A year after its release, the more rounded Escape gets a variety of tweaks in packaging to keep it competitive in an ever-crowded segment. The near range-topping SEL trim has been dropped in favour of additional options packages for the SE trim. Also new are full leather seats in Titanium models and the hands-free "kicker liftgate" can now work with a Class II trailer hitch installed.

Engine and transmission choices remain the same, but the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder - with 240 hp (or 231 hp on regular gas) and 270 lb.-ft. of torque - is now standard on Titanium models. SE models receive Ford's 1.6L EcoBoost, good for 178 hp (or 173 hp on regular gas) and 184 lb.-ft., while entry-level S models get an unboosted 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder producing 168 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque, no matter what fuel you put in the tank. All engines are mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission powering the front wheels or all four corners (with the exception of S trim, which is only available in front-wheel drive).

In S trim, features include 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input, overhead console, centre floor console with armrest, floor mats, message centre and trip computer, map lights, rear cargo lamp, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, 17-inch steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, body colour rear spoiler, integrated blind spot power mirrors, power windows with driver's one-touch down, cloth seats, manual liftgate, privacy glass, airbags (front, front side, driver's knee, side curtain), emergency brake assist, LATCH, SOS post crash alert system, TPMS, keyless entry, and Ford MyKey.

SE trim adds 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear seat armrest with cupholders, compass and outside temperature display, additional 110V outlet, body colour door handles, automatic headlamps, Ford SYNC, satellite radio, 6-way manual driver's seat, black upper grille with chrome bar, chrome beltline molding, fog lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, rear view camera, engine block heater, and SecuriCode keyless entry keypad. Intelligent 4WD is available on this trim.

Titanium trim adds 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, cargo cover, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated leather seating with 10-way power driver seat, illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows with auto up/down, ambient lighting, push button start, Sony audio, SYNC with MyFord Touch, driver seat and mirror memory, gloss black upper grille with chrome bar and surround, gloss black lower grille, body colour mirrors (power, heated, with integrated turn indicators), chrome liftgate garnish, silver roof rack side rails, foot activated hands-free liftgate, reverse sensing system, rain sensing front wipers, and perimeter alarm. Intelligent 4WD is available on this trim.