2013 Ford Escape can tow 3,500 pounds with EcoBoost engine

The 2013 Ford Escape, which we saw at the Detroit auto show in January, will have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, Ford said on Wednesday. That number easily bests four-cylinder-equipped competitors such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Kia Sportage and the Acura RDX.

Ford says the new engine will make enough power to pull two jet skis down to the lake with a trailer, or to drag a snowmobile to the frozen tundra. The Escape SUV also comes with sway control to keep that trailer in line behind the driver.

The EcoBoost engine replaces the 3.0-liter V6 in the current Escape without giving up power. The turbocharged 2.0-liter is rated at 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Ford says fuel economy will be higher than the previous V6-powered Escape's ratings of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

“Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape. “These inherent efficiencies are improved with the EcoBoost technology of direct fuel injection and turbocharging.”

The new Escape will also offer a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four delivering 177 hp and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four cylinder that makes 171 hp. The 2013 Escape will hit showroom floors later this spring.

By Jake Lingeman