Ford is transforming the 2013 Escape compact crossover from an SUV with a rugged and boxy appeal to one that's more urban-oriented. To be honest, after so many years of basically the same design, we're glad to see the 2013 Ford Escape change anything at all compared to its predecessor. So the 2013 Escape more closely resembles a Focus from the front, will that help the SUV sell better?
From the front, the 2013 Escape SUV is instantly recognizable as related to the Ford Focus thanks to those huge, gaping black trim pieces on the lower front fascia. The 2012 Escape pictured at right has far more chrome on the grille, plus the word "Escape" on the left side of the bumper. The upright grille is completely different from the gradually rising hood of the 2013 Escape.
Headlights of the 2013 Escape crossover wrap onto the side of the vehicle, which now sports side vents and a more complex top-of-the-line wheel design. A character line running through the door handles is new, as is the blacked-out C-pillar. You've seen the upward swoop of the chrome window trim on the Focus and Fiesta five-door hatchbacks.
Unlike the rear of the 2012 Escape, you can see more than just varying rectangles on the back of the 2013 Escape. The 2013 Ford's curved rear windshield shape is a nice touch, as is the silver diffuser panel.
From inside, the 2013 Ford Escape appears to be a two-generation leap from the 2012 Escape's cabin. A brighter and more engaging instrument cluster is new on the 2013 Escape, and the navigation display screen has been pushed higher on the center stack. Even the shapes of the outer air vents on the 2013 Escape are more interesting than the ones in the outgoing Escape.
With which Ford crossover would you rather escape the city? Has Ford improved the styling of the Escape for 2013? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.