Accessories and Best Add-Ons (2017 Ford Escape)

The right accessories make daily driving easier and keep the Escape looking fresh. Below are the upgrades that have worked well for owners and the practical notes I wish I had when I started. I add a few tips from our SE, which we call Alice, including what to watch for with fitment and ride quality.

Custom wheels and rims

New wheels can change both the look and the feel. Keep fitment close to stock to avoid rubbing or vibration. The Escape typically uses a 5 x 108 bolt pattern and a 63.4 mm hub bore. Most aftermarket wheels have a larger bore and need hub centric rings. Bigger diameters sharpen response a little but ride more firmly and cost more to tire.

• Stay near stock offset so steering feel remains calm and the tires sit centered in the arches.
• Use hub centric rings sized to 63.4 mm inner. Hand start lugs and torque in a star pattern.
• If you drive in winter, consider a 17 inch winter set and keep larger wheels for summer.

Performance air filters and intake notes

A quality panel filter that fits the stock airbox is easy to live with. Oiled cotton filters flow well, but too much oil can contaminate a MAF element on some vehicles. If you go oiled, follow the recharge directions carefully and let it dry fully before install. A fresh paper or dry synthetic filter is a low fuss option that keeps trims stable.

• Seat the airbox lid evenly and tighten clamps. A small air leak can cause lean codes or whistle noises.
• Inspect the intake tube for cracks and make sure the resonator and PCV lines are sealed.

Seat covers that actually fit

Look for covers cut for the Escape seat shape with airbag safe stitching on the side bolsters. Neoprene and modern fabric blends are easy to clean and do not slide around. Measure headrests and check photos for cutouts before ordering.

Steering wheel covers and feel

A thin, stitched cover adds grip without making the wheel too thick. Real or micro-perforated leather feels steady in hot and cold weather. Stretch on carefully so spokes line up cleanly.

Towing hitch kits and wiring

A class II or III receiver is perfect for bike racks and small utility trailers. Use the correct hardware and torque values, and route the wiring so it clears the exhaust and suspension travel. If you tow, confirm your exact rating by VIN and options. A factory style 4-pin harness keeps things simple for light trailers.

• Use rust resistant hardware and a torque wrench on frame bolts.
• Zip tie the harness away from sharp edges. Add split loom where it passes near the hitch.

Stereo and navigation upgrades

If you have SYNC 3, good cables and a stable phone mount make CarPlay or Android Auto feel modern. If you want a larger screen or different apps and your trim allows it, some owners install a compatible head unit kit with a vehicle specific harness and dash bezel. Use adapters that retain steering wheel controls and backup camera where possible. Always verify your exact trim and connector set before ordering parts.

Hood bras, bug deflectors, and paint film

A fabric hood bra protects on long highway trips but can trap moisture if left on all season. Clean it often and remove it in wet months. A low profile acrylic deflector keeps bugs off the windshield edge with less maintenance. For a set it and forget it solution, a quality paint protection film on the hood edge and mirrors works well.

Car covers

Choose a breathable, water resistant cover sized to the Escape. Elastic hems should grab the bumpers without flapping in the wind. Use it on a clean car to avoid rubbing dust into the clearcoat. If you park outside in windy areas, add gust straps.

Floor liners and cargo protection

Deep well liners catch winter slush and summer sand. A raised edge cargo liner keeps groceries and tools from sliding and reduces hatch rattles. If you fold the seats often, a liner with seat back coverage keeps the fabric clean.

Roof racks, crossbars, and carriers

If your Escape has factory rails, low profile crossbars are the cleanest setup. Match bar length to the roof and use torque specs on the feet. Roof boxes are great for road trips but add noise and reduce MPG. Remove them when not traveling.

Dash cams and parking protection

A small capacitor based dash cam tolerates heat and cold better than battery only designs. Run the cable along the headliner and down the A pillar away from airbag paths. If you add a rear camera, route along the headliner and hatch gaiter with gentle bends.

Mud flaps, splash guards, and window visors

Form fitted splash guards keep the rockers cleaner and reduce spray on the rear glass. Tape and clip designs install without drilling on many trims. Window visors let you crack the windows in rain and help with heat soak when parked.

Small helpers that make life easier

• Trunk organizers and elastic straps to stop rolling items.
• Sunshades that cover the full windshield so the dash and screen stay cooler.
• Compact inflator and a digital gauge to keep pressures on target.
• Short braided phone cable and a stable mount that clears the vents and screen.

Products to buy

Always verify fitment for your exact trim, engine, and region.

Wheels, tires, and fitment

• Aftermarket wheels for 5 x 108 fitment Shop wheels
• Hub centric rings 63.4 mm inner Shop rings
• Lug nuts with conical seat, confirm thread pitch