We’ve previously spied the upcoming 2013 Ford Escape, but these latest photos both show more of the crossover’s shape and confirm our previous suspicions about what might power it. When last we saw a 2013 Escape test mule, it was wearing current-generation Ford Kuga bodywork, so these new images are the first to show off the new shape. The overall look follows that of Ford’s Vertrek concept, including the swoopy greenhouse, bulging hood, swept-back headlights (whose Focus-style inset turn indicators are taped over here), and strong character line running from the front wheelarch to the tip of the taillights. Those taillights and a new fender vent seem the lone elements that seriously deviate from the Vertrek. That concept sported simple, single-form taillights, while this prototype’s taillights feature a thin extension that wraps onto the rear quarter panels just like those on Ford’s 2012 Focus hatch (see the close-up shot of the taillight in the gallery below).
More compelling, though, are the shots of the vehicle sans front and rear fascias. The exposed front-mounted intercooler confirms our previous hunches about Ford’s adoption of EcoBoost power for its baby sport utility. The base engine for the 2013 Escape is likely to be Ford’s naturally aspirated 168-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, joined in the powertrain lineup by either a 1.6-liter, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost, or both. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is the same engine found in the Vertrek concept, and we’d expect it to produce somewhere near 180 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost should be good for 237-ish hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, and would make for an interesting Kia Sportage SX competitor. A hybrid powertrain is almost guaranteed, whether an evolution of the system in the current Escape hybrid or possibly a plug-in affair. We’ll bring you more details as they become available; in the meantime, check out the gallery below for more spy photos of the 2013 Escape.
