As is the case with the current Fiesta and Focus, the compact SUV will be offered in the same form worldwide, replacing the current North American Escape as well as the Kuga in Europe and other markets around the globe.
Ford gave us a preview of the 2013 Escape with the Vetrek concept study at this year's Detroit Motor Show in January. Aside from the presentation date, Ford also revealed details about the SUV's powertrain options.
In North America, the 2013 Escape will be offered with a choice of three four-cylinder gasoline engines, including the new 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged units and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Ti-VCT.
In other words, Ford will not offer a hybrid version of the Escape nor a V6 option. However, the Detroit-based automaker said it expects that 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine deliver even higher highway fuel economy than the current Escape Hybrid, which is EPA-rated at 31 mpg highway (2WD).
Ford added that the 2.0-liter variant, which essentially replace the V6, "will have better fuel economy than competitors’ V6 engines while delivering unsurpassed performance compared to those larger six-cylinder powertrains".
Expect all three-engine options to be offered with a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive layouts.
