“The only thing I don't care for is the small cup holders and road noise inside. I love the comfort and style and reliability.”
2016 Ford Escape: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Ford Escape is a light update, not a redesign. Its main change is SYNC 3, which replaces the older touchscreen system on Titanium and comes in the SE’s 201A package.
About the 2016 Ford Escape
3rd generation (2013-2019), final pre-refresh year before the larger 2017 update.
Ford positions the Escape as a compact SUV that mixes everyday usefulness with a more engaging feel than many rivals. The brochure leans on easy-to-use tech, flexible cargo space, multiple engine choices, and available 4WD for bad weather or weekend travel. Compared with many small SUVs of its time, the Escape stands out for sharper steering feel, strong optional turbo power, and a cabin that works well for commuting, family use, and road trips.
The S is the straightforward everyday Escape, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a rearview camera, and a fold-flat rear seat. The SE adds comfort and appearance touches such as a power driver’s seat and 17-inch alloy wheels, while Titanium brings heated leather seats, an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen, Sony audio, push-button start, and a hands-free liftgate.
What changed, by category
Tech
The newer SYNC 3 touchscreen system replaces MyFord Touch as standard equipment on Titanium and is included in the SE’s 201A package.
Styling
Ford adds new paint colors and an SE chrome appearance package. The exterior body panels remain unchanged.
2016 Ford Escape specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 1.6T / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 1.6T / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22–23 mpg | 21–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 30–32 mpg | 28–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 168–240 hp | 178–240 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 170–270 lb-ft | 184–270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 67.8 cu-ft | 67.8 cu-ft | 67.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Front Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Ford Escape?
The biggest change is the newer SYNC 3 touchscreen system. It replaces MyFord Touch on Titanium and is included in the SE’s 201A package.
Is the 2016 Ford Escape a redesigned model?
No, the 2016 Escape is not redesigned. It keeps the same third-generation platform and exterior body design, with only light technology and appearance updates.
Does every 2016 Ford Escape have SYNC 3?
No, SYNC 3 is not fitted to every 2016 Escape. It is standard on Titanium and included with the SE’s 201A package, while the S uses basic SYNC voice controls with a 4.2-inch screen.
Did the 2016 Ford Escape get new engines?
No, the engine lineup carries over for 2016. It consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, all paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What exterior changes did the 2016 Ford Escape receive?
The 2016 Escape receives new paint colors and a chrome appearance package for the SE. Its exterior body panels and overall shape are unchanged.
2016 Ford Escape Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Ford Escape.
4.3
2016 Ford Escape
(489 reviews)
“My car has a turbo, which is incredibly important to me; I have 3 dogs, so I was looking for a car that would fit all of them in the back (with the back seats down); I wanted it to look stylish - inside & out; I feel that the car is safe and maneuvers well in snow.”
“Has adjustable seating for more than 1 driver which is great for husband/wife. Heated seats are awesome and go up to 5 unlike others who only go to 3. Large trunk space and very roomy for multiple passengers in the backseat.”