2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape, which makes its public debut at the Los Angeles auto show, is even more appealing to consumers than the outgoing product.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine debuted here in the Edge and Explorer, where it is chosen by about 15 percent of those cars' buyers. In the Escape, it will produce 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It is positioned as the top-spec powerplant, and Escapes so equipped are rated to tow 3500 pounds.

EcoBoost engines get several other drivetrain components not offered for the 2.5-liter engine. The first is a new, "intelligent" four-wheel-drive system is an internal Ford design that can shuffle torque between wheels depending on traction, with the current torque split shown on a display in the instrument cluster. It measures 25 different variables to determine the best torque distribution. EcoBoost engines also feature active grille shutters, which can close under certain conditions to reduce drag or help the engine warm up more quickly. The shifter for the six-speed automatic transmission also receives a small toggle switch, which allows drivers to manually select gears.

The Escape's "kick to open" power liftgate. Owners simply wave their foot beneath the rear bumper, and the liftgate opens or closes. The idea is that owners lugging lots of shopping bags won't have to set them down and fumble for keys before loading groceries into the Escape. It uses two capacitive sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect the presence of both a shin and a foot, safeguarding against the hatch popping open unexpectedly.