-While there are plenty of players in the thriving compact-crossover segment, only the 2017 Ford Escape offers consumers their choice of three four-cylinder engine options, all paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain trifecta starts with the naturally aspirated 168-hp 2.5-liter inline-four, which comes only in the base, front-wheel-drive Escape S, a configuration that we’d recommend skipping. Next up is the turbocharged 179-hp 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that comes standard in the 2017 Escape SE and Titanium trims, and both of which offer all-wheel drive. Things escalate quickly from there, with Ford giving SE and Titanium buyers the opportunity to add a tidy 66 horsepower by checking the $ 1295 option box for the turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four, as on the 2017 Ford Escape Titanium tested here. READ MORE ››
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