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The Ford site’s page for the new 2013 Escape now displays a configurator with pricing (sort of) for the crossover’s four trim levels, as well as feature and engine availability in each trim. We say “sort of” because the prices listed online are actually variable by up to $1000 for the same model. As the “for survey purposes only” disclaimer in the upper-right portion corner suggests, Ford is using the site to gather data on prospective buyers’ wants and price perceptions.
A Ford spokesperson told us the prices on the site, approximate though they may be, are more or less representative of the final figures that will be released next month. On the configurator, the base Escape S is listed around $23,000—darn close to the outgoing model’s $22,265 price of entry—although it’s not clear whether this number includes a destination charge. The SE’s price generally matches with that of the now-defunct Escape XLS, and the same can be said for the SEL compared to the old XLT model. Expect that top-spec Titanium model’s price to nuzzle the $30,000 mark—it’s tentatively listed around $30,000 on the site—territory previously occupied by the discontinued hybrid model.
The web site also outlines the Escape’s engine applications. The new crossover’s powerplants consist of a 2.5-liter four; a turbocharged, direct-injected 1.6-liter EcoBoost four; and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four. All route their output through a six-speed automatic. The base S trim is exclusively front-wheel drive and gets the 2.5-liter. All-wheel drive becomes available on the SE, with a choice of 1.6- or 2.0-liter EcoBoost power. The same applies to the SEL, while the Titanium will come only with the more-powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost and the choice of two or four driven wheels.
Given the number of powertrain and infotainment updates packed into the new Escape, the (tentative) lack of significant price increases is a good thing. That said, these Escapes likely will not be subject to as many incentives, rebates, and lease deals. At least not until this generation is a decade old—but let’s hope that doesn’t happen again.
Source: Car and Driver
