Ford Escape III 2.5 Duratec (168 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Ford Escape:

The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company from the 2001 to the 2026 model years across four generations, as Ford's first SUV derived from a car platform.
Introduced for model year 2005, the Escape's hybrid electric variant was both Ford's first hybrid-electric vehicle — and the first hybrid SUV in the U. S. market by any manufacturer. The Escape was sized between the Ford EcoSport and Ford Edge.
The first two generations used the Ford CD2 platform, jointly developed with Mazda, and was co-developed with two rebadged variants, the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner. All three were marketed in North America, although the Mariner was not marketed in Canada. The Escape was marketed in Europe as the Ford Maverick for model years 2001- 2008....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

Ford Escape (III). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1594 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2012
Adult Occupant 94%
Stars 5
Expert Note:
The Ford Escape III (Kuga II) achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating strong adult occupant protection and comprehensive safety assist systems.

2.5 Duratec (168 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate for city driving, but can feel underpowered and strained on highways or with a full load.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for a naturally aspirated engine, but generally less efficient than the EcoBoost options in real-world scenarios, at 9.4 l/100 km.

Best Use Case: City driving, budget-conscious buyers prioritizing simplicity and proven reliability over outright power.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Modern and attractive styling
  • • Comfortable and composed ride quality
  • • Strong and efficient EcoBoost engine options
  • • Generous cargo space with flexible seating
  • • Available intelligent All-Wheel Drive system

Cons:

  • • Some early 1.6L EcoBoost engines had reliability concerns (e.g., coolant leaks)
  • • Interior materials in lower trims could feel less premium
  • • Fuel economy, while good for some engines, wasn't always class-leading
  • • Rear visibility can be somewhat limited due to design

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 2008 - 2012).

General:
Brand:Ford
Model:Escape
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):2.5 Duratec (168 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2013
End of production:2016
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:168 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:67.5 Hp/l
Torque:230 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine displacement:2488
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC, i-VCT
Engine oil capacity:5.4 l
Coolant:8.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:88.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:100 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.4 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 105.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 144.3 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1594
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1920 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:971 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):680 kg
Fuel tank capacity:58 l
Size:
Length:4524 mm mm [44mm more]
Width:1839 mm mm [6mm less]
Height:1684 mm mm [46mm less]
Wheelbase:2690 mm mm [70mm more]
Width with mirrors folded:1905 mm
Width including mirrors:2078 mm
Front track:1562 mm
Rear (Back) track:1565 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):201 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.6 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size235/55 R17; 235/45 R19
Wheel rims size17; 19
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring

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