DEARBORN, MI - Packing 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, the optional 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the all-new 2013 Ford Escape enables the vehicle to tow 3,500 lbs. - best in class among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The 2.0L EcoBoost engine delivers the ultimate combination of fuel economy, performance and capability that SUV customers with active lifestyles need in today's environment of record-high fuel prices.

Escape's greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile and the trailer they ride on. The ability to carry greater loads will save Escape drivers both time and fuel by reducing the number of trips needed. Travel is also made safer with trailer sway control, a class-exclusive feature among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine replaces the 3.0-liter V6 engine in the current Escape with no loss of performance and with fuel economy to be higher than the V6's 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway EPA rating.

"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 all-new Escape will be available with a choice of three four-cylinder engines. In addition to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, Escape will be offered with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 177 horsepower and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder cranking out 171 horsepower. All three engines are mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Escape also features EPAS - electric power-assisted steering - a fuel-saver as well.

The EcoBoost Difference
EcoBoost has been a popular choice among customers since the EcoBoost V6 engine was introduced in 2009 in the Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS. Last year, Ford sold more than 127,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles.

Using some of the same technologies found in diesel engines, EcoBoost can improve fuel economy by as much as 20 percent over larger, conventional engines. This year, Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine technology to not only Escape but Fusion as well.

These engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By next year, more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford holds more than 125 patents on this engine technology.

The all-new Escape comes to dealerships later this spring. The current Escape is the best- selling sport utility vehicle in the United States.