2005 Ford Escape

The redesigned 2005 Ford Escape is a sound mix of fun, agility and durability. The small SUV's style, roominess, fuel-economy and affordability continue to make it the segment leader. It is geared to active, "young at heart" drivers and first-time SUV buyers who desire SUV qualities in a more compact package.

2005 Ford Escape

For 2005, Escape is designed for even greater appeal with two improved engine options - a new Duratec 23 four-cylinder and an improved Duratec 30 V-6 - and a newly available automatic transmission on four-cylinder models.

Escape is built in Kansas City, Mo., and Avon Lake, Ohio.

* 2.3-liter Duratec 23 I-4 four-cylinder engine
* Four-cylinder engine now available with automatic transmission
* Automatic Intelligent 4WD System improves fuel efficiency
* Redesigned interior featuring flow-through console, floor-mounted shifter, new gauges, more storage spaces and upgraded seat cushions and fabrics
* Engineering advances produce quieter interior
* New bumper fasias and headlights
* Safety upgrades like Safety Canopy™ system, standard Personal Safety System™ and improved body structure enhance crash protection
* XLS Blast package includes 6-CD changer and 16-inch aluminum wheels
* Anti-lock brakes standard on all series

Design

The 2005 Escape has had a face-lift. Its fresh, aggressive look features new headlamps, fog lamps, front and rear fascias, 15-inch and 16-inch aluminum wheels and honeycomb grille. The lower bumpers in the front and rear have stylized ribs.

Customers may choose from 10 common equipment configurations in XLS, XLT and Limited trims. A new XLS Blast package includes 16-inch aluminum wheels and a six-disc in dash CD changer.

Four new paint colors debut this year: Sonic Blue, Norsea Blue, Silver Metallic and Titanium Green.

Escape is also the only small SUV designed to pass the rigorous Tough Truck testing given to all Ford trucks and SUVs.
Interior

The 2005 Escape's upgraded interior stresses comfort, convenience and roominess. Highlights include a standard flow-through console, floor-mounted shifter, modern gauges, more storage spaces and upgraded seat cushions and fabrics. The popular rear liftgate with flip-up glass, however, remains for easy access to the generous cargo area.

The Escape further benefits from major engineering efforts to quiet the interior. New sound-absorbing panels and tighter sealing measures reduce cabin noise, ensuring a comfortable, relaxing ride.

Powertrains

The 2005 Ford Escape is broadening its horizons with a new 2.3-liter Duratec 23 4-cylinder engine. The engine develops 153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque, while a balance shaft provides exceptional smoothness. Enhancements include a smoother idle and more responsive part-throttle response, compliments of new engine mounts and the sophisticated Black Oak powertrain management computer.

Furthermore, an automatic transmission is newly available with the I-4 engine.

Fans of the standard manual transmission will notice a change, too. It has a new gearbox with lighter shifting efforts and shorter throws.

Those with a passion for power still can choose the improved Duratec 30 V-6 engine, standard on Escape XLT and Limited. With 200 peak horsepower, it is one of the most powerful engines in the segment.

The 2005 Escape and the new Duratec 23 form the foundation for the Escape Hybrid, which will go on sale in late summer 2004. The hybrid-electric vehicle uses a modified version of the Duratec 23 and a hybrid transaxle to deliver exceptionally low emissions and high fuel economy with the performance of a V-6 engine. It is the go-anywhere capability Escape customers expect from a Ford SUV.

Ride and handling

'Smooth sailing' describes the ride of the 2005 Escape. The new automatic Intelligent 4WD System translates to better traction and stability with a smoother, more fuel-efficient operation, even in slippery conditions. The computer-controlled system operates so seamlessly that its engagement is barely noticeable to most drivers. Escape also is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration that provides more traction and precision than rear-wheel-drive competitors.

An abundance of engineering tweaks contribute to the smoothness. The balance shaft on the 4-cylinder, the engine mounts on the 6-cylinder, the larger-diameter front shocks and the new front stabilizer system better absorb road impacts while maintaining Escape's hallmark driving dynamics.

