Three and a half years after its original debut, the Ford Escape (known as the Kuga in some countries) has received a facelift. The front end has been redesigned completely, but the rest hasn’t changed much.
The new headlights are slimmer, while the radiator grille sports sharper corners and now spans as far as the hood cover rim. The front bumper also looks lightly more aggressive than before.
The headlamp design differs from trim to trim. The base specification makes do with simple reflector LEDs. LED lens headlights are available as a premium feature, as is a light strip between the hood and the grille.
At the rear end, the taillights boast new patterns and the rear bumper is barely noticeably different. For the first time for this Escape generation in the USA, buyers will be able to opt for an ST-Line version adding a large tailgate spoiler, bumper details and red cabin accents.
The default interior equipment includes a dashboard with an 8-inch display in the middle and extra gauges at the sides. Higher trims replace the dashboard with a 12.3-inch screen. The infotainment system is available in 8 inches (standard) and 13.2 inches (premium). The latter version offers built-in climate controls, while the former one does not.
The electronic aids have grown smarter. For example, the emergency brake now recognizes approaching cars during left turns. The engine range stays the same, though. There is a 1.5-liter turbo rated at 184 PS (181 hp / 135 kW) and its 2.0-liter counterpart with 253 PS (250 hp / 186 kW), both linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those in the market for a hybrid, there are two options based on a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. One is good for 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) and the other for 223 PS (220 hp / 164 kW).