New 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid Release Date, Features, Price and Review

Ford has unveiled the all New 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid​ that is having its world debut at Los Angeles Auto Show this week.  The new 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid draws much of its styling inspiration from the Vertrek concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development at Ford said:

We call our all-new Ford Escape the 'Smarter Utility Vehicle' because it offers the strengths that customers today really value - fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun - all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design. Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.

While New 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid Release Date is approaching, it is set up to get a new design all over. Although its innards are hidden beneath the curvy body of the current European Ford Kuga—which itself could have made a fitting second-gen Escape years ago—this vehicle gives away its actual identity with covered air intakes up front and ill-fitting tailpipes out back.

New 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid Features Review

However little we can actually see here, New 013 Ford Escape Hybrid is certain that the second-generation Escape will be a vastly different creature, both aesthetically and dynamically, from the Clinton-era ute we know now.

New 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid Features to offer a choice of powertrains in the new model, but we don’t expect any available engine to have more than four cylinders or be paired with a transmission containing fewer than six ratios. Ford’s ubiquitous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque in the C-Max, is likely to be the base powerplant.



The same EcoBoost 1.6-liter inline-four that powered the Vertrek could lend its 180 hp and 173 lb-ft to the production vehicle, and the mighty 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-banger is a possibility for the top-shelf Escape. With about 237 hp and 250 lb-ft, it could make for an interesting Escape Sport. And, of course, the return of the Escape hybrid is a no-brainer. Expect to see upgrades to the system used in today’s hybrid, if not a completely new system or a plug-in version like that found in the C-Max Energi also shown in Detroit.

According to Ford, the 2013 Escape offers eleven features that aren't offered on other compact SUVs, including an available hands-free power liftgate. The 2013 Escape will be available with three different four-cylinder powertrains. The base 2.5L four-cylinder puts out 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft. of torque. The 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine packs 173 hp, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost that puts out 237 hp and 250 lb-ft. All three engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and Ford claims that the 2013 Escape gets up to 5 mpg better than previous Escape.



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.

New 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid Release Date and Price

The 2013 Ford Escape will hit dealerships early next year, Q1 2012. In Europe, Ford's new crossover model will make its debut as the Kuga at next year's Geneva Salon in March. But New 2013 Ford Escape Hybrid Price has not been yet set officially.