Safety and Security

Safety is paramount with the 2005 Escape. Revisions to the body structure have improved performance in offset frontal crashes. With the addition of standard passenger-seat weight-sensing technology and the Personal Safety System™, the Escape is expected to be the first vehicle in its class to meet the newly amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 for occupant crash protection.

The available Safety Package combines Ford's exclusive Safety Canopy™ rollover protection system with front side air bags. The Personal Safety System™ with occupant classification sensor is standard on all models, and head restraints and three-point safety belts are standard at all seating positions.

Anti-lock brakes are now standard on all models for 2005. The system features Quick Brake Assist, a power-assistance technology that recognizes hard braking and helps the driver apply maximum braking force, ideal for shorter stops. Six-cylinder four-wheel-drive models now have discs at all four wheels.

Major Equipment and Options

XLS: 2.3-liter Duratec 23 I-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission (automatic optional), four-wheel ABS, 15-inch steel wheels, grey front and rear fascia and body cladding, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, roof side rails, AM/FM stereo with single CD, low-back cloth front bucket seats, 60/40 split rear seat, air conditioning, center console with two cup holders, dual vanity mirrors, cargo floor hooks, front air bags, LATCH child seat attachments in rear outboard seating positions and SecuriLock passive anti-theft system.

XLT adds: Optional 3-liter Duratec 30 V-6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes (on V-6 with 4WD), 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, roof rack with two horizontal bars, privacy glass, speed controls on steering wheel, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer, premium cloth seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, floor mats and perimeter alarm.

XLT Sport adds: 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, Dark Shadow Grey fascia, cladding and wheel-lip moldings and black step bars.

Limited adds: Monochromatic appearance with body-color door and liftgate handles, fascia and cladding, leather seating surfaces, overhead console with dual storage bins, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror, message center and dual illuminated vanity mirrors.

Options include a cargo convenience group that packages a rear cargo area shade and a rear storage bin.

Pricing

* Base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2005 Escape lineup will range from $19,265 to $26,365, excluding destination and delivery charges of $590.
* Customers can purchase a nicely equipped Escape XLS with the new Duratec 23 I-4 engine and newly available automatic transmission for under $20,000 - almost $1,000 less than the previous model year.
* On average, base prices for the 2005 Escape lineup increased less than one percent.

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2005 Escape lineup will range from $19,265 to $26,365, excluding destination and delivery charges of $590. The comparable price range for today's 2004 Escape lineup is $18,710 to $26,240.

"Escape is already the leader in the small SUV segment, and the 2005 model will put it even further ahead of the competition," said Corey Holter, Ford Division Escape marketing manager. "We've listened to our customers and added new features, while maintaining our tradition of value by offering the right product at the right price."

Customers now can purchase a nicely equipped Escape XLS with the new Duratec 23 I-4 engine and newly available automatic transmission for under $20,000 - almost $1,000 less than the previous model year. The volume model of the 2005 Escape lineup, an XLT 4WD with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission, will carry a base MSRP of $24,500, excluding destination and delivery charges.

Available in XLS, XLT and Limited trims, the 2005 Escape offers the advantages of two engine options, 10 configurations, independent rear suspension, a rear liftgate with flip-up glass, and outstanding roominess, cargo features and spaciousness. New features for 2005 include:

* The new Duratec 23 - 2.3-liter I-4 engine with a newly available automatic transmission
* An all-new automatic Intelligent 4WD System
* Quieter interior and improved ride
* Available Safety Canopy™, standard Personal Safety System™ and improved offset crash protection
* A flow-through floor console with integrated floor shifter standard on all models
* A new center console with larger cup holders, additional storage and 12-volt power point
* Upgrades to the front seats for comfort, with new fabric and premium leather seating surfaces
* A modernized instrument cluster and available message center on Escape Limited
* A new front fascia with integral fog lamps, new grille and quad headlamps with jewel-effect clear lenses; new rear fascia
* New aluminum wheels available on XLS and XLT

The Duratec 30 - 3.0-liter V-6 engine also is improved for 2005 with a smoother idle and improved shift quality from its standard four-speed automatic transmission.

As a leader in the small sport-utility segment, Escape attracts a variety of customers - ranging from young buyers to empty nesters - to the Ford SUV lineup. Escape is fun-to-drive, agile, sporty, durable yet affordable and fuel-efficient transportation ideal for first-time SUV buyers or those seeking the attributes of an SUV in a more compact package.

