Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost officially rated at 23/33 MPG

When we drove the all-new Escape recently, Ford was still awaiting official EPA certification for fuel economy. Now, though, the numbers are in, and the Blue Oval can confidently state that it offers the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the small crossover segment... with an automatic transmission, that is.

The hero engine for the new Escape is Ford's new 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, offering up 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine is good for 23 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg highway, besting the highway numbers of the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and others. At 33 mpg, this means the new Escape is not only more efficient than the outgoing four-cylinder model, but it bests the numbers of the old Escape Hybrid, too.

But again, this only pertains to automatic transmission-equipped vehicles (the Escape does not offer a manual transmission with any of its powertrains). The 2013 Mazda CX-5 with its 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline-four and six-speed manual 'box is rated at 35 mpg highway, but opting for the six-speed auto drops that number to 32 mpg.

The other powertrains offered in the Escape are returning some pretty impressive fuel economy numbers, too. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter base engine is rated at 22/31 mpg, and the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque is good for 22/30 mpg.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/2...-at-23-33-mpg/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Nice numbers. Wish they made a hybrid variant

SLegacy99

I'm sure that this will get the 2.0L hybrid setup that the Fusion is coming out with. Perhap we will see a 1.6L hybrid setup as well, but likely not in the likesof this vehicle.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Other than a base price point, I see no reason for the NA 2.5L 4 anymore. Let the whole Escape line-up have just EcoBoost IMO

spwolf

reason Escape is selling as much as they are right now, is that "other" reason - bottom of the barrel price.
So they wont drop it for sure.

LexFather

A 1.6 liter 4 should get 90 mpg lol

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Nice MPG numbers, this will probably sell pretty well for Ford.

spwolf

it is 1MPG more than CRV, combined....

SLegacy99

That's what I'm saying. A 1.6L Hybrid should do real well in the Focus. That's why I am surprised that Toyota hasn't invested heavily in developing a specific engine for the Prius. Prius C for example, back to the trusty ole 1.5L that doesn't produce enough torque to get out of its own way

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

That's pretty impressive for the CRV, The ancient decade old engine can still keep up, but at the same time it's irritating to me that Honda didn't put in a new engine as they could have been in the lead.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

not pulling all that weight.

unless you want cargo room. and don't mind paying several thousand extra.

agreed, but that would be a very heft investment, and i expect the 'trusty ole 1.5' is still modified for use in a hybrid setup.

spwolf

1NZ has been 80% reworked for Prius C... ZR series in current Prius has been designed from the outset for hybrid application.

If you are thinking about turbo in Hybrid... it would be one of these new 3cly low displacement engines... like 1.0l 3cly with 100hp + hybrid.

Problem is the price. You add Turbo and Hybrid together and it is too pricey and you dont get that much in return. Same goes for Diesel hybrid, plus additional issues it has.

Fact is this new 1.6l Turbo designed specifically for low mpg and in completely new SUV, gets only 1 MPG more than much older engine in new CRV, but costs a lot more to build... hence Ford will keep offering older option.

Wallie3145

I expected better than 23 in the city, afterall Mazda's CX5 gets 26. To me this is one application of the ecoboost that doesn't live up to its reputation. Honda's CRV still uses a 5 speed auto with a larger non D.I. engine and is only 1 mpg less in combined driving.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

good post. slegacy99 seems to want a turbo hybrid diesel with no emissions for the price of a normal car.

SteVTEC

What were you expecting, something innovative and exciting? I've completely given up all hope on Honda.