Fans of Ford’s conventional Escape SUV can expect a lot of changes for the 2013 model, according to new media reports from top car magazines. The Ford Escape has been routinely sold in the same form for over ten years, and it’s sold well, but now, those on the inside of the auto industry reveal that the company has some significant plans for re-tuning and re-styling this vehicle for future model years.
There’s a lot of secrecy around the 2013 model to date, but some “spy photos,” including online shots from staffers at Car and Driver magazine, have given away some info about Ford’s planning to American consumers. One of the main aspects that might surprise a lot of Ford loyalists is the probable styling of the future Escape: while reporters talk about a Ford plan to merge the existing escape design with the design of its European Kuga vehicle in a “one-world market” design strategy, the photos show how this actually works: replacing the boxy, traditional look with a slanted body, small hood and curved teardrop window styling is apparently in the cards for the Ford Escape.
Another expected big change is a move away from some of the engines and powertrains that have been put into this classic best-selling SUV. Car and Driver, as well as other auto design mavens, expect that Ford will throw out V6 models and focus on a variety of four-cylinder engines, along with a hybrid option, and possibly even more unique fuel saving designs according to what Ford can do now to engineer better fuel efficiency into future vehicles. We’ve already talked about the big move toward greener engines, and it seems that this is also going to be part of the strategy for the big new redesign of the Escape for the 2013 model year. According to some analysts, available in-line 4-cylinder models of Ford’s Ecoboost engine can produce well over 200 hp for getting a moderately sized SUV from one place to another.
Be sure to keep checking on the newest leaks from Ford design stations if you are contemplating upgrading to a new Ford Escape in upcoming years. Or, if you’re a diehard fan of the blocky look for current models, now may be the time to buy; of course, the next few years might produce some very good pre-owned deals for the current design. Always look for the best pricing and financing offers from local dealerships near you.