Year-to-date through November, Escape sales are up 18 percent, with almost 154,000 sales already this year - more than any of its competitors. Ford sold more than 145,471 Escapes in the 2002 calendar year, and more then 500,000 units since it was introduced in late 2000.

Available in dealerships next February, the 2005 Escape will be built at Ford Motor Company's Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant and Avon Lake (Ohio) Assembly Plant.

XLS Manual Standard Equipment

(* New or improved feature for 2005)

* Duratec 23 I-4 engine *
* 5-speed manual transmission *
* Intelligent 4WD System (on 4WD equipped vehicles) *
* Anti-lock braking system (ABS) *
* 15-inch styled-steel wheels *
* P225/75R15 A/S BSW tires
* Molded-in-color grey front and rear fascias, body-side cladding *
* Power Group - power windows, locks, mirrors and keyless entry
* Roof side rails (black)
* AM/FM single CD
* Front seats - cloth low-back buckets; manual two-way driver seat adjustment *
* Rear seat - cloth 60/40 split seat with tip-fold-flat latch *
* Air conditioning
* Floor console with 2 cupholders, and storage bin *
* First- and second-row assist handles (second row N/A with Side Air Canopy)
* Cloth driver and passenger visors with dual covered vanity mirrors
* Locking glove box
* Center dome with map lights and rear cargo area light
* Power point
* Cargo floor hooks
* Air bags - second-generation driver and front-passenger
* LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
* SecuriLock®
* Battery saver features
* Spare tire
* Wheel nut wrench and jack
* Illuminated entry

XLS Standard Equipment

All XLS Manual standard equipment plus…

* Four-speed automatic O/D transmission

XLT Standard Equipment

All XLS standard equipment plus…

* Duratec 30 V-6 engine *
* Four-speed automatic O/D transmission *
* Power four-wheel disc brakes on 4WD *
* Steering wheel mounted speed control
* 16-inch aluminum wheels *
* P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires (OWL std. on 4WD)
* Front fog lamps *
* Roof rack with two horizontal bars
* Privacy Glass
* AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD player
* Front seats - premium cloth low-back bucket seat *
* Rear seat - premium cloth 60/40 split seat with tip-fold-flat latch *
* Power six-way driver seat
* Floor mats, color keyed carpeted front and rear with driver retention hook
* Perimeter alarm

XLT Sport Standard Equipment

All XLT standard equipment plus…

* 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels
* P235/70R16 A/S OWL tires
* Painted Dark Shadow grey fascias, bodyside cladding & wheel lip moldings *
* Black step bars

Limited

All XLT Sport standard equipment plus…

* 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels
* P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires
* Monochromatic appearance
* Front seats - premium leather-trimmed low-back bucket *
* Rear seat - premium leather-trimmed 60/40 split seat with tip-fold-flat latch *
* Overhead console with dual storage bins (not available with Power Moonroof)
* Automatic headlamps
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror
* Message Center *
* Cargo area retractable cover
* Dual illuminated vanity mirrors

Powertrain

* All-new Duratec 23 four-cylinder engine with world-class refinement
* Fully automatic Intelligent 4WD system
* Actions to make the Duratec 30 V-6 engine smoother and more quiet
* Quieter interior and improved ride and braking

Ford has beefed up the 2005 Escape with an all-new four-cylinder engine with a newly available automatic transmission, a new Intelligent 4WD System and improvements in quietness, ride and braking. The original Escape set a new standard for fun-to-drive dynamics, all-weather confidence and off-road capability in a small sport-utility vehicle. Powertrain and chassis improvements to the redesigned 2005 model include :

* The all-new Duratec 23 four-cylinder engine, the latest application of Ford's global four-cylinder engine architecture
* A balance shaft on the Duratec 23 for world-class refinement
* An automatic transmission option with the Duratec 23
* An all-new fully automatic Intelligent 4WD System for even better traction and stability with smoother, more fuel-efficient operation
* A quieter interior and improved ride
* Standard anti-lock brakes with Quick Brake Assist and increased brake life

