Spied! The next USDM Ford Escape
Not much is known about the next Ford Escape, other than the fact that the U.S. version is becoming more distinct from its foreign-market counterparts, like the re-nosed model set to run Down Under for 2007. Of course, as can be plainly seen here, the American version of the popular small SUV will get a new look as well, though markedly more aggressive than its Australian counterpart. With a bolder chrome grille and bumper inlet and headlamps similar to that of the 2007 Expedition, the look is definitely more grown up and aggressive, with designers having exorcised the overly prominent front bumper fascia of the current iteration.
No word yet on powertrain or interior refinements, though the Aussie Escape gained variable valve timing on its 2.3-liter four-cylinder model, and all models received an upgraded interior. From the looks of things, it would appear that the domestic Escape will receive a more thorough going-over than that of other markets, which should keep it in the hunt against vehicles like the new Toyota RAV-4 and Hyundai Tucson, along with upcoming competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander.
[Source: The Detroit News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Michael Karesh 1:11PM (4/22/2006)
Because a lotta chrome on the nose has done so much for Explorer sales?
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tilley 1:26PM (4/22/2006)
Hey, it's better than what Honda did to the Pilot. At least it 'looks' like a step forward....
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SKluck 1:35PM (4/22/2006)
I like it. Too much chrome obviously, but I prefer it over the wussified 1990s look of the current Escape.
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TL 2:15PM (4/22/2006)
Nice Nissan Titan grill
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mp 2:53PM (4/22/2006)
Damn that thing is ugly, but thats what you can expect from ford.
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Ed Kapuscinski 3:09PM (4/22/2006)
This is what happens when you mix bland and ugly styling...
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RickDom 3:35PM (4/22/2006)
Bling bling, ya'all!
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Daniel 3:46PM (4/22/2006)
I have a 2002 Escape company car, and I'll need to negotiate for one of these when they go on sale, it's a BIG improvement.
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Engo P 4:41PM (4/22/2006)
Unispired design. Looks like the Iosis was a waste of money and time because it's no where on this car. Piece of shit.
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lee 5:18PM (4/22/2006)
Wow. "Now with More Ugly!"
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shane 6:27PM (4/22/2006)
Aggressive, but too much chrome.
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Juan 8:22PM (4/22/2006)
Dipping the chrome onto the bumper was a terrible idea. It's chrome for the sake of chrome. Bleh.
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That One Person 8:32PM (4/22/2006)
I like this. This is a big improvement over the current model. I think the chrome is overkill but it might be one of those things that looks better in person (the new Navigator looks a hell of a lot better in person). I wonder if they have other choices besides chrome (body colored, etc.).
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Hugo Balls 8:33PM (4/22/2006)
HIDEOUS! I like the 'Escape' written on the bumper-very vacuum cleaner-chic. The chrome looks like painted plastic. It also reminds me of a shopping cart. Guess somebody needs to replace sales to former Aztek customers.
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mavkato 11:06PM (4/22/2006)
it looks like they borrowed that grill from lincoln
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Jonathan 1:30AM (4/23/2006)
Allow me to echo the comment that the "ESCAPE" chiseled into the stupid chrome bumper looks ridiculous.
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Jaymez 1:54AM (4/23/2006)
Now, if they'd stop skimping on the chrome and plate the entire bumper, it'd look perfect. Chrome is needed in modern styling. They look too bland without it. I'd definately be looking to get the corner pieces in chrome if I were in the market for this thing.
Oh, and if that sounds redneck to you, tough shit. The most beautiful thing in this country is the freedom of choice and my choice is chrome. Throw some chromed 16" 5 spoke wheelsand I'll be interested. (They aren't rims, they're wheels. Get your fucking words right. Two different things.)
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Brian 6:53AM (4/23/2006)
I like it. it works for ford. it's makes the escape look more like a small suv.
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Howard Kerr 8:40AM (4/23/2006)
Thank heavens the U.S. version WON'T look quite as bad as this AUSTRALIAN version.
#9, as far as the styling of this version or the AMERICAN version having/not having been influenced by the Iosis show CAR, isn't that usually the case with Ford products? I mean, what car or styling concept for a car has influenced any F-150?
Keep in mind that Ford (seems) to be pitching the Escape at women, just like every other "cute ute" manufacturer does. Has anyone who's posted on this topic ever SERIOUSLY shopped an Escape?
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Bob 10:19AM (4/23/2006)
I like it. It looks to be a whole lot more refined and the lines look cleaner than on the 2006 Escape. I agree with #13 that it will probably look better in person. I hope the intirior is a big improvement over the current models.
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