Road Test: 2016 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD: Snow Escape

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. - Feb. 7, 2016 - PRLog -- Ford Motor Company dropped off a “magnetic” (paint) 2016 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD just in time for Winter Storm Jonas, which dumped 2 feet of snow on everything exposed to the elements, including the Escape. After digging out and waiting for the snow plow to make at least one pass, we were good to go with the trusty 4WD.

What’s New for 2016

The big news for the 2016 Ford Escape is that it offers buyers their first taste of the new SYNC® 3 communications and entertainment system, bringing cutting-edge technology to Ford’s popular compact SUV.

Vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 give drivers a new interface that utilizes capacitive touch screen technology similar to tablets and smartphones. The new One Box Search feature, with the available navigation system, allows users to look up points of interest or enter addresses in much the same way you would use an Internet search engine.

Technology and Power

Our 2016 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD came equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, providing 240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm. Transmission duties were handled competently by a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic with SelectShift®.

The intelligent all-wheel drive system uses software and sensors to analyze data from 25 external signals including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle – gauging road conditions and driver input.

The system uses the sensor inputs to help the driver turn the vehicle – adding and subtracting torque as needed via an electromagnetic clutch to deliver confident handling and traction performance no matter the weather or road conditions.

Escape’s Curve Control technology can assist the driver by automatically slowing the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast. Torque Vectoring Control helps by applying brake force to the front inside wheel, allowing for more engine torque to be applied to the outside wheel for better handling and traction.

Additionally, Escape offers several key technologies to make driving easier and safer, including:

-          Active Park Assist can detect an available parallel parking space and automatically steer the vehicle into it. Drivers help by controlling the gas and brake pedals.

-          Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert displays an alert in the side mirror when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot. Cross-Traffic Alert warns if traffic is detected approaching from the sides.

-          MyKey® programmable vehicle key can limit speed and radio volume, and can provide safety belt reminders to ensure drivers are buckled up.

Green

More than 10 pounds of scrap cotton from jeans, sweaters, T-shirts and other items – material that would otherwise be destined for a landfill – is used in sound-absorption material. The carpet is manufactured from a blend of postconsumer and postindustrial polyester fibers, which reduces the need for new raw materials. In total, about 25 recycled 20-ounce bottles are in the carpeting of the Ford Escape.

Pros

Turbocharged engine delivers strong performance and high fuel economy (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined); many high-tech features; agile handling; high-quality cabin; comfortable seating.

Cons

Lack of interior storage cubbies.

Finish Line

Top-of-the-line Titanium model starts at $29,505 (MSRP), which includes a lot of options (standard). Outside temps dipped into the single digits during the week we had the Escape, making the “Remote Start” our favorite option!

We were sad to see the Escape go.  It’s the perfect size for most people and every day errands, while still being a blast to drive with the transmission in “Sport” mode.

There may be no escape from the snow, but there is no reason for it to keep you from arriving at your destination safely in a Ford Escape.

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http://www.stangbangers.com/2016_FordEscapeTitanium4WD_RoadTest.htm