The New Duratec 23 Four-Cylinder Engine

The 2005 Escape is the latest Ford Motor Company vehicle to take advantage of the new global modular four-cylinder engine family. The base engine in the Escape displaces 2.3 liters and produces 153 horsepower and 152 foot-pounds of torque, an increase of 26 horsepower and more than 15 foot-pounds of torque compared with the 2004 model's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The new engine produces its torque on a broader, flatter curve than the current powerplant, for better mid-range throttle response. For the first time, the four-cylinder engine will be available with a four-speed automatic transmission. The standard five-speed manual transmission is a new gearbox with short, positive throws and reduced shift efforts.

"The performance of this new engine makes it a great match with the newly available automatic transmission," says Kumar Galhotra, Escape Chief Engineer. "We think the automatic will greatly increase the popularity of four-cylinder Escapes."

The new engine increases the towing capacity of four-cylinder Escape models from 1,000 pounds to 1,500 pounds for 2005. V-6 models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, when properly equipped.

The Duratec 23's aluminum block and head are approximately 40 pounds lighter compared to the current iron and aluminum engine - leading directly to fuel economy and vehicle dynamics improvements. The cylinder head's Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) design uses Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) tappets and an aluminum alloy (AA319) "high flow" cylinder head with press-fit valve seats, which helps to improve long-term sealing.

A Smooth Operator

In addition to the Duratec 23's balance shaft - a gear-driven counter-rotating weight system that nearly eliminates the characteristic vibration of a four-cylinder engine - a host of low-noise features enhance engine refinement. These include a single, service-free poly-V accessory-drive belt made of composite rubber, an automatic belt tensioner, a low-noise alternator with dual internal cooling fans and a length-symmetrical intake manifold. Overall idle noise, vibration and harshness is improved, and powertrain noise during driving has been reduced by one to three decibels throughout the engine speed range.

Refined to the Last Detail

To "sculpt" the engine sound to be sporty yet refined, engineers made the computer-designed intake manifold in a fully symmetrical, lightweight plastic design that increases airflow and stays cooler than cast metal. A new four-hole fuel injector design delivers a highly atomized-spray pattern directly toward the twin inlet ports of each cylinder. This allows for more spray penetration, better atomization and less cylinder wall wetting than a single-hole injector. This translates into smooth drivability and low emissions.

Duratec 30 V-6 Improvements

Escape's V-6 engine, the Duratec 30, continues to be standard on XLT and Limited models, producing 200 horsepower and 193 foot-pounds of torque - among the best ratings in the class.

For 2005, this 3.0-liter V-6 has improved part-throttle and launch performance feel, a smoother idle and improved shift quality from its standard four-speed automatic transmission. Redesigned engine mounts have reduced the vibration of the steering wheel, while a retuned acoustic silencer helps reduce overall powertrain noise by one to three decibels.

Part-throttle driving feel and idle stability improvements are made possible by Ford Motor Company's new Black Oak powertrain management software. The new 32-bit Motorola PowerPC™ processor is more than five times faster than previous designs, can communicate more quickly with the automatic transmission and has adaptive capabilities - all of which provide more confident, refined performance.

With the V-6 engine, Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds, when properly equipped. Both engines feature a new catalytic converter that provides tighter emissions control with less precious metal than used previously.

New Intelligent 4WD System

Four-wheel-drive Ford Escapes have an all-new, fully automatic four-wheel-drive system for 2005. The new Intelligent 4WD System replaces the current Control Trac II System for more positive traction and vehicle stability, improved fuel economy and smoother operation.

The automatic system requires no driver interaction and is so seamless in operation that most drivers will never notice that it has engaged - except by being impressed by Escape's capability in slippery conditions. Whereas current Escape models have two four-wheel-drive settings - either "AUTO" or "ON" to lock the center coupling - the 2005 models do not need the switch. The fully automatic system provides the maximum traction as driving conditions vary.

The Intelligent 4WD System is a fully computer-controlled clutch that engages the rear wheels as needed; in normal conditions Escape is driven by its front wheels. Using sensors at each wheel, at the accelerator, the system's computer is able to calculate dozens of times per second exactly how much torque to send to the rear wheels to minimize slip - and can even predict slip and preclude it from happening at all.

