2011 LA Auto Show: Sleek, new 2013 Ford Escape

Just as the latest Ford Explorer broke away from its more trucklike predecessor, the redesigned Ford Escape will take a more civilized path. All new for the 2013 model year, the Escape features a sleeker exterior, a number of new features and technologies, and promises improved cargo space and fuel economy.

The Escape will come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but two other fuel-efficient engines are offered--a 2.0-liter or 1.6-liter EcoBoost. Fuel economy on the EcoBoost engines is expected to be 5 mpg better than the outgoing model. However, it will not be offered as a hybrid. This is a shame, as the outgoing Escape returned 26 mpg overall, making it among the most fuel-efficient SUVs we have ever tested. Ford will instead put its latest hybrid system in the C-Max, an comparably sized two-row people mover also expected for sale next year.

The Escape will come with a hands-free power liftgate enabled by motion under the center of the rear bumper and the upgraded Sync with MyFord Touch infotainment system is also standard. The SUV will also have park assist, blind-spot sensors, curve control, and torque control. These latter systems will help slow the vehicle when cornering and accelerate through a turn.

The new Escape promises to have more cargo room and more space behind the first and second rows and the rear seats and head restraints fold flat with a touch of a button. The SUV also has a new 4WD system for improved handling on and off-road.

The Escape is expected to go on sale in summer 2012.

See our complete 2011 LA Auto Show coverage.

—Liza Barth