The “Power” Behind the New 2013 Ford Escape

HTDFordEscape201314

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Ford folks at a San Francisco 49er game. There I got to see a preview of the new 2013 Ford Escape, which is billed as a “smart utility vehicle.” I didn’t actually get to test drive it, but I did have a chance to test out a new, innovative feature that I’m sure will prove to be a “life-saver” for parents and adults who frequently have to lug groceries or bags and load them into the hatch.

HTD-Ford-Escape-2013-14

Ford has introduced the first “hands-free” lift gate which allows the driver to simply “kick” to open the lift gate, assuming they have the keyless dongle on their person (e.g., in a purse or pocket). By simply kicking under the back of the car, the Escape senses the motion and automagically opens the lift gate. It can be closed using the same gesture as well.

HTD-Ford-Escape-2013-10

Below, you can see this process in action…with a little bit of a surprise! This video is also available on YouTube directly.

[iframe_loader width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/KeMMK3jm_tQ?rel=0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]

Also included in the upgraded tech of the 2013 Ford Escape is a revamped and updated Ford SYNC and MyFord Touch platform. The 4 corners that represent the 4 core aspects of MyFord Touch (Climate, Navigation, Sound and Phone) are now color coded and these areas of the screen now appear more like buttons to clarify the function or action.

HTD-Ford-Escape-2013-05

There are 2 screens for information display: the 4-inch screen on the instrument panel and the 8-inch touch screen on the center console. As with previous versions of SYNC and MyFord Touch, many of the actions are voice activated or controlled, allowing for hands-free operation of the technology that makes up the 2013 Ford Escape.

HTD-Ford-Escape-2013-06

Other technology making up the Escape include Active Park Assist (which is really amazing as it helps you navigate into those tight parallel parking spots), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS – which is such a core safety feature, I believe it should be in ALL autos on the road), rear view cameras (another safety feature that I believe should be in all larger cars) and plenty of external sensors (for rain sensing and front and back proximity alerts when parking).

I found the new Euro-styling of the 2013 to be elegant, modern and edgy. While it appears to be slightly smaller from the outside, the interior is quite roomy with seating for 5 and plenty of cargo. The intelligent 4 Wheel Drive automatically adjusts based on driving conditions to provide the best traction possible.

HTD-Ford-Escape-2013-02

Two other features, Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control add to the numerous improvements in the Escape. The Torque Vectoring Control distributes the front-wheel engine torque to improve grip and steering, while the Curve Control helps to prevent understeer. All of this monitoring is done 100 times per second and can detect changes much faster than a human can.

HTD-Ford-Escape-2013-03

Lastly, some models of the 2013 Ford Escape will come equipped with the advanced EcoBoost engine, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engines. The 2.0-liter version delivers 250 lbs-ft of torque and 237 horsepower and the 1.6-liter version is estimated to deliver 177 lbs-ft of torque and 173 horsepower. What this translates to is better fuel efficiency with the engine only producing the power it needs and then boosting up should it be needed.

I’m excited to actually give the 2013 Ford Escape a test run in the coming months so stay tuned for updates on my site when I do spend some time with it!

HTD-Ford-Escape-2013-17

Disclosure Text : Ford Motors provided me with tickets to the San Francisco 49ers game in order to see the 2013 Ford Escape in preparing to write this content. All opinions within this article are my own. More information can be found in my About page as well as here.    

HTD says: I always love seeing the innovation and technology coming from the Ford camp. The 2013 Ford Escape definitely looks promising!

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

2 Responses

  1. Being extremely interested in purchasing a 2013 Escape (as long as the step-in height has been sufficiently lowered for a 5’3″ senior with bad knees), and  understanding that all comments in your review are your own, did Ford, however, have final editing rights?  We want to go to several National Parks this summer and hope the 2013 Escape will be perfect for the two of us and our dog.

    ENJOY YOUR TEST DRIVE!  

  2. Ford did not have any editing rights. All of the opinions are completely my own. I only spent a few minutes with the Ford Escape so I cannot talk exactly as to if it is lower. It definitely is not at the height of an SUV since it is more of a crossover. It’s a nice sized auto though, with good room for storage and my brief seating was quite comfortable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Other articles of interest

Global Product Review Disclosure

Disclosure: This is a global disclosure for product review articles on HighTechDad. It does not apply to Automobile reviews and there are other exceptions. Therefore, it may or may not be applicable to this particular article. I may have a material connection because I may have received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this or other content. I was/am not expected to return the item after my review period. All opinions within this and other articles are my own and are typically not subject to the editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page.

About HighTechDad

Michael Sheehan (“HighTechDad”) is an avid technologist, writer, journalist, content marketer, blogger, tech influencer, social media pundit, loving husband and father of 3 beautiful girls living in the San Francisco Bay Area. This site covers technology, consumer electronics, Parent Tech, SmartHomes, cloud computing, gadgets, software, hardware, parenting “hacks,” and other tips & tricks.

Recent Articles

Explore Categories

– Advertisement –

Shop Now!

My Favorite Setapp Apps

Affiliates

Wireless in Bulk? Genius! Shop Budget-Friendly, Unlimited Talk & Text Plans at MintSIM.
  • Save 15% Off at Incase
  • Mount18_July

– Advertisement –

Intellifluence Trusted Blogger
Shop HighTechDad-reviewed products
– Advertisement –