Ford is hoping the 2017 Escape, set to make its debut at the LA Auto Show, will be a huge hit with buyers thanks to a host of tech features as standard along with enhanced practicality and improved economy due to an even better range of engines.
When the financial crisis hit, it was crossovers and SUVs that led car companies back to growth. Sales have rocketed every year since 2008 particularly in the compact segment, and by the end of 2015, one in every three cars sold in the US is forecast to be of the crossover or utility vehicle variety.
"The compact SUV segment is the largest and most competitive in the United States," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas.
So, to be even more attractive in this segment, the new Escape is designed to appeal to young (i.e., Millennials) and old (i.e., their parents) alike.
The Escape is the first Ford to feature SYNC Connect, an app-based system for remotely operating everything from door locks and checking tire pressure to locating where it's parked in a crowded lot.
The car also gets adaptive cruise control, park assist, lane keeping and driver monitoring tech as standard or optional equipment and that's on top of existing features such as blind spot monitoring and automatic tailgate release for those moments when both hands are full.
"The new Escape delivers even more of what our customers want -- more technology they can really use to make their daily drive safer and easier," said Hinrichs.
In terms of economy, there's even a 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine complete with an automatic stop/start system for cutting consumption while roads are congested.
Ford believes that by 2020 SUVs of all shapes and sizes will account for 40% of vehicle sales in the US and that the trend is going global.
That's why the LA Auto Show will be packed with crossovers and off-roaders such as the Jaguar F-Pace, Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Cadillac XT5. It will also be the show where Mazda takes the wraps off a new full-size crossover concept and where Toyota and Mitsubishi refresh their SUV ranges.
This appetite for cars with a higher driving position, with styling that rejects the traditional sedan or hatchback look and with extra passenger or load space is also why a host of car companies will be redoubling their efforts in this segment in the coming year. Bentley on Tuesday said it is building a smaller luxury SUV to meet demand; while Alfa Romeo and Maserati are getting ready to enter the segment.
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