Ford Escape, one of the best-selling utilities in America, brings a chic package for 2015 offering customers advanced technology, style, great fuel economy and a spirited driving experience in a small, five-passenger utility vehicle.

'Ford Escape's popularity is born of its reputation for great fuel economy, versatility and technology aimed at helping customers – all in a sleek design,' said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. 'This is a competitive segment, and Escape offers features and amenities that make it irresistible to customers.'

Escape's signature technology is its available hands-free liftgate that allows fast and easy access to the cargo area with a gentle kicking motion. The technology is also available with the Class II trailer tow package enabling up to 3,500 pounds of towing capability.

Along with versatility, great fuel economy is another reason Escape is popular with customers. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine is now standard on the SE series. Customers can also select the 2.0-liter EcoBoost or the 2.5-liter iVCT I-4.

An available chrome appearance package includes elegant accents like chrome door handles, liftgate appliqué, skull caps, roof rails, rear license plate appliqué and chrome trim on the front fascia grilles; 19-inch wheels; and leather-accented seats. Magnetic Metallic debuts as a new color for 2015.

Smooth and engaging

Escape's EcoBoost engines come standard with specially calibrated six-speed SelectShift® Automatic transmissions that can provide a more hands-on experience via manual gear selection control.

EcoBoost engine torque is specially engineered to provide a fluid shifting experience and enhanced fuel economy.

The available 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. It performs this task 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.

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 in a variety of conditions.

The Escape also has Curve Control technology to assist the driver by automatically slowing the vehicle when it's cornering too fast. It also has Torque Vectoring Control, which helps by applying brake force to the front inside wheel. This allows for more engine torque to be applied to the outside wheel for better handling and traction.

Technologies customers want

The 2015 Ford Escape has several available technologies that add to its versatility. These include:

•SYNC® with MyFord Touch® allows customers to manage information through voice commands, menus accessed via steering wheel controls, touch screens, buttons or knobs

•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

Ford Escape is manufactured at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

by Ford