The Intelligent 4WD System eliminates one of the drawbacks of other four-wheel-drive systems tuned aggressively for maximum traction, which is a binding effect during tight turns and driveline harshness when the system engages. The Intelligent 4WD System can sense tight turns and continuously varies the torque to the rear wheels at all speeds, offering the benefits of a "locked" four-wheel-drive system without any of the drawbacks.

When the Rubber Meets the Ice, Intelligent 4WD Delivers

The new Intelligent 4WD System has proven itself in demanding internal tests on ice, on dry pavement and on every surface in between.

* Traction: A full-throttle start on ice shows the system to be equivalent to "locked" four-wheel drive in terms of accelerating from rest
* Stability: It provides "neutral steer" characteristics, outperforming "locked" four-wheel-drive and front-wheel drive during cornering tests
* Refinement: During tight, low-speed turns on dry pavement, it delivers the refinement of front-wheel drive, with no binding or lurching
* Convenience: Confident performance without having to throw a switch or pull a lever
* Fuel economy: Lower friction results in approximately 0.2 mpg better fuel economy

A More Comfortable, Quieter Ride

The 2005 Escape has a smoother ride over road undulations and a quieter cabin. The dampers in the MacPherson strut front suspension have larger-diameter pistons (increased from 32 mm to 35 mm) and new tuning to improve ride over varying road conditions.

More effective sealing and increased sound insulation join the sound-deadening package for 2005. Key sound-deadening elements include an improved mat between the engine and passenger compartment, improved carpet insulation on the floorpan and better sound-absorbing trim panel mats for further noise isolation.
More Confident Braking and Longer Brake Life

Escape's brakes are improved for 2005. The newly standard anti-lock system features Quick Brake Assist, a power-assistance technology that can recognize hard braking and help the driver apply maximum braking force - for shorter stops. New friction materials provide reduced fade and up to three times longer life in internal tests. Six-cylinder four-wheel-drive Escapes have discs standard at all four wheels that measure 11.9 inches across - a full inch larger than before - for up to five times longer life.

A Focus on Dynamics

Despite its impressive capability off-road and in slippery conditions, Escape has become known for its dynamic on-road capability. The new front stabilizer bar system with low-friction links provides a subtle improvement to Escape's already agile, predictable and inspiring driving character. This performance stems from Escape's solid unitized body construction, its MacPherson strut front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and independent rear suspension (IRS). Independent rear suspension once was a rarity among sport-utility vehicles, but now is used in the Escape, Explorer and Expedition. The IRS gives Escape precise steering and handling through dynamic toe control and the ability of each wheel to react separately to road imperfections.

Design

* New front and rear fascias and headlamps
* Standard flow-through center console with floor shifter and increased storage
* More comfortable and stylish front seats, new gauge faces and interior materials
* New aluminum wheel choices and four new paint colors

Escape charges into the 2005 model year with a fresh look inside and out. In keeping with Ford’s commitment to interior design, Escape has a standard floor shifter, higher quality trims and more comfortable seats for 2005, and the exterior is freshened to combine Ford’s truck toughness with a refined sporty look. Key changes include:

* A flow-through floor console with integrated shifter standard on all models
* A new center console with larger cup holders, additional storage and 12-volt power point
* Upgrades to the front seats for comfort, with new fabric and premium leather surfaces
* A modernized instrument cluster and available message center on Escape Limited
* A new front fascia with integral fog lamps, new grille and quad headlamps with jewel-effect clear lenses; new rear fascia
* New paint colors: Sonic Blue, Norsea Blue, Silver Metallic, Titanium Green
* Molded-in-silver ribbed “skid plate” effect fascias with XLT No Boundaries™ package
* New aluminum wheels available on XLS and XLT

Standard Flow-Through Center Console

Standard on all 2005 Escapes is an integrated flow-through center console replacing the floor-mounted freestanding console on current models. Ford moved the shift lever to the console, while fitting it with an additional storage bin, a 12-volt power point and large, deep cup holders. To accommodate various beverage sizes and to ease cleaning, the cup holders have removable rubber inserts.

