2025 Ford Escape: Engine Cylinder Configuration Across Trim Levels

The Ford Escape remains one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, continually evolving. For the latest model year, Ford has streamlined its engine offerings while maintaining impressive performance and efficiency across all trim levels.

Trim Levels and Engine Overview

The Ford Escape is available in two primary trim levels: Active and ST-Line. Interestingly, Ford has made a significant change for the new model year by standardizing the engine configuration across all trim levels. Both the Active and ST-Line variants now come equipped with the same engine: a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

This marks a departure from previous generations, where multiple engine options were available across different trims. The decision to unify the powertrain lineup simplifies consumer choices while allowing Ford to focus on optimizing performance and efficiency for a single engine platform.

Three-Cylinder EcoBoost Engine Specifications

The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that powers all Escape models is an engineering marvel that strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. Despite having only three cylinders, this compact powerplant delivers impressive output thanks to advanced turbocharging technology.

The engine produces approximately 180 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque, demonstrating that modern three-cylinder engines can deliver performance comparable to traditional four-cylinder counterparts. The turbocharger provides enhanced low-end torque, resulting in responsive acceleration in everyday driving situations.

This three-cylinder configuration represents the industry trend toward engine downsizing while maintaining or improving performance through advanced technologies like turbocharging, direct injection, and precise electronic control systems.

Drivetrain Options

While the engine remains consistent across trim levels, the Escape does offer drivetrain variations:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Available on the Active trim, providing better fuel economy for drivers who don't require all-weather capability.

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available on both Active and ST-Line trims, offering enhanced traction and confidence in challenging weather conditions.

The advanced 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across all models, providing smooth shifts and contributing to overall efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency

The three-cylinder EcoBoost engine demonstrates impressive fuel economy across all configurations. According to official ratings, the Escape achieves approximately:

• 8.9 L/100 km in city driving

• 6.9 L/100 km on the highway

• 8.0 L/100 km combined

These figures position the Escape favourably within the competitive compact SUV segment, particularly given its impressive performance capabilities.

Performance and Driving Experience

Despite its compact size, the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine delivers a driving experience that belies its cylinder count. The turbocharged configuration provides responsive acceleration, particularly in the mid-range where most daily driving occurs.

The ST-Line trim, while sharing the same engine as the Active models, features sport-tuned suspension components that provide a more engaging driving experience. The three-cylinder engine produces a distinctive, sporty exhaust note that enhances the driving character, especially during acceleration.

Modern engineering solutions, including balance shafts and enhanced sound insulation, ensure that the three-cylinder configuration doesn't compromise refinement. Most drivers would be hard-pressed to identify it as a three-cylinder engine based solely on driving feel.

5 Facts About the 2025 Ford Escape Engine

1. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the Escape can temporarily shut down one of its three cylinders during light-load conditions, effectively running on just two cylinders to maximize fuel efficiency.

2. Despite having three cylinders instead of four, the Escape engine produces more torque than many naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines with larger displacements.

3. The EcoBoost three-cylinder uses an integrated exhaust manifold that helps the engine reach optimal operating temperature more quickly, reducing emissions during cold starts.

4. The Ford three-cylinder EcoBoost engine weighs approximately 10 kg less than comparable four-cylinder engines, contributing to the vehicle's overall efficiency and handling.

5. The engine block in the Escape three-cylinder is made from high-strength cast iron rather than aluminum, providing exceptional durability while still maintaining a competitive weight.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Ford Escape Engine

How many cylinders does the Ford Escape have?

• All models feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

Does the cylinder count affect the performance of the Escape?

• Despite having only three cylinders, the turbocharged design ensures this SUV delivers performance comparable to many four-cylinder competitors, with approximately 180 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque.

Are there any four-cylinder options available for the Escape?

• No, Ford has streamlined the lineup to exclusively feature the 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine across all trim levels.

How does the three-cylinder engine impact fuel economy?

• The three-cylinder configuration contributes to excellent fuel efficiency, with ratings of approximately 8.9 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 L/100 km on the highway, and 8.0 L/100 km combined.

Is the same engine used in both FWD and AWD models?

• Yes, the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine powers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, though fuel economy varies slightly between drivetrain options.

Does the ST-Line trim have a different engine than the Active trim?

• No, both the ST-Line and Active trims share the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, though the ST-Line features sportier suspension tuning.

How does the three-cylinder engine compare to previous Escape engines?

• The three-cylinder engine offers comparable power to previous four-cylinder options while delivering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Does the three-cylinder engine require premium fuel?

• While the engine is designed to run optimally on premium unleaded fuel, it can also operate on regular unleaded with a slight reduction in peak performance.

How does the engine's cylinder deactivation technology work?

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• During light-load conditions, the engine can automatically shut down one cylinder, operating on just two cylinders to save fuel, then seamlessly reactivate all three when more power is needed.

Are there any hybrid or plug-in hybrid options for the Escape?

• The lineup currently focuses on the efficient three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Consumers seeking electrified options might consider other vehicles in the expanding Ford electrified lineup.