2017 Escape shows immediate results at Friendly Ford

The 2017 Ford Escape arrived at Friendly Ford about three months ago, and the response to the newly designed vehicle has been excellent.

The third-generation Escape, which was first introduced in 2000, has a strong history with Ford. With its more sporty, muscular look, the vehicle is impressive in virtually every area.

The new four-cylinder Escape is available with engines that include a 2.5-liter with 168 horsepower, a 1.5-liter EcoBoost has 179 horsepower, a 2.0 Liter EcoBoost with 245 horsepower. Each of the EcoBoost engines are turbo-powered.

Also included in the EcoBoost engines is the Auto Start-Stop Technology, which helps optimize fuel consumption and reduces emissions during stop-and-go city driving.

The mileage averages up to 32 per gallon highway. It is available with an Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive System, along with the availability of a Class 2 trailer tow package that will tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The Escape is also available with a Cold Weather Package that includes heated seats, heated side-view mirrors, front and rear all-weather floor mats and the leather comfort package that features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power liftgate, power panoramic Vista Roof and a remote-start system.

The Escape is a two-wheel drive with an available all-wheel drive.

Also available is a Voice-Activated Navigation System with Sirius XM radio, which has traffic and travel links, along with a five-year subscription.

Sales consultant Rafael DeLeon, a 22-year veteran of the car business, said the buyer profile of the Escape has a wide range of appeal with everyone from the 20- to 30-year-olds market wanting the 240 horsepower engine, all the way up to senior citizens who want a multifaceted vehicle.

“I actually sold one to a couple in their mid-80s,” said DeLeon. “They wanted a vehicle big enough for their animals to play in the back. I will never forget them saying that this would probably be their last vehicle.

“The roominess is what really sold them on the Escape. It’s one of the best all-around vehicles in the business.”

Also vital to the success of the 2017 Escape is the upgrade to Sync3, Ford’s next generation of voice-activated technology with an easy-to-use new design and features.

“The new technology is incredible,” explained DeLeon, a native of Ventura, California, who first started working for a Ford dealership in 2010. “Ford is always upgrading, and the company is huge with regards to all of us being familiar with product knowledge.”

Friendly Ford, located at 660 N. Decatur Blvd., has been at the same location since 1970. It is a 17-time winner of the prestigious President’s Award, Ford’s highest single honor for customer satisfaction.

The dealership, headed by general manager Jason Davis, recorded record sales in August in both new and preowned vehicles. For more information about the dealership, call (702) 870-7221 or visit online at www.friendlyfordlv.com.