2013 Ford Escape Charms With High Mileage and Upscale Interior

The Ford Escape gets an overhaul for the 2013 model year, resulting in a more stylish and competitive compact SUV. Reviewers praise the vehicle for delivering a solid combination of fuel efficiency, interior comfort and enthusiastic handling. Keep reading to find out what's new on the 2013 Ford Escape and review specs, pricing and photos.

Styling: 2013 Ford Escape

A redesign for the Ford Escape has been a long time coming. Fortunately, the result is a wholly more modern vehicle that is likely to catch the eye of many car shoppers. Based off of the European Ford Kuga, the new Ford Escape is now sportier on the outside and larger on the inside. Rear-seat passengers will likely be pleased to learn the overall dimensions of the Escape have grown 2.8-inches in length and 1.3 inches in width.

Thanks in part to improved quality of materials, the 2013 Escape's interior delivers a fairly upscale environment when compared to the competition. This is especially true when you start adding the bevy of high-tech features available on upper-trim models. The second-row of seating can now recline, and has been redesigned to simplify the fold-flat mechanics to provide easier access to storage. Cargo space is listed at 34.3 cubic feet with rear seats up and 68.1 cubic feet with rear seats down.

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Performance: 2013 Ford Escape

The base Ford Escape receives a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that musters 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft. of torque. This engine will likely suit the needs of the average around-town driver. However, individuals that encounter frequent hills and valley may find a better match in he available turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four that manages 178 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. If you want a more exhilarating drive all around, then the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is poised to give you a pulse-pounding 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the base 2.5-liter engine promises to deliver 22 mpg and 31 mpg on the highway (25 mpg combined). Both the 1.6-liter and the 2.0-liter options benefit from EcoBoost technology. The result is an impressive 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the 1.6-liter and 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the 2.0-liter.

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Safety: 2013 Ford Escape

All Ford Escape models come well-equipped with antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, emergency brake assist, post-crash alert system, integrated blind spot mirror, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Available upgrades include cross-traffic alert, rearview camera and parking sensors.

Pricing and Features: 2013 Ford Escape

The initial entry fee for a 2013 Ford Escape is listed at $22,470. For that price, you'll get 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, six-speaker stereo, CD player and auxiliary input. Stepping up to the SE trim adds steering wheel audio controls, foglamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry keypad, reclining rear seats, satellite radio, Ford Sync and four-inch touchscreen.

Next up is the Ford Escape SEL, which includes all of the above, plus heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, one-touch up down windows, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, heated front seats, power driver's seat, ambient interior lighting and a nine-speaker stereo. The Ford Escape Titanium includes 19-inch wheels, remote ignition and enhanced leather upholstery.

Notable options for the Ford Escape include a hands-free liftgate, panoramic sunroof, navigation system and xenon lights.

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