10 Fantastic Tech Features of the 2013 Ford Escape

Image via Complex Original

Think the 2013 Ford Escape is just more of the same? Think again. Its sleek external styling cues are a cut above the previous version, but it's what's on the inside that really counts. Complex recently had the opportunity to drive one for a few days, so we could experience all it had to offer. It's no hotrod, but it's not meant to be one, either. We were pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was to drive... all thanks to 10 fantastic new tech features.

MyKey

Included In Package: Included with purchase of all 2013 Ford Escape models

If you share your vehicle with someone else, like a little brother or annoying roommate, this lets you control -- to a degree -- what that other person can do with your car. Does your little brother like to rack up speeding tickets? You can limit his top allowable speed with MyKey. As long as he's using his assigned key fob to drive the car, your controls stay in place.

A/V Connectivity

Included In Package: Optional on the SE trim level; standard on SEL and Titanium trim levels.

Now you can hook up any electronic device that has RCA outputs. Want to watch videos on the screen in the center console? You can. Want to hear audio through your Escape's speakers? That, too. There's also a 110V outlet in the back to charge your electronic devices.

Intelligent 4WD System

Included In Package: Optional on SE, SEL, and Titanium trim levels.

Ford's Intelligent 4WD system uses sensors to monitor when and where your wheels need extra traction on the road. For example, if you go into a corner slightly too fast and lose grip on some unforeseen gravel, your car will automatically adjust for conditions. If you slip in rain or snow, this system adjusts torque vectoring to provide additional traction where you need it.

Sony Audio System with 10 Speakers and HD Radio

Included In Package: Included in the SEL Technology Package

It seems like most new cars are Sirius/XM Satellite Radio-ready from the factory. The 2013 Escape is no exception. But how are you gonna listen to your tunes without some killer ice? Sure, you can put an aftermarket stereo system in your ride. But when the one that comes with it sounds this good, you may not want to.

Reverse/Forward Sensing Systems, Rearview Camera

Included In Package: All three are part of the Parking Technology Package; Reverse Sensing System is part of the Titanium and SEL Technology Packages.

When parallel parking, especially in a new car, you don't always know exactly where your bumpers are. Also, when you're backing out of a parking space, sometimes it's hard to see everything that's behind you. These three things help minimize your risk of accidentally hitting something or someone.

Dual USB Ports

Included In Package: Standard on SEL and Titanium trim levels; optional on the SE trim level

USB ports aren't something new, but we appreciate the fact that when you plug your MP3 player in, SYNC indexes your files. Once it's complete, you can access all your music via the SYNC computer -- including using voice commands. That's right. You can tell SYNC to play your music and it will listen.

SYNC with MyFord Touch

Included In Package: Standard on SEL and Titanium trim levels; optional on SE trim level

With a combination of an in-dash screen for navigation/computer commands and voice controls, you can keep your eyes on the road while controlling your car with your voice. Navigation, music, climate controls -- you name it, you can control it just by talking. The computer adapts to your voice the more often you use voice commands. If you don't know what to say, you simply ask it, “What do I say?” and it will list all applicable commands that you can use. It also features Bluetooth connectivity for safer phone calls. If you have an iPhone or compatible Android phone, SYNC will even read your incoming text messages aloud. Pretty slick system if you always need to keep in touch.

Cross Traffic Alert (with BLIS)

Included In Package: Parking Technology Package

We've all seen news reports where an accident happens, and the person who hit something says, “I just didn't see it coming.” While there's no substitute for turning your head and looking in all your blind spots yourself, Ford's Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Indicator System can offer some assistance. When something enters either blind spot alongside your Escape, an amber light flashes in the appropriate side mirror to alert you. Of course, we didn't trust it at first; who would? But when we double-checked it by turning our heads to look in our blind spots, we found it was pretty accurate. We wish the light was a more intense amber color, though. As it is, in extremely bright sun, it's difficult to see the amber light when it's blinking.

Active Park Assist

Included In Package: Parking Technology Package

If you have a car in NYC, parallel parking is a fact of life. If you have Ford's Active Park Assist on your side, however, it doesn't have to be a complete nightmare. You simply activate it, then control the gas and the brake pedals. The car will use its myriad sensors to park you perfectly at the curb. We don't blame you for being skeptical. It's really weird the first time you try it, but once you get over the weirdness, it's actually pretty cool and useful. Have a friend that can't parallel park? Now you don't have to worry about what's gonna happen if you lend him your whip.

Hands Free Liftgate

Included In Package: SEL Technology Package, Titanium Technology Package

It's happened to all of us. You go to put something in the back of your car, only to have to put it down because your arms are too full to open the cargo gate or trunk. Ford has come up with something simple, yet revolutionary. To open the lift gate, you simply stick your foot under the rear bumper. An alert chime sounds, and the lift gate opens. To close it, simply repeat the process and the gate will close.