model with its 2.5-liter Atkinson powertrain and the 3.0 L V6 engine have been dropped. The C-Max Hybrid indirectly replaced the Escape Hybrid. Trim levels The third-generation Escape was offered with front-wheel drive in the S trim level, and front- or all-wheel drive in the SE, SEL, and Titanium trim levels. The SEL trim was discontinued after the 2013 model year, but was reintroduced for 2018. For the 2015 model, in the United States and Canada, Ford updated the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine's specification to and of torque. 2017 refresh On 18 November 2015, Ford unveiled a refreshed mid-cycle update of the Escape, which went on sale in the beginning of 2016 for the 2017 model year. The refresh added an Edge-inspired front fascia, while tweaking the rear end that now sports reshaped LED taillights and a newly adopted two-slat, hexagonal grille. The interior was also adjusted slightly in the cabin area and on the steering wheel. The Sync 3 infotainment system was added as a new feature, along with a new smartphone app called Sync Connect, which allows owners to remotely monitor their vehicle, check fuel levels, lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. The 2.5 and 2.0 EcoBoost engine line-up was joined by a new 1.5 L, turbocharged, four-cylinder option, replacing the 1.6 L. Ford engineers promised additional refinement to the 2017 Escape, particularly as evidenced by extremely low road- and wind-noise levels. The doors and B pillars are insulated, the front wheel wells are lined, and acoustic glass is used for the side windows. Also, new seals are used for the windshield and hood. The new Escape showcased a number of new-to-it features, from faster-charging USB ports to an application that lets drivers unlock the vehicle and start the engine through a smartphone. Dubbed Sync Connect, this feature helps to locate the vehicle in a crowded parking lot, check the fuel level, and alert the owner when service is due. A number of driver-assist features were available: Enhanced park assist, lane-keeping, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Production of the facelifted 2017 Ford Escape started on 18 March 2016, at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Safety Recall In March 2017, Ford recalled 692,700 2014 Escapes because of faulty door latches. Fire hazard In December 2012, Ford recalled over 70,000 Escapes in the United States and Canada with 1.6 L engines that may