Launched for the 2013 model year on Ford’s global C1 platform, the third-generation Escape shared its underpinnings with the European Kuga, marking a complete departure from the boxy utility of its forebears. Offering sleek styling, sharp handling and a car-like driving position, rigorous Ford Escape maintenance is crucial to protect its advanced turbocharged engines. Competing directly with the Volkswagen Tiguan, it brought modern driver assist technology and downsized EcoBoost engines into the mainstream crossover market.