The all-new 2013 Ford Escape,  with the optional 2-liter EcoBoost engine, packing 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, will enables the vehicle to tow 3,500 pounds – best in class among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The next closest competitor, the Volkswagen Tiguan, has a tow rating of just 2,200 pounds, while turbocharged versions of Kia Sportage and Acura RDX have tow ratings of 2,000 pounds and 1,500 pounds respectively.
Escape’s greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile and the trailer they ride on. The ability to carry greater loads will save Escape drivers both time and fuel by reducing the number of trips needed. Travel is also made safer with trailer sway control, a class-exclusive feature among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The 2-liter EcoBoost engine replaces the 3-liter V6 engine in the current Escape with no loss of performance and with fuel economy to be higher than the V6’s 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway EPA rating. “Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, Powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape. “These inherent efficiencies are improved with the EcoBoost technology of direct fuel injection and turbocharging.” By Joseph Szczesny