More Supportive, Attractive Seats

For 2005, Escape’s front seats are more comfortable, with new fabric and leather choices. Advanced pressure-mapping techniques were used to re-tune the seat foams for more support, fewer pressure concentrations and enhanced comfort, particularly on longer drives.

All XLT Escapes will have new cloth seating surfaces for 2005. Durable and attractive, this premium material has been carefully matched to the interior Flint or Pebble color scheme. Leather seating surfaces are optional on XLT models. Now standard on Limited versions is a premium Imola Leather seat material with perforated inserts, available in Pebble or Ebony.

The rear seat on every Escape now is split 60/40 and folds flat for extra cargo capacity. For 2005, a head restraint and integrated three-point safety belt have been added to the rear center position.

New Instrument Cluster with Message Center

All Escapes have a modern-faced instrument cluster for 2005. The white-faced gauges have markings designed for legibility and are ringed in warm-steel-colored bezels.

Standard on Limited models is a multi-function Message Center. This two-line, 24-character liquid-crystal display offers trip statistics such as average fuel economy, instantaneous fuel economy and distance-to-empty; an oil change reminder with estimated oil life; and various warnings such as when a door is open, a bulb is burned out, or the fuel cap needs to be tightened.

Room for All Your Stuff

In all Escape models, rear seating systems can be folded flat for increased cargo space. The rear-seat cushion also can be removed, further enhancing load-carrying capacity. The flip-up rear glass offers easy access to the rear cargo area, while four tie-downs in the cargo area help secure loads.

With the rear seat up, cargo capacity is 29 cubic feet – and 66 cubic feet are available with the seat folded. For smaller items, open storage bins are located in the rear quarter panel on both sides of the cargo area. The glove box locks and each front door includes large, deep map pockets.

The spare wheel on all 2005 Escapes has been moved to a location under the floor, rather than inside. It can be lowered by a special winch which only can be operated with the tailgate open, to help prevent theft.

Audio Systems

Available on XLT and Limited trims is the 300-watt satellite-capable MACH audio system, which turns the Escape into a seven-speaker premium listening room. An eight-inch high-output subwoofer provides deep, loud bass tones, while door-mounted tweeters improve stereo imaging. The system uses digital signal processing and is pre-wired for satellite radio. Both the MACH and the standard audio system on XLT and Limited use an in-dash six-CD changer. Even the base XLS model has a standard CD player, and a cassette player can be added to XLT models.
Designed For Ruggedness and Urban Fun

Escape’s wide stance with aggressive large wheel arches, wide body cladding and integrated bumpers give a functional, off-road-ready yet modern look. For 2005, the headlamps are clearly defined quad circles behind jewel-effect clear lenses. The egg-crate grille has been restyled to match the rest of the Ford SUV lineup.

On XLT and Limited, the new ribbed bumper fascia holds new dual round fog lamps. All Escapes have a new rear bumper fascia for 2005. With the XLT No Boundaries™ package, which includes a unique rack system, the front and rear fascias have a molded-in-silver “skid plate” effect.

New Aluminum Wheels

For 2005, Escape XLT models have a new standard 16-inch aluminum wheel with five tapered spokes and rugged notches at the wheel lip. Optional on XLS models is a new five-spoke 15-inch aluminum wheel. The gently scalloped spokes lend a geometric, “techy” look to the vehicle.

All Escape wheels share the five-spoke theme. The standard wheel on XLS models is a 15-inch styled-steel design; XLT No Boundaries have a painted aluminum 16-inch wheels; while XLT Sport and Limited models have a bright machined version of the 16-inch wheel.

Series Differentiation

With more than 10 ordering options available, including front- and four-wheel-drive versions, there is an Escape for every buyer:

* XLS Manual: Duratec 23 four-cylinder engine, molded-in-color grey fascias and body cladding and black roof rails
* XLS: adds the automatic transmission
* XLT: Duratec 30 V-6, 16-inch aluminum wheels, ribbed fascia and privacy glass
* XLT Sport: adds machined wheels, painted fascias and cladding and black step bars
* XLT No Boundaries Package: adds the innovative No Boundaries Rack System, painted aluminum wheels and molded-in-silver “skid plate” fascias
* Limited: adds body-color painted fascias and cladding, Imola leather seating surfaces, message center and bright machined wheels.
* Limited Comfort Package: adds the MACH audio system, heated mirrors, premium leather-trimmed seats and Reverse Sensing System.

