OK, so you've done your research, you've taken your test drives, and you're certain the Ford Escape is the right SUV to take you around the Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington areas. All that's left to do is determine which of the Ford Escape trim levels is the best fit.
This is an important decision, so the team at Fuller Ford is here to help with this Ford Escape trim level review, in which we'll cover all four trims and what you can expect in each one.
The S is the base level trim for the Ford Escape. It comes standard with a 2.5L I-4 engine that generates 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a light-weight front-wheel drivetrain (FWD) and achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway.
It comes standard with the SYNC® Voice Recognition Communications and Entertainment System with AppLink™. This system allows you to link your Bluetooth®-enabled smartphone with your car, so you can have hands-free access to phone calls and music streaming on-the-go.
Autolamp automatic on/off headlamps come standard as well, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn your headlights on in low-visibility driving conditions.
The SE trim level of the Ford Escape is the first one where Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available. This part-time AWD system constantly monitors your roadway conditions and automatically redistributes torque between your front and rear wheels to improve traction.
It also has an engine upgrade to the 1.5L EcoBoost® I-4 engine that produces 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine helps you improve your fuel efficiency, too, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22-23 MPG city and 28-30 MPG highway. It comes with Auto Start-Stop Technology, which preserves fuel by turning off your engine when you come to a stop and powering it up again when you hit the accelerator.
This is also the first trim where the Ford Safe and Smart™ Package is available, which includes several driver-assist features, like BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), which alerts you to cars in your side blind spots.
The Ford Escape SEL trim has the same powertrain as the SE, but adds in several technology and convenience feature upgrades. For example, this is the first trim where the SYNC® 3 infotainment system is standard. This system includes an 8-inch color touchscreen and is Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatible for full smartphone integration with your vehicle.
It also makes a reverse sensing system standard, which can help you parallel park on a crowded street by issuing an alert when you're approaching an object behind you too quickly.
The Titanium trim is the one to choose if you need to tow, because it can reach a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Prep Package. It can reach this capacity, thanks to its powerful 2.0L EcoBoost® I-4 engine that generates an impressive 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.
This trim also makes several more technology features standard, like the Enhanced Active Park Assist feature that helps you reverse and parallel park by locating an available spot and helping you steer your way into it. Simply follow the prompts to brake, shift, and accelerate, and let your Escape do the rest!
The Voice-Activated Navigation System is also standard on this trim, so you can input your destination without having to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. If you're trying to navigate in the dark, you'll like that it comes with Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlights for improved visibility.
If you need help deciding which of the four Ford Escape trim levels is right for your drives around Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington, come to Fuller Ford and we'll get you behind the wheel to try them on for yourself.
Contact us to schedule your test drive today!
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Fuller Ford Inc
900 W Eighth St
Cincinnati, OH 45203