Interior 2017 Ford Escape

```html

Interior of the 2017 Ford Escape: A Detailed Overview

The 2017 Ford Escape represents a mid-cycle refresh for the popular compact SUV, bringing with it updates both to the exterior design and, significantly, to the interior appointments and technology. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the 2017 Ford Escape's interior, focusing on its design, materials, technology, and overall practicality.

Ford aimed to improve the user experience within the Escape, making it more comfortable, intuitive, and connected than its predecessors. Key elements in this endeavor include a redesigned dashboard, improved seating, enhanced sound insulation, and a suite of new technology features. Understanding these improvements requires a closer look at the specific areas of the interior.

Dashboard and Center Console Design

One of the most noticeable changes in the 2017 Escape is the redesigned dashboard. The previous generation's design was often criticized for its cluttered layout and reliance on physical buttons. The 2017 model addresses these concerns with a more streamlined and horizontal design. This new design prioritizes clarity and ease of use, reducing the number of physical buttons and integrating many functions into the touchscreen infotainment system.

The center stack, which houses the infotainment screen and climate controls, has been simplified. The buttons that remain are larger and more clearly labeled, making them easier to operate while driving. Depending on the trim level, the infotainment screen can range from a smaller 4.2-inch display to a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The 8-inch screen is particularly noteworthy, as it incorporates Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is significantly more responsive and user-friendly than the previous MyFord Touch system.

The center console has also been redesigned to offer improved storage and functionality. The gear shifter is strategically placed, and the cupholders are designed to accommodate various sizes of beverages. A small storage compartment is located ahead of the shifter, providing a convenient place to store small items such as cell phones or wallets. The center console also houses the controls for the electronic parking brake, which frees up space compared to a traditional handbrake lever.

The overall effect of the dashboard and center console redesign is a more modern, less cluttered, and more user-friendly environment compared to the previous generation Escape. The intuitive layout and improved display technology contribute to a more enjoyable and safer driving experience.

Seating and Comfort

The seating in the 2017 Ford Escape is engineered to provide a comfortable and supportive experience for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are designed to offer ample support during long drives, and they are available with various adjustments to accommodate different body types. Higher trim levels offer features such as power-adjustable seats with lumbar support, which further enhances comfort.

The rear seats are also designed to provide adequate legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The rear seats can be reclined slightly, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for optimal comfort. The rear seats also feature a 60/40 split-folding design, which allows for flexible cargo carrying options. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo area expands significantly, allowing for the transport of larger items.

The materials used in the seats vary depending on the trim level. Lower trim levels feature cloth upholstery, while higher trim levels offer leather or leather-trimmed seats. The leather seats are particularly luxurious and contribute to a more premium feel in the cabin. The stitching and detailing on the seats also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the interior.

Beyond the seats themselves, Ford has also focused on improving the overall sound insulation of the cabin. This helps to reduce road noise and wind noise, creating a quieter and more relaxing environment for passengers. This is achieved through the use of thicker glass, additional sound-deadening materials, and improved sealing around the doors and windows.

The climate control system in the 2017 Escape is designed to provide effective temperature regulation for both the front and rear passengers. The system features automatic climate control, which allows the driver to set a desired temperature and have the system automatically adjust the fan speed and air distribution to maintain that temperature. Rear passengers also have access to dedicated air vents, ensuring that they remain comfortable regardless of the outside temperature.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2017 Ford Escape's technology features are a significant upgrade from previous models. The most notable improvement is the introduction of the SYNC 3 infotainment system. SYNC 3 is a much more responsive and user-friendly system than the previous MyFord Touch system, which was often criticized for its slow response times and confusing interface.

The SYNC 3 system features an 8-inch touchscreen display with a clear and intuitive interface. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with the vehicle's infotainment system. This allows drivers to access their favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music directly from the touchscreen display. Voice control is also a key feature of SYNC 3, allowing drivers to control various functions of the system using natural language commands.

In addition to the SYNC 3 system, the 2017 Escape also offers a range of other technology features, including a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitoring system, a lane-keeping assist system, and adaptive cruise control. The rearview camera provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected in their blind spot, helping to prevent accidents. The lane-keeping assist system helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, providing gentle steering corrections if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane.

Adaptive cruise control is another valuable technology feature, which allows the driver to set a desired speed and following distance. The system will automatically adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain the set following distance, even in stop-and-go traffic. This can help to reduce driver fatigue on long highway drives.

The instrument cluster also features a digital display that provides important information to the driver, such as vehicle speed, fuel economy, and trip information. The display is clear and easy to read, and it can be customized to show different types of information based on the driver's preferences.

Furthermore, the 2017 Escape offers available features such as a hands-free liftgate, which allows the driver to open the liftgate by simply waving their foot under the rear bumper. This is particularly useful when the driver's hands are full. A panoramic sunroof is also available, which allows for more natural light to enter the cabin.

The combination of these technology features contributes to a more convenient, safer, and more enjoyable driving experience. Ford's focus on improving the user experience is evident in the design and implementation of these features.

Overall, the 2017 Ford Escape's interior represents a significant improvement over its predecessors. The redesigned dashboard, improved seating, and advanced technology features contribute to a more comfortable, intuitive, and connected driving experience. These improvements make the 2017 Escape a competitive option in the crowded compact SUV market.

```