2017 Ford Escape vs 2019

What's the difference?

Escape. Evocative, isn't it? It also seems like a bit of a metaphor for Ford's mid-sized SUV, the artist formerly known as the Kuga. The Escape's first iteration gave way to the poorly-spelt replacement a few years back, with a weird looking bonce to go with the silly name.

The changes for 2017 are minor, but as we discovered at the top of the range with the Escape Titanium, they come together to improve a car that has struggled to break through into the consciousness of Australian buyers.

The Ambiente kicks off the range with an ambitious spec level and a roomy cabin, taking the fight to Hyundai's Tucson Active and Mazda's all-conquering CX-5.

More: Check out our 2017 Ford Escape range review here

The Ford Escape had a bit of a false start a few years back before things were put right with a facelift and an interior sorting-out to bring it into the game. With the endless rise of the SUV, makers now have to find ways to attract a few more punters - or a few more dollars per punter.

The idea of adding performance-inspired variants isn't new, of course - hatchback ranges are now awash with GT-line and other 'GTI-lite' variants which seems to be working quite well, thanks very much. 

Ford, being a veteran at this sort of thing, thought giving its Escape SUV the ST-Line treatment might be a good way to get a few more punters and dollars.