2017 Ford Escape gets the Sport Appearance Package - USA

Available in SE and Titanium variants.

Ford has released the 2017 Ford Explorer with the Sport Appearance Package at the 2016 Chicago Motor Show. The package, which includes a number of exterior and interior changes, mirrors the one offered on the Explorer, and is to be available only on SE and Titanium variants.

The Sport Appearance Package adds an abundance of black with the headlight bezels, front and rear skid plates, upper grille, beltline molding, side mirror caps and roof rails, all painted in black. The most striking feature though are the 19-inch aluminum wheels with ebony black finish.

On the inside, changes are subtle with a partial leather black sport seats with white contrast stitching. The steering wheel and the shift knob get the same treatment.

Despite the package giving the SUV a sporty appeal, the Escape features no changes under the hood. Choices include a 1.5 liter Ecoboost engine churning out 180 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine that develops 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, available in front or four-wheel drive configuration. The entry-level variant retains the 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 168 hp of power and 170 lb-ft of torque.

The 2017 Ford Escape with the Sport Appearance Package will go on sale this spring in USA (March-June).