The Ford Escape is the first Ford SUV in the U.S. to offer a windshield wiper de-icer, as part of the vehicle's Cold Weather Package. 

To activate the feature, drivers can push the designated button on the central console. The all-new heating element in the glass beneath the windshield wipers heats up and melts away the ice. This eliminates clumps of ice being stuck on the wiper and streakage as the driver turns on his or her wipers. 

Another option available to drivers to use the system is through the FordPass app, it can be activated from the driver's smartphone. Additionally, the driver can schedule when the de-icer system goes to work on the windshield wiper. 

The package comes standard on Titanium models and is an option on SE models. Other features of the package include all-weather floor mats, heated side mirrors, heated seats, and a supplemental powertrain conditioning heater.

The 2017 Escape is due in showroom spring 2016.