Ford has revealed the facelifted Escape in the US, although Australian plans are unclear.
An upcoming facelift to the Escape could potentially help boost Ford’s mid-size SUV in the eyes of buyers and thanks to the US variant being released, we now know what to expect if Ford Australia elects to continue offering the model here with this facelifted version.
We’ve previously caught the Escape testing in America undisguised and we now know that the final production car is unchanged from what we’d seen. The front features a narrower grille with the Ford badge embedded in a similar fashion to the facelifted Fiesta and Focus, as well as new LED headlights with a central light bar, and a redesigned bumper.
The full range of existing Escape variants could be carried over, with cheaper models receiving smaller alloy wheels and plastic body cladding while higher spec versions get chrome trim, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, chrome exhaust tips and LED fog lights. The facelift brings a new design of rear light signature as well.
We also expect the new Escape to get an update inside. The latest version of Ford SYNC4 infotainment will appear, operated via a new 13.2-inch central touchscreen, although the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will probably remain. The US-spec Escape can be had with various safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision avoidance and pedestrian detection. Optional extras include a head-up display, panoramic roof and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The engine options in the US kick off with a 110kW 1.5-litre petrol, a 139kW 2.5-litre petrol hybrid and a 166kW 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid petrol. All-wheel drive versions of the Escape are available too. In Australia, only a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and the 2.5-litre PHEV are available.
Ford Australia is yet to confirm if and when the facelifted Escape will launch in Australia.
Alastair Crooks