A substantial increase in towing capacity is one of the key changes for Ford New Zealand's upgraded Escape, which goes on sale this month.
The flagship Escape ST-Line X plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can now tow 2.1 tonnes, up from the previous 1.2t - making it a match for the "full hybrid" (non plug-in, aka FHEV) ST-Line X.
The updated Escape is available in NZ in three different models, with three different powertrains. The Titanium FHEV is the new entry point to the range, with 132kW and FWD, priced at $59,990. And since towing is a theme here: it can handle 1.6t.
The ST-Line X FHEV has 134kW and AWD: it's $66,490. Then you step up to the ST-Line X PHEV with 178kW, for $72,990.
There's now a full-width LED light bar across the new front grille design on the ST-Line X models.
Inside, the new Escape features Ford’s latest-generation SYNC 4 infotainment system, with twice the computing power of the previous system. It has 5G connectivity, cloud-connected navigation and wireless phone projection for Apple and Android.
The new-generation adaptive cruise control can now apply the brakes automatically for curves and junctions as well as other traffic, while the 360-degree camera system now offers an aerial view.
