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine seamlessly engages, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The net result is 155 horsepower with 0-60 times comparable to a 200 horsepower V-6 engine and a boost in city-driving fuel economy of nearly 75 percent. Escape Hybrids are equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

 

For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers made revisions to software in the control system to improve transparency, or the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from all-electric to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver.

[Noah Harbinger]

Cool, an SUV refresh where I can actually tell it was a new vehicle.

[FordTrucklover]

Cool, an SUV refresh where I can actually tell it was a new vehicle.

 

 

It better have @ LEAST a 6-spd tranny or CVT NOT an outdated 4-spd slush

box. Are you LISTENING Ford?? This nice new product will be instantly

handicapped if launched w/ a 4-spd trans. Old powertrain better be

substantially upgraded...where's the h.p. boost? Do you know how much

h.p. the stinkin RAV4 has? 265 h.p. i believe.

[LincolnFan]

Can someone fucking explain why the V6 still uses the outdated 4-spd?

[Watchdevil]

I am not thrilled about the grille or the eye boogers. Ford cannot seem to be consistant with a grille design. This grille looks like it belongs on a 1990's Ford SUV with the single horizontal bar.

[hoss96racing]

looks good to me... much better then the gray rubbermaid escapes before it... my '02 moves pretty good with its 200hp.... but a i'm sure a 6speed would probably help on the fuel milage....

[Anthony]

So is this a major reskin or a new vehicle? The higher beltline (which I'm having trouble noticing) must have made for some major reworking of the body if it is a reskin. Either way....why does it have to look so much like the old one?

 

Granted, it does look alot better.

Edited November 29, 2006 by Intrepidatious

[LincolnFan]

The 2008 Escape is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), a sophisticated system that helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall steering feel.

 

Conventional power steering systems use an engine-driven hydraulic gear, which saps power and efficiency from the engine. The 2008 Escape’s new EPAS system uses an electric motor, rather than the engine’s accessory drive. This new system helps improve fuel economy and eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems.

 

Is this an Uh-Oh? like GM's crappy shitty electric steering?

[Sizzler]

The photos seem to answer NO, but does anyone know if this new Escape will be offering a compass?

 

Dodge has a similiar display for temp/mpg/... mounted above its rearview mirror. It seems to be a handy feature and the handiest feature is its compass, followed by outside temp and then DTE and other mileage-related calculations. But its compass is a standout feature according to its owners.

 

So what all is Ford going to display in all that empty space on top of the stack?

[OrlandoGuy80]

Well, I think this settles it ... I'm a Mariner kind of guy!

[Max]

I am not thrilled about the grille or the eye boogers. Ford cannot seem to be consistant with a grille design. This grille looks like it belongs on a 1990's Ford SUV with the single horizontal bar.

 

 

My initial impression is relatively the same. While it is a new design, and you can tell it is, it looks a bit dated in the front end. However, I do find the redesign to be favorable overall, regarding vehicle stance and interior from what I can tell.

 

Given the recent products from Honda and Toyota, I guess I was expecting Ford to be a little more flamboyant with their compact SUV, instead of cautiously conservative as it appears. The philosophy they use for their full-size products...

 

All is not lost though...I think it would look great with a handy/usable No Boundaries package on it, and put it more in the direction of Nissan with their faux toughness.

[NickF1011]

That grille looks horrible.

[J-150]

The photos seem to answer NO, but does anyone know if this new Escape will be offering a compass?

 

Dodge has a similiar display for temp/mpg/... mounted above its rearview mirror. It seems to be a handy feature and the handiest feature is its compass, followed by outside temp and then DTE and other mileage-related calculations. But its compass is a standout feature according to its owners.

 

So what all is Ford going to display in all that empty space on top of the stack?

 

 

 

if everyone is demaning NAV systems, who needs a compass?

[silvrsvt]

I like it better then the Mariner or Tribute thats coming out also, but that lime green color makes me puke. Just wish that the Fusion V6 powertrain made it into it...

[DCK]

It looks good for what they changed.

 

 

I just don't get how the trashy looking fisher price nobs made it to production on the hvac controls. Seriously how could they possible put them through they look terrible, cheap and trashy.

[Vkickdown]

Ford seems to be separating their car's and truck's style,

thats a good thing, Cars sharp and edgey, Trucks blocky and tough looking.

The front end of the escape does seem to be competing with the navi with chrome but beside that looks good.

[old_fairmont_wagon]

Well, it definitely looks different from the old one, and appears at least somewhat newer. While I'm not a fan of the design, it isn't ugly. I much prefer the looks of the Mariner to the escape, and the escape has it all over the Tribute that we saw a while back. I know that they were on a limited budget, but, if they had any chance to do so, they should have put the I-4/5AT combo from the Fusion in the base Escape. The 4 speed just doesn't do that engine justice. It would have improved the performance and improved the fuel economy at the same time.

 

As for the D30/4AT combo, remember, the auto must spin the rear axle on the AWD versions and I believe that the 6AT from the AWD fusion and 500 won't fit the front of the escape as the escape currently is constructed there. So, I don't have a problem with keeping the 4AT for now. They'd just better be working on an upgrade for that V6 powertrain for two model years down the road.

