“While vehicles are becoming saturated with complicated technology, Ford aims to use our own smartphones to add another layer of tech. Albeit, for much more convenient and helpful purposes.”
2017 Ford Escape & Ford Pass App – A Peek Into the Future
Nobody wants to pick up a user’s manual or step-by-step guide of any sort nowadays. Things must happen easily, quickly, or otherwise they don’t happen at all. Perhaps that’s why we use mobile phone apps to order our coffees, do our shopping, and even order our food. The days of picking up a book or even the phone—are over.
Say Hello to the 2017 Ford Escape, and the Ford Pass mobile app. Think of the Escape as Batman and the Ford Pass app as Robin. Sure, Batman can rule over Gotham City by himself, and things would be just fine. But, Robin brings valuable capabilities to the table, and together they can accomplish bigger and better things. Call me a nerd, but the future of mobility isn’t all about cars, it’s about the tiny computers we shove in our back pockets.
2017 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD
During our test of the 2016 Ford Escape we had to make a quick run to southern Michigan for a last-minute family gathering. Low-and-behold, an invitation to explore West Virginia landed in our inbox as we prepared for our time with the 2017 Escape. There was only one logical thing to do—load the thing up and hit the road!
Two adults, two kids (one in a car seat), three carry-on suitcases, camera gear, biking gear, a stroller, and a bike-rack with two bikes. That’s all what we managed to fit into the newer and much sharper-looking 2017 Ford Escape, as we began our 350 mile drive from Indianapolis to Beckley, West Virginia. Needless to say, that presented us with the perfect setting to explore the Escape’s attributes once again.
Driving dynamics, comfort and other details are nearly identical from our previous experience, which you can read here. In fact, because our 2016 year model test car came later in the production cycle, it was equipped with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system; just like the 2017.
The mighty 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine is simply a gem of a motor, and to be honest, it felt like it delivered more than the 179 horsepower Ford claims it produces. Especially as we made our way up and down windy Appalachian mountain roads, which highlighted the excellent synergy between the engine, transmission and steering. Ford Escape RS, anyone?
We averaged approximately 24 mpg during our all-highway 700 mile stint, which is roughly 6 mpg short of the EPA estimate. Then again, we were packing some serious cargo in the back.
The Ford Pass App
Remote start – Starting your vehicle from afar isn’t new, but what is new is to be able to do it from anywhere. The app utilizes your phone’s cellular/internet network to send the command to the vehicle from anywhere in the world!
Schedule a remote start – This was my favorite feature. Knowing we had to get up early to go white water water rafting, I set the app to remote start the Escape 10 minutes before heading out. You can also schedule recurring starts based on your daily work schedule or habits.
Pay your car payment – Yup. Chances are you financed your new Escape through Ford Credit anyway, so use the same app to make your monthly payment as you do to lock your doors.
Find parking – Live in a busy city? The Ford Pass app can show you where spots are available and whether or not they have a cost to you.
Locate vehicle – Forget where you parked? You can use the map feature to locate your Escape and make your way back to it. You can also honk the horn and activate the flashers remotely!
Fingerprint security – You can make sure no one else can control your vehicle by activating a password, or if your phone is equipped with fingerprint security, you can activate Touch ID on iOS devices.
So there you have it. The newest technology for cars isn’t even inside the car itself. It’s all a touch away inside the very smartphone you hold to your face every single day.
- Starts at: $23,600
- Price as tested: $35,235
Also check out the Ford Explorer Platinum!
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[…] to unforeseen circumstances, we had to pack up the 2017 Ford Escape the night before, which meant breaking the big secret to the kids ahead of time. Funny enough, it […]