It might not have the wow factor of a high-horsepower sports car, but next year the 2013 Ford Escape might just out-sell every other car on this list combined. Billed as the most popular SUV in America, it’s been reinvented, leaving behind the boxy truck look of days-gone-past for stylish new bodywork more in fitting with the new Ford ethos and style.
And as with all other new Ford’s there’s a strong focus on technology and fuel economy. With a base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, Ford will also offer two EcoBoost engine options, the first a 173-hp 1.6-liter mill and the other a 237-hp 2.0-liter block. With the former sitting as the fuel economy leader, Ford claims an improvement of 5 mpg over the outgoing model, while the larger EcoBoost engine is intended as a V6 alternative.
The 2013 Escape is the first car to get the updated MyFord Touch system, which Ford claims is less buggy and easier to use. Another high-tech convenience feature is a hands-free liftgate. Available on the top-trim model, with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper, the back hatch opens automatically, so long as the “kicker” has the key fob in his or her pocket. Not a lot of folks will opt for this trim option, but its appeal is certain to get folks into dealerships.
