2013 Ford Escape Gets Best in Class Towing in Obscure Segment

Ford has just announced the 2013 Escape will get an official tow rating of 3,500 lbs., which makes it best-in-class out of all small turbocharged SUVs – an rather obscure statistic.

The Escape used to be powered by a 3.0L V6, and carried a 3,500 lbs. tow rating, same as the new Escape. Now with Ford’s 2.0L Ecoboost, the engine is downsized to provide better fuel economy and still give Escape owners 3,500lbs. of towing capability. The 2.0L Ecoboost makes 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a six speed automatic transmission.

“Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, Powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape.

The Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Acura RDX are the closest competitors to the Escape (all being either turbocharged or offering turbo versions), but all fall short by at least 1,300 lbs. worth of towing capability.