Safety

* Expected to be first in class to meet revised Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208
* New standard Personal Safety System™
* Optional Safety Canopy™ rollover protection system – a segment exclusive
* Structural reinforcements for offset frontal crashes

The redesigned Escape has standard anti-lock brakes, a segment-exclusive Safety Canopy™ rollover curtain air bag system and the Personal Safety System™ with passenger weight-sensing technology. It is expected to be the first vehicle in its class to meet the newly amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 for occupant crash safety.

Topping the list of new safety and security features are:

* The standard Personal Safety System, a comprehensive restraint suite for frontal impacts that is designed to adjust to provide the best protection in a variety of crashes
* The available Safety Canopy, a Ford Motor Company exclusive side air curtain rollover protection system
* Occupant classification sensing for the front passenger air bag
* Structural reinforcements for offset frontal impacts
* Three-point safety belts and head restraints at all seating positions

Personal Safety System Joins Escape For 2005

In 2005, Escape becomes the next in a line of Ford Motor Company vehicles to come standard with the Personal Safety System, one of the industry’s most comprehensive suite of safety technologies. The system is designed to provide increased protection in many types of frontal crashes by analyzing crash factors and determining the proper response in milliseconds.

The system uses dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags capable of deploying at full or partial power. In less severe frontal crashes, air bags inflate with reduced force – or not at all – helping reduce the risk of injury due to the inflation of the air bag.

The system’s pretensioners tighten the front safety belts in the first moments of a crash, and energy management retractors gradually slacken the safety belt, if necessary, to help reduce the force of the belt on the occupant’s chest. A vehicle occupant’s best line of defense in crashes remains the safety belt.

Occupant Classification Sensing Makes Escape First To Meet New Regulation

Occupant Classification Sensing builds on the strength of the Personal Safety System to tailor deployment of the front passenger air bag. If the passenger seat sensor detects no weight on the seat – or very little weight, such as a newspaper or a jacket – the passenger air bag is automatically switched off.

If more weight is on the seat, as with a small child, the air bag remains turned off and an instrument panel light alerts the driver with the message "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF." If an adult is seated properly in the passenger seat, the air bag automatically is switched on, ready to inflate within milliseconds, if needed. The safest place for children is in the rear seat, properly restrained.

With Occupant Classification Sensing, the 2005 Escape is expected to be the first vehicle in its class to meet the revised Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 – ahead of regulatory mandate.

Safety Canopy: A Ford Motor Company Exclusive

Ford’s Safety Canopy, pioneered on the 2003 Explorer, will now be offered on Escape. The Safety Canopy side curtain air bags provide enhanced side impact and rollover protection by deploying from the headliner in certain types rollover and side-impact accidents. A sensor monitors the vehicle’s roll angle and roll rate. If the system determines a rollover may be imminent, the Safety Canopy deploys and remains inflated for several seconds. Escape is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a system with this rollover protection function.

Reinforced Structure for Offset Frontal Impacts

For 2005, Escape’s front structure is upgraded to provide increased protection in offset frontal crashes. In these types of accidents, only a portion of the front structure must bear the full brunt of the impact, and deformation of the passenger compartment can result. To help manage these crash forces, the front structural rails have structural composite reinforcements to tailor the rate at which they absorb energy and help prevent deformation of the passenger compartment.

Three-Point Safety Belts And Head Restraints

For 2005, Escape will have head restraints and three-point safety belts at all five seating postions. Adding the seat-integrated safety belt to the center position of the rear seat required extensive reinforcement of the seat frame.
Numerous Standard Features Enhance Safety and Security

Escape also has as standard equipment dozens of safety and security features, including:

* Beltminder™, which provides drivers with a gentle reminder to buckle up
* SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system, which requires an electronically coded key
* Battery Saver, which helps prevent accidental battery drainage from the interior lights
* A fail-safe cooling system that guards against engine damage after coolant loss
* The optional Reverse Sensing System, which aids in reversing near driveway obstacles

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