Ford Kuga revealed as facelifted Escape: New looks, new Sync 3 Connect

The revamped 2017 Ford Escape SUV with an added start-stop capability was finally unveiled on Monday in Los Angeles. These include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, lane-keeping alert and assist (which can steer the auto back into its lane), and a driver alert system that uses lane-keeping data to recognize the signs of a sleepy driver, and can flash a warning in the instrument cluster. It will be the first to use Sync Connect, which enables auto owners to use their smartphones to lock and unlock their doors, start their engines and precondition the vehicle to warm up or cool down – even figure out where they parked.

Along with the new EcoBoost offerings, the 2.5-liter i-VCT four-cylinder engine carries over as standard equipment for the Escape S series.

At the outset, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) hopes to offer a few of the standard features which another connected-car maker offers. The new system, called SYNC Connect will be first fitted into a Ford next year, in spring, when the new Escape will make its debut, with other models to follow. “If you talk about the compact part of that, it’s No. 1 in the industry right now, so being fresh and competitive in this segment is hugely important”. The auto maker is putting a great deal of effort into revising one of its most popular vehicles, and the result is a new automobile outfitted with new technology and improvements.

Sync Connect functionality is included in the price of the vehicle, and it includes five years of coverage.

In addition, a built-in Auto Start-Stop feature in the new Escape will sense when a vehicle is sitting idle and automatically turn off the engine to conserve fuel. The redesigned crossover departs from the current model’s design language, instead adopting a new look that is much closer to the Edge and, to a lesser extent, the latest Explorer. Ford says it would sell even more Escapes if not for capacity constraints caused by last year’s introduction of the Lincoln MKC, which is built alongside the Escape at the Louisville Assembly Plant. There is also a smartphone app that helps a vehicle owner locate their Escape.

Ford put a lot more effort into refreshing the interior.

The updated Escape is due to go on sale next year, as a 2017 model. The classic brake lever has been replaced by an electronic parking brake that works by touching a button.

The twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost delivers 245 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, along with greater efficiency and improved noise, vibration and harshness performance. According to Ford, the updating takes place on a module that operates independently of the Sync 3 infotainment system, so the driver won’t miss anything while it’s happening.