Escape Gets Freshened Up for 2005

By: Jennifer Shatwell | Ford Communications Network

Restyled headlamps, integrated bumpers and an updated egg-crate grille form a new front fascia on the 2005 Escape. Click here for more information on the Escape. MIAMI – Like a fine wine, the Ford Escape just keeps getting better with age. Already the best-selling sport utility vehicle in its segment, the Ford Escape is greeting the new model year with a freshened look, a quieter cabin and a beefier powertrain.

Unveiled at the Miami International Auto Show, the 2005 Escape is the latest vehicle to take advantage of Ford Motor Company's new global four-cylinder engine family. The available all-new Duratec 2.3-liter double-overhead cam rounds up 153 horsepower and 152 foot-pounds of torque. It's more powerful than the outgoing 2004 Escape's 2.0-liter by 26 horsepower and 15 foot-pounds of torque, and with more aluminum components, it's approximately 40 pounds lighter. To the driver, that means noticeable improvements in fuel economy and driving dynamics.

The 2.3-liter is paired with a newly available four-speed automatic transmission or the standard five-speed manual transmission, which sports a new gearbox with short, positive throws and reduced shift efforts. A host of high-tech, noise-reducing features work to refine the new engine and improve the sport utility's overall idle noise, vibration and harshness.

An improved Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 also is available and comes standard on Escape XLT and Limited models. It holds one of the segment's best power ratings at 200 horsepower and 193 foot-pounds of torque.

When properly equipped, the 2005 Escape tows 1,500 pounds with the 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine and 3,500 pounds with the 3.0-liter V-6.

Ford's smallest SUV is not only stronger in 2005; it is smarter. Four-wheel-drive Escapes now feature the new Intelligent 4WD System – a fully computer-controlled clutch that reacts to given driving conditions and engages the rear wheels as needed. It requires no driver interaction and works so seamlessly using sensors and computer calculations, you might never notice when it's engaged. What you will notice is good traction, vehicle stability, improved fuel economy and smooth operation.

At first glance, the 2005 Escape achieves a modern and classy ruggedness. Restyled headlamps, integrated bumpers and an updated egg-crate grille form the new front fascia. On XLT and Limited models, the new ribbed bumper fascia holds new dual round fog lamps, as well. All models have an updated rear fascia.

Once you step in, Ford Motor Company's renewed commitment to interiors is apparent. An integrated flow-through center console replaces the current floor-mounted freestanding console for 2005 and makes room for the shift lever. Standard on the Limited model Escape is a multifunction message center – a two-line, 24-character liquid-crystal display offering trip statistics, such as average fuel economy, instantaneous fuel economy and distance-to-empty; an oil change reminder with estimate oil life; and various warnings.

New fabrics, leather choices and seat foams allow more comfortable front seats in the 2005 Escape, which is especially helpful on long drives, and the rear seat on all models is split 60/40 and folds flat for added cargo capacity. The Escape boasts 29 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seat is fully upright; 66 cubic feet are available when it's folded, so there's plenty of room for all your stuff.

The Escape sits wide on standard 16-inch aluminum wheels with five tapered spokes and rugged notches at the wheel lip. New five-spoke, 15-inch aluminum wheels are optional on the XLS model.

The redesigned Escape is next in a line of Ford Motor Company vehicles to come standard with the Personal Safety System – one of the industry's most comprehensive suites of safety and security technologies. What's more, the 2005 Escape offers the available Safety Canopy for enhanced side-impact and rollover protection.

With more than 10 ordering options available, there is an Escape for every buyer: XLS Manual, XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, XLT No Boundaries Package, Limited and Limited Comfort Package. Visit the Ford Division Web site for more details.