Ford has released undisguised photos of the 2013 Escape as part of its debut at the LA Auto Show. Engine options include a 2.0L turbo four cylinder with 235 hp and 250 lb-ft. Depending on price, the Subaru Forester 2.5XT may have some serious competition once you swap in full time all wheel drive.
Bloggers for Edmunds Inside Line got a chance to drive new Escapes with the 1.6L and 2.0L Ecoboost gas turbos. Conclusion: Get the 2.0L. Now the 2.0L is rated to produce 240 hp and 270 ft lb of torque, and still gets an EPA rating of 21 city/28 highway with AWD. The 2.0L Escape also can tow 3500 lb.
And that's one of the things that will keep me away and staying with a TDI 'car', want/need many more MPG out of my cars these days. It helps save fuel budget money for the trucks.