[Michael Reynolds]

If the message center is anything like that of the Explorer, 500, and Fusion the compass will be right there with the rest of that information (with the gauges).

 

Not excited about the carry over powertrain config, but here's hoping to at least a bit more refinement.

 

The interior displays of these vehicles is 300x's better than that of what we are used to when it comes to Ford branded vehicles. It would've been nice to see those improvements on at least the Edge and Fusion. I'd be willing to bet the 500 will get them come the end of the year. As far as those dials and controls looking cheap, I'd wait to touch them and operate them before passing judgement. Example: GMs new HVAC/Audio controls were all fine and dandy in pictures, but to actually use them was an entirely different story (not to mention they were made from as usual plastics).

Edited November 29, 2006 by Michael Reynolds

[ANTAUS]

What a shame...

 

Another typical Ford launch of using previous generation powertrains on a newly styled vehicle. Not expecting the 3.5L with the 6AT, but gee, at least a 221HP 3.0L, with a 5AT at least.

 

I found this line rather cute...

"“The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original,â€"

 

I always found the previous styling sort of bland and whimpy, not sure what they define as "tough".

 

I did notice the beltline is raised an inch or 2.

 

I welcome the new Ice Blue interior lighting. Blue seems to be the way to be the future trend.

[silvrsvt]

What a shame...

 

Another typical Ford launch of using previous generation powertrains on a newly styled vehicle. Not expecting the 3.5L with the 6AT, but gee, at least a 221HP 3.0L, with a 5AT at least.

 

 

Well Here is the strange thing, the 09 F-150 from reports are saying isn't changed that much from the current model, but yet is getting a shitload of powertrain improvements from the rumors going around. Go figure...

 

I'm sure, like stated before, that a new Transmission for the Escape would have incurred even more costs due to the way the AWD system is setup. Not to mention that the Escape might be replaced in 2010 or so when everything is moved over to the C2 or EUCD2 platform.

[05fordgt]

That grille looks horrible.

 

That chrome lower grill is part of the new Chrome Package. Its an option. They all won't look like that. Normal XLT models will have it, but only the top. On the limiteds, its all body colored, unless you opt for the Chrome package.

[NickF1011]

I'm liking the interior. Anyone else notice the 110V AC outlet? I don't believe the previous model had this. If so, my mistake. But a handy little feature in an SUV. More models should have this.

[05fordgt]

I'm liking the interior. Anyone else notice the 110V AC outlet? I don't believe the previous model had this. If so, my mistake. But a handy little feature in an SUV. More models should have this.

 

Nick, sorry to burst your bubble, but those pics are of the Hybrid version. They have the optional 110V power outlet. The regular gas ones won't have this option.

[NickF1011]

Nick, sorry to burst your bubble, but those pics are of the Hybrid version. They have the optional 110V power outlet. The regular gas ones won't have this option.

 

As Ted Stryker said in "Airplane!":

 

"What a pisser."

[waymondospiff]

So is this a major reskin or a new vehicle? The higher beltline (which I'm having trouble noticing) must have made for some major reworking of the body if it is a reskin. Either way....why does it have to look so much like the old one?

I agree - if Ford went to the trouble to alter the greenhouse, why not make it LOOK like they did? Perhaps give the Escape the Edge's sloped rear hatch? Or angle the windshield back more? Something.

 

Is this an Uh-Oh? like GM's crappy shitty electric steering?

Doubtful. Many makers are switching to electric steering because of the efficiency advantages. BMW, Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, Porsche, VW/Audi...and they seem to get decent reviews. I think GM's system just wasn't-ready-for-primetime when it launched. We'll see if GM revamps their system and reintroduces it in a couple of years.

 

I know that they were on a limited budget, but, if they had any chance to do so, they should have put the I-4/5AT combo from the Fusion in the base Escape. The 4 speed just doesn't do that engine justice. It would have improved the performance and improved the fuel economy at the same time.

 

As for the D30/4AT combo, remember, the auto must spin the rear axle on the AWD versions and I believe that the 6AT from the AWD fusion and 500 won't fit the front of the escape as the escape currently is constructed there. So, I don't have a problem with keeping the 4AT for now. They'd just better be working on an upgrade for that V6 powertrain for two model years down the road.

While your idea about the 6-speed automatics may very well be correct - I have problems. First, Ford's got two 6-speeds to choose from: the J/V 6F or the Aisin 6-speed. You'd think at least one would fit. If they don't fit, why? Shouldn't that have been a goal for the 6F? The Escape is the best-selling compact SUV, you'd think would be interested in keeping it that way be investing the needed dollars to keep the vehicle up-to-date.

 

Why wasn't the better performing Fusion-spec D30 brought over? Even the 500's D30 version makes (slightly) more torque. And why isn't the 4 cyl available with the 5-speed automatic? The 2.3L MZR is so overmatched in the E/M/Ts they could at least make an effort to make it tolerable.

 

So, in the end I like what they've done to the Escape. But I wonder why, why, why did they hold back in the powertrain department? I would argue that waiting four months to launch the E/M/Ts to wait for D35 supply would be very, very wise. And/or the 6-speed auto. And/or a dramatically restyled vehicle with a different greenhouse/profile.

 

And not a single answer so far seems to make sense. I see that they chose NOT to, but not a decent reason for WHY NOT.

 

Scott