2013 Ford Escape Drops V6, Gains EcoBoost

The 2013 Ford Escape should resemble Ford's Vertrek Concept

The current Ford Escape might look a little dated when compared with more-recently redesigned affordable compact SUVs, but all that’s set to change with the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape.

While the current Escape has a boxy look, the 2013 model should sport a much sleeker exterior design. “To start, the boxy look is gone,” writes Autoweek. “Ford previewed the 2013 Escape's new look earlier this year with the Vertrek concept at the Detroit auto show.”

According to The Ford Story, a Ford-run blog, some big changes are also taking place under the hood. Three four-cylinder engine options are slated for the 2013 Escape, which loses its V6 and hybrid options.

“The base engine will be the carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder model, but the two EcoBoost mills will likely garner the most attention,” writes Autoblog. “The turbocharged 1.6-liter model, which is already a big success in Europe, will fill out the middle of the range. With the EcoBoost 1.6 under the hood, the 2013 Escape will best the current Escape Hybrid's 31 highway miles per gallon, while still producing up to 180 horsepower.”

While performance-minded shoppers may be concerned that the new engines might lack power, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will likely outperform the current V6. “Ford has refrained from providing any figures for the new engine, but in Explorer tune, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 240 hp and 270lb-ft of torque,” notes Automobile Magazine. “If so, that matches the outgoing 3.0-liter V-6’s power while besting its torque figure by 47 lb-ft.”

Pricing, release date and official specs have yet to be announced, but more details should be available next month when the 2013 Escape debuts at the L.A. Auto Show.

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