If you're hunting for a compact SUV that can actually handle a small trailer or a couple of jet skis, looking at a 2017 Ford Escape with tow package is a pretty smart move. It's one of those vehicles that punches slightly above its weight class when it's equipped correctly. Back in 2017, Ford gave the Escape a mid-cycle refresh, which meant better looks and updated tech, but for people who actually use their vehicles for work or hobbies, the towing capacity was the real talking point.
Most people don't think of compact crossovers as "towing machines," and for the most part, they're right. Usually, you're looking at a measly 1,500 pounds, which is barely enough for a bike rack and a prayer. But with the right setup on this specific Ford, things get a lot more interesting.
What You Actually Get With the Tow Package
It's easy to assume that a "tow package" is just a metal hitch bolted to the frame, but on the 2017 model, it's a bit more integrated than that. When you find a 2017 Ford Escape with tow package from the factory, you're getting a Class II trailer tow hitch and a 4-pin wiring harness.
But the real magic happens in the software. Ford included Trailer Sway Control as part of the deal. If you've ever towed anything on a windy day or had a semi-truck fly past you on the highway, you know that terrifying feeling when the trailer starts to "wag the dog." The system in the Escape monitors the vehicle's motion and can actually apply the brakes or reduce engine torque to bring everything back into a straight line. It's one of those features you hope you never need, but you're sure glad it's there when the wind picks up.
The Engine Makes All the Difference
Here is the catch—and it's a big one. You can't just pick any 2017 Escape and expect it to haul a heavy load. The towing capacity is strictly tied to what's under the hood.
The 2017 Ford Escape with tow package really only shines if it's paired with the 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine. If you find an Escape with the 1.5-liter engine or the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, your towing is going to be capped at 2,000 pounds or less. However, that 2.0L EcoBoost is a little powerhouse. It puts out 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. When you have that engine and the factory tow package, the rating jumps up to a respectable 3,500 pounds.
That 3,500-pound limit is the "sweet spot." It's enough to move a small pop-up camper, a fiberglass fishing boat, or a utility trailer full of mulch for a weekend project.
Real-World Driving While Loaded Down
Driving a 2017 Ford Escape with tow package feels surprisingly stable, even when you're pushing close to that 3,000-pound mark. Because the Escape is built on a car-like chassis (it's essentially a tall Focus), it handles better than a truck-based SUV. The steering is sharp, and it doesn't feel like a boat when you're taking corners.
One thing I've noticed is that the 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2017 model is pretty robust, but you'll definitely hear the engine working harder. The EcoBoost loves to use its turbo to find power, so expect your gas mileage to take a significant hit when you're hauling. You might go from getting 25-27 mpg on the highway down to 14-16 mpg once you've got a trailer hooked up. That's just the reality of a small engine doing big work.
Staying Cool Under Pressure
Another benefit of the factory-installed 2017 Ford Escape with tow package that people often overlook is the cooling. While Ford didn't always advertise a "heavy-duty radiator" for this specific year like they do for the F-150, vehicles equipped with factory tow kits usually have cooling maps in the ECU that are more aggressive. The car knows it's under load and manages heat differently than a base model would. If you just slap an aftermarket hitch on a base Escape, you run the risk of overheating your transmission because you don't have those factory-tuned safety nets.
What Can You Actually Tow?
It's easy to throw around numbers like 3,500 pounds, but what does that look like in the real world? If you're looking at a 2017 Ford Escape with tow package, you're likely trying to fit a specific lifestyle.
- Teardrop Campers: These are a perfect match. Most weigh under 2,000 pounds, leaving you plenty of "headroom" for gear, water, and food.
- Small Boats: A 16-foot aluminum fishing boat or a couple of jet skis on a trailer will be no problem at all.
- Utility Trailers: If you're a DIYer who heads to the big-box hardware store for lumber or landscaping rocks, this setup is a lifesaver.
- Snowmobiles: A single-place or even a light double-place snowmobile trailer fits within the limits.
Just remember to factor in the weight of the people and luggage inside the car too. The "Gross Combined Weight Rating" includes everything—the car, the kids, the dog, the cooler, and the trailer.
Is it Better Than the Competition?
Back in 2017, the Escape was competing with the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Mazda CX-5. Honestly, if towing was your priority, the Escape usually won. The CR-V of that year was typically rated for only 1,500 pounds. The RAV4 had an "Adventure" trim that could do 3,500, but they were harder to find. The Mazda? Great to drive, but not really meant for pulling much.
The 2017 Ford Escape with tow package was the "truck guy's" small SUV. It felt a bit more rugged in its power delivery. Plus, the 2017 model year brought in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via Sync 3), which made those long towing trips a lot more tolerable.
Buying a Used 2017 Escape: What to Check
If you're looking at a used 2017 Ford Escape with tow package today, there are a few things you should check before handing over your cash.
First, look at the hitch itself. Is it rusted out? Does the wiring look like a professional did it, or is it a "hack job" with electrical tape everywhere? If it's the factory package, the wiring plug should be neatly integrated near the hitch.
Second, check the transmission fluid if you can. Towing puts a lot of heat into the transmission. If the previous owner spent every weekend hauling a heavy boat through the mountains, that transmission might be tired. If the fluid smells burnt or looks black, walk away.
Lastly, make sure it actually has the 2.0L engine. I've seen plenty of used car listings claim "tow package" just because someone bolted a $150 hitch onto a 1.5L model. Remember: No 2.0L EcoBoost, no 3,500-pound rating. Don't let a salesperson convince you otherwise.
The Verdict
The 2017 Ford Escape with tow package is a fantastic middle-ground vehicle. It's small enough to park at the grocery store without feeling like you're piloting a tank, but it's capable enough to get your toys to the lake on Saturday morning.
It's not a replacement for a F-150, and you aren't going to be pulling a 25-foot Airstream with it. But for the average person who lives an active life and needs just a bit more "oomph" than a standard crossover provides, it's a solid, reliable choice that holds its value well. Just keep an eye on that maintenance, don't exceed your weight limits, and it'll serve you well for a long time.