Hey guys! Are you in the market for a reliable and versatile SUV? Let's dive into the 2017 Ford Escape SE, a popular choice in the compact SUV segment. This review covers everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.

The 2017 Ford Escape SE 1.5L 4WD SUV is a compelling option for those seeking a blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and modern features. This model year brought some notable enhancements to the Escape, making it a strong contender in the competitive compact SUV market. Let’s explore the key aspects that make the 2017 Ford Escape SE stand out.

Overview of the 2017 Ford Escape SE

The 2017 Ford Escape received a significant refresh, boasting a more refined exterior design, updated technology, and enhanced safety features. The SE trim, in particular, strikes a balance between affordability and features, making it a popular choice for many buyers. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine provides a good mix of power and fuel economy, while the 4WD system ensures confident handling in various driving conditions. The versatile cargo space and comfortable interior add to its appeal, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer trips. Key features include a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seating, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies.

Exterior and Interior Design

When you first lay eyes on the 2017 Ford Escape SE, you'll notice its sleek and modern design. The exterior features a redesigned front fascia, a new grille, and updated headlights, giving it a more sophisticated look compared to previous models. The aerodynamic profile enhances its visual appeal while contributing to fuel efficiency. The 17-inch alloy wheels and body-color accents add a touch of elegance.

Inside, the Escape SE offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. The seats are supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The layout is intuitive, with controls within easy reach. The use of quality materials gives the interior a premium feel, and the available panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of spaciousness. The cargo area is also generous, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold down easily, creating even more space when needed. Thoughtful touches like the hands-free liftgate make loading and unloading cargo a breeze, especially when your hands are full.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about what's under the hood. The 2017 Ford Escape SE is equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, which is a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers a respectable 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine is designed to provide a balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for daily driving. The 4WD system adds an extra layer of confidence, providing enhanced traction in slippery conditions. The EcoBoost engine is known for its responsiveness and smooth power delivery, making the Escape SE feel nimble and fun to drive. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Escape SE offers a pleasant driving experience.

Engine and Transmission

The 1.5L EcoBoost engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. This combination ensures that power is delivered efficiently and seamlessly. The transmission offers quick and precise gear changes, contributing to the overall driving dynamics. The EcoBoost technology helps to maximize fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The engine's turbocharger provides a boost of power when needed, making the Escape SE feel more energetic than some of its competitors. The transmission also features a sport mode, which allows for more aggressive shifting and a more engaging driving experience.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many buyers, and the 2017 Ford Escape SE doesn't disappoint. With the 1.5L EcoBoost engine and 4WD, it achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive for the compact SUV class, making the Escape SE an economical choice for daily commutes and road trips. The EcoBoost engine's design focuses on maximizing fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The automatic transmission also plays a role in optimizing fuel economy, ensuring that the engine operates in its most efficient range. For those looking to save money at the pump, the Escape SE is a solid option.

Ride Quality and Handling

The 2017 Ford Escape SE offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth experience for both the driver and passengers. The handling is also commendable, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The 4WD system enhances stability and traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. Whether you're driving on city streets or winding roads, the Escape SE feels surefooted and confident. The well-tuned suspension and precise steering make it a pleasure to drive, even on longer journeys. The Escape SE strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, making it a versatile choice for various driving situations.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2017 Ford Escape SE, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable interior. The cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and offer good comfort on long drives. The overall design is modern and functional, with user-friendly controls and a logical layout. The technology features are also impressive, making the Escape SE a connected and convenient vehicle.

Seating and Space

The Escape SE seats five passengers comfortably. The front seats offer excellent support and adjustability, ensuring a comfortable driving position for a wide range of body types. The rear seats are also spacious, with enough legroom for adults. The cargo area provides 34 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which is plenty for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo capacity expands to 68 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items. The hands-free liftgate is a convenient feature, allowing you to open the tailgate with a simple kick under the rear bumper.

Infotainment System

The 2017 Ford Escape SE comes equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is a significant improvement over previous versions. The system features an 8-inch touchscreen display that is responsive and easy to use. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The SYNC 3 system also offers voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and a variety of apps. The intuitive interface and user-friendly design make it easy to access navigation, audio, and other features. The system's responsiveness and seamless smartphone integration make it a standout feature of the Escape SE.

Key Features and Options

The 2017 Ford Escape SE comes standard with a variety of features, including a rearview camera, automatic headlights, and a six-speaker audio system. Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a premium sound system. The available driver-assistance technologies include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. These features enhance safety and convenience, making the Escape SE a well-equipped and modern SUV. The range of options allows buyers to customize the Escape SE to their specific needs and preferences.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for most car buyers, and the 2017 Ford Escape SE offers a comprehensive suite of safety features. It has earned good safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Escape SE comes standard with features like antilock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. The available driver-assistance technologies further enhance safety, providing added peace of mind.

Standard Safety Features

The standard safety features on the 2017 Ford Escape SE include antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and a rearview camera. It also comes with seven airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These features work together to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The rearview camera is particularly useful, making it easier to back up and park in tight spaces. The combination of standard safety features makes the Escape SE a safe and reliable choice.

Advanced Safety Technologies

In addition to the standard safety features, the 2017 Ford Escape SE offers several advanced safety technologies as optional extras. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. Lane-keeping assist helps you stay in your lane, and adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance. These advanced technologies can help prevent accidents and make driving safer and more enjoyable.

Pros and Cons of the 2017 Ford Escape SE

Like any vehicle, the 2017 Ford Escape SE has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these pros and cons can help you determine if it's the right SUV for you. The Escape SE offers a lot of value for its price, but it's important to consider all aspects before making a decision.

Pros

• Fuel-efficient 1.5L EcoBoost engine
• Available 4WD for enhanced traction
• User-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system
• Comfortable and well-appointed interior
• Ample cargo space
• Good safety ratings
• Available advanced safety technologies

Cons

• Some competitors offer more cargo space
• Base engine can feel underpowered with a full load
• Rear seat legroom could be better for taller passengers

Final Verdict

The 2017 Ford Escape SE 1.5L 4WD SUV is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot to like. Its fuel-efficient engine, available 4WD, and user-friendly technology make it a practical choice for daily driving. The comfortable interior and ample cargo space add to its versatility. While it may not be perfect, the Escape SE is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. If you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and feature-rich SUV, the 2017 Ford Escape SE is definitely worth considering. So, what do you guys think? Is the 2017 Ford Escape SE your next ride?