When choosing a vehicle that meets your specific needs, especially for those requiring towing capacity, the Ford Escape is a top contender in the compact SUV market. A car that can comfortably carry the family, tackle city streets, and manage weekend adventures, the 2017 Ford Escape brings a unique balance of comfort, efficiency, and versatility. Whether you’re looking to tow a small trailer, a boat, or a camper, understanding the towing capacity and features of the 2017 Ford Escape is crucial. This detailed guide will explore the towing capabilities, engine options, performance, and features of the 2017 Ford Escape in depth to help you make an informed decision.
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Introduction to the 2017 Ford Escape
The 2017 Ford Escape is part of the fourth generation of the model, and it has been refined to offer more robust towing capabilities, modern technology, and improved performance compared to previous iterations. The Ford Escape is aimed at buyers who want an efficient yet capable vehicle that can serve various needs, from commuting to hauling light loads or enjoying outdoor adventures. While the Escape is a compact SUV, it competes in the same market space as larger crossover vehicles. Still, it often stands out for its compact size, driving agility, and towing potential.
The Three Engine Options of the 2017 Ford Escape
To fully understand the towing capacity of the 2017 Ford Escape, it’s essential to delve into its engine offerings, as they play a crucial role in determining how much weight the vehicle can safely tow. The 2017 Ford Escape offers three distinct engines, each with different power and towing capacity levels. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each engine:
1. 2.5-litre i-VCT 4-cylinder Engine (FWD and AWD)
The base engine of the 2017 Ford Escape is a 2.5-litre i-VCT 4-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard. The 2.5-litre engine offers a smooth and reliable driving experience, particularly for those who don’t require extreme power for towing but still need a dependable vehicle for daily use.
When paired with front-wheel drive, this engine can tow up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs), making it suitable for light trailers, small boats, or other similarly sized loads. For those who want enhanced traction and stability, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the 2.5-litre engine increases the towing capacity to 1,590 kg (3,500 lbs). This slight improvement in towing capacity makes the AWD option a better choice for those planning to tow in various weather conditions or on rougher terrain.
2. 1.5-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder Engine (FWD and AWD)
Next in line is the 1.5-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, a turbocharged option offering a more dynamic driving experience than the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine delivers 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, significantly boosting performance. This engine is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, giving buyers flexibility based on their driving preferences.
In terms of towing capacity, the FWD version of the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine can tow up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs). This is the same towing capacity as the AWD version of the 2.5-litre engine, providing a good balance between performance and towing capability. With all-wheel drive, the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine also boasts a 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) towing capacity, which is ideal for towing a variety of light to moderate loads, such as small caravans, motorboats, or trailers.
3. 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder Engine (AWD only)
For those seeking maximum towing capacity, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine delivers the power required for heavier loads. This turbocharged engine generates 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine option in the 2017 Ford Escape. It provides excellent acceleration and overall performance and significantly increases the vehicle’s towing capacity.
With the AWD configuration, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine can tow up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs), a remarkable towing capability for a compact SUV. This makes the 2017 Ford Escape one of the best-in-class vehicles for towing within the compact SUV segment. It can more than tow medium-sized trailers, boats, and even larger loads like a horse trailer or small camper. If towing heavy loads is a top priority, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine is undoubtedly the best choice.
Towing Capacity Breakdown
To summarise the towing capacity of the 2017 Ford Escape across the various configurations:
| Engine | Towing Capacity (FWD) | Towing Capacity (AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-litre i-VCT 4-cylinder | 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) | 1,590 kg (3,500 lbs) |
| 1.5-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder | 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) |
| 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder | N/A | 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) |
As seen in the table above, the towing capacity of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine is significantly higher than that of the other two engines, making it the ideal choice for those who require the ability to tow heavier loads.
Towing Features and Capabilities
While the engine and drivetrain configurations are essential in determining towing capacity, the 2017 Ford Escape has several advanced features designed to enhance its performance and ensure a safe and efficient towing experience. Some of the key towing features include:
1. Trailer Sway Control
Ford’s Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is crucial for anyone who plans to tow frequently. It detects the trailer’s side-to-side sway and applies the brakes to individual vehicle wheels to correct any instability. This is especially beneficial when towing in adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, or when travelling on winding roads.
2. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC)
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) is another critical safety feature that helps the Ford Escape maintain stability when towing heavy loads. RSC detects the potential for rollover and can automatically apply brakes to individual wheels to reduce the risk of a rollover. This system is standard on all Ford Escape models, providing additional peace of mind when towing large trailers or driving in challenging conditions.
3. Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist is particularly helpful when towing on inclines. When starting from a complete stop on a hill, the system briefly holds the brakes to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. This is especially useful when towing a trailer up a steep incline, ensuring a smooth and controlled start.
4. Rearview Camera
A rearview camera is standard on all 2017 Ford Escape models, making it easier to reverse with a trailer. The camera provides a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle, allowing for more accurate parking and hitching. This feature is invaluable when towing, helping drivers navigate tight spaces and ensure they are safely hooked up to their load.
5. Optional Towing Package
For those who want to enhance their towing capabilities further, an optional towing package is available. This package typically includes a hitch receiver, a wiring harness, and an enhanced cooling system. It maximises the Escape’s towing potential and provides the necessary components for long-distance or frequent hauling.
Fuel Efficiency and Towing
It’s important to consider how towing will affect fuel efficiency, as the added weight of a trailer can reduce the vehicle’s fuel economy. Here is a breakdown of the average fuel economy for the 2017 Ford Escape, taking into account different engine options and drivetrain configurations:
- 2.5-litre i-VCT 4-cylinder (FWD): 29 mpg combined
- 1.5-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder (FWD): 30 mpg combined
- 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder (AWD): 26 mpg combined
As you can see, the 2.5-litre and 1.5-litre engines provide excellent fuel economy, with the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine offering the best fuel efficiency. However, when towing near the maximum capacity, fuel efficiency will naturally decline. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, while less fuel-efficient, offers the best towing capacity, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritise power over fuel economy.
Safety Considerations When Towing
Safety should always be a priority when towing with the 2017 Ford Escape. To ensure a safe towing experience, consider the following guidelines:
- Avoid Overloading: Never exceed the vehicle’s towing capacity, as this can strain the engine, transmission, and braking systems. Ensure that the trailer’s weight and contents are within the recommended limits for your specific engine and drivetrain configuration.
- Properly Distribute the Load: Unevenly distributed weight in the trailer can lead to instability while driving. Always ensure that the load is balanced to avoid sway and improve control.
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure that the towing components, such as the brakes and cooling systems, are regularly maintained to handle the stress of towing.
- Use Proper Trailer Brakes: It’s advisable to use trailer brakes for larger trailers. This helps distribute the braking force more evenly, especially when towing heavier loads.
Conclusion
The 2017 Ford Escape offers a wide range of engine options and towing capacities to suit different needs, making it a versatile and practical choice for those who require both a capable family vehicle and a reliable tow vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a compact SUV with moderate towing capacity or a more robust option for heavier loads, the Ford Escape delivers in all areas, providing safety, comfort, and power.
Depending on the engine choice, the 2017 Ford Escape has towing capacities ranging from 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) to 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs). The additional towing features and optional packages make it even more appealing for those who frequently haul trailers or recreational equipment. If towing is a major priority, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine is likely the best choice, offering the highest towing capacity and excellent performance.