The Evolution of the Ford Escape

If you believe in progress then you also perceive change as a positive contributor in this process! It is bound to happen in every aspect of life for people, animals, plants and even for vehicles. For instance, in its early years on the market, the Ford Escape as we know it today, was once called Ford Maverick. However, the Ford Escape has changed more than its name since its inception in the early 2000s.

The evolution of the Ford Escape can be divided into three main generations. Each generation brought significant changes to the mid-size SUV. However, there are also many modifications and improvements made during each generation. Here is a brief overview of the evolution of the Ford Escape through the years!

1st Generation

The very first ancestor of the Ford Escape was the 2001 model that was introduced to the market in 2000. This creation was a joint project with Mazda that also released the Mazda Tribute that same year. When this vehicle was originally released, it had four trim levels which were: XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, and Limited models. They were equipped with two different engines: the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and the more powerful 3.0L 6-cylinder engine. Manual and automatic transmissions were also available with this first launch. In 2005, a luxury version under the name of Mercury Mariner was released with a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine. During this same year, the Ford Escape also underwent some improvements such as the change of the position of the gear shift from behind the steering wheel to the centre console. Lastly, during the lifetime of this first generation that lasted from 2001 to 2007, a hybrid version of the Ford Escape was also created.

2nd Generation

The incredible evolution of the Ford Escape continues! The second generation was introduced in 2008 with a new Ford Escape that underwent aesthetic modifications. Furthermore, in 2009, some improvements were made to the engines and the transmission system. The two available engines were changed or updated to enable the vehicle to produce more power. The first engine was changed to a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine and the second to a 3.0L 6 cylinder engine, respectively capable of producing a horsepower of 171 and 240. New technologies were also added to this vehicle such as a park assist system and side curtain airbags to ensure the passengers’ safety. And for this reason and many others, the Ford Escape earned a 5-star safety award in 2010.

3rd Generation

The 3rd generation of the Ford Escape is the current generation. Therefore, most Ford Escapes you will see on the road are probably from the 3rd generation. This 3rd generation is the most technologically advanced of all times with the introduction of features like the hands-free power liftgate! The most noticeable modification of the Ford Escape during this generation is a change in its looks. The exterior appearance was changed from its boxy look to more curvy lines. The trim levels were also changed to be the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium models. Along with all those many changes, Ecoboost, a turbo-charged and eco-friendly engine was also introduced! In a nutshell, this is the evolution of the Ford Escape!

Contact us at Kentwood Ford for more information about the Ford Escape or book your test drive today! We are always happy to give you a hand.