New Ford Escape Offers More Space, Clever Cargo Solutions

• The 2013 Ford Escape offers more cargo space than its predecessor and spots for various items to help avoid clutter

• The rear seats fold back with the push of a button and a lever release providing additional cargo space for bicycles, ski bags or luggage; the available hands-free power liftgate makes loading and unloading easier, and brings new technology to the SUV market

• Clever spaces like umbrella holders on the seats, a second-row hidden floor bin and ticket holders in the sun visors help organize and de-clutter contents

DEARBORN, Mich., May 9, 2012 – Featuring a new look, the all-new Ford Escape is roomier and has more cargo capacity than the current model. And this stylish small utility vehicle provides clever spots to help drivers and passengers stay organized.

 

With second-row seats that fold flat with the touch of a button, stowing different types of cargo is made easier with the space and smart features available in the 2013 Ford Escape, including an umbrella holder, second-row floor bin and ticket holder in each sun visor.

 

“The new Escape has more cargo space than the previous model as well as a number of storage bins and other unique storage features,” said Eric Jackson, vehicle architecture supervisor. “Whether you have an umbrella, parking stub, cell phone, sunglasses or large water bottle, the new Escape has a specific place for it where it won’t get lost or roll under the seat. The hidden storage under the second-row floor is great for keeping items secure and out of view.”

 

In addition to handling small items, the new Escape handles large ones too. With a roomy second row and standard cargo tie-downs, this Escape is ready to handle loads large or small.

 

Hands-free loading

The available hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and makes it easier to stow gear. The Escape is the only SUV to have this convenient and unique feature.

 

A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob in his or her possession. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig around for the keys. The same motion closes the hatch. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motion – not when an animal runs underneath or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

 

The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.

 

Clever spaces

The Escape features several places to store specific items in the interior including umbrellas, bottles and cell phones.

 

Unique storage spots include:

 

• Overhead visors with ticket holders for parking or toll tickets
• Hidden storage bin under the second-row floor
• Small umbrella holders on both the driver and passenger seat trim panels
• A card holder below and a stowage bin above the center of the instrument panel
• Center console space to hold a 1-liter bottle, MP3 player or CDs
• Eight cupholders – four in the front and rear doors, two in the front center console and two in the optional folding second-row armrest
• Rear cargo management system
• Convenient USB ports in the center console and 110-volt inverter located at the back of the floor console for easy plug-in of laptops, cell phone chargers or other electronics

Seats fold with ease

The new Escape’s rear seats have been designed to fold flat easily in just a few seconds. With the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seatback folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into position.

 

Escape also features an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the customer to choose either maximum luggage volume or flat load floor.

 

Organization means less stress

Organization expert Janet Kester says organization is all about “applying simple concepts each day on a regular basis.” And she should know. Kester is a licensed psychotherapist and professional organizer helping people who suffer from chronic disorganization.

 

The new Escape helps ease the stress created by clutter by offering spaces for specific items such as an umbrella and toll tickets or coloring books for the kids, she says.

 

“If it doesn’t have a home, it’s homeless,” Kester says.

 

“Each item in your car should have a permanent home, at least while you’re inside the car,” she adds. “This way, when you have to retrieve the item, you’ll know exactly where it is.

 

“You’ll also know exactly where to put the item when you’re done using it. Homeless items cause clutter. The fewer homeless things you have, the less clutter you will have, as well as less stress and frustration.”

 

The new Escape can’t reduce the clutter in a vehicle, but it can enable those who are willing to take steps toward being more organized.