Intelligent 4WD System
Four-wheel Independent Suspension
Front and Rear Suspensions
Wheels
Tires
Front-wheel Drive
PERFORMANCE/HANDLING
This page is about:
2007 Escape
Performance/Handling
11
May 2006
Escape Mustang
How It Works
• Always drives the front wheels and monitors vehicle and
driving surface conditions, using signals such as individual
wheel speeds and throttle position
• Monitors wheel speed 5000 times per second to maintain
stability and traction
• Seamlessly sends power to the rear wheels as needed to control
wheel slip or prevent it from occurring in the first place
Customer Benefits
• Does not need a driver-operated switch — works
automatically
• Improved traction by automatically delivering torque to the
wheels with the most traction
• Improved vehicle stability by reacting quickly to changes
in road conditions
Wheels and Tires
Wheels
• 15 x 6.5-inch 5-spoke styled-steel wheels
• 15 x 6.5-inch 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels
• 16 x 7-inch 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels
• 16 x 7-inch 5-spoke bright machined cast aluminum wheels
Tires
• P225/75R15 BSW all-season tires — provide confident
traction and handling in a variety of weather conditions
• P235/70R16 BSW all-season tires — offer a wider stance
• P235/70R16 OWL all-season tires
Spotlight on Features
A Closer Look: The Ride
Feature Benefit
Front-wheel Drive
The only traditional Ford SUV (along with Escape Hybrid) with front-wheel drive.
Driving force applied through front wheels; excellent handling, traction and control
Towing Capacity
Adds to Escape’s versatility (1500-lb. maximum with Duratec 23 - 2.3L I-4; 3500-lb.
maximum with Duratec 30 - 3.0L V-6 and optional Class II Trailer Towing Package)
Compact Spare Wheel and Tire
(1)
Underbody mounted — doesn’t interfere with cargo space or rear-window visibility
Rack-and-pinion Steering Tight, responsive steering with low steering effort
Fuel Tank 16.5-gallon capacity for more cruising time between fill-ups
Intelligent 4WD System
(1) Non-matching, temporary full-size spare tire and wheel optional on XLT, XLT Sport and Limited models.
NOTE: Feature availability: Latest Dealer Ordering Guide.
Four-wheel Independent
Suspension
• Optimizes handling and steering feel
for improved vehicle tracking and
stability during braking
• Each wheel absorbs bumps
independently
• Adds to nimble handling
characteristics and smooth ride
Front Suspension
• Large diameter front struts and
modified lower control arm bushings
help isolate shock force for improved
ride and comfort
• Precise steering due to low-friction
stabilizer bar links
• Stabilizer bar helps reduce
body lean in turns and adds to
improved handling
Rear Suspension
• Double lateral link and
semi-trailing arm design
• Long travel jounce bumpers
help absorb harsh impacts
• Allows lower spring rates
for a smooth ride
• Independent design helps
maximize interior space
Escape is in the small SUV segment and, along with Escape Hybrid, is the only traditional Ford SUV with front-wheel drive. Escape
may be classified as small, but it has plenty of big ideas when it comes to performance. Key among them is the Intelligent 4WD
System, which automatically sends power to the wheels with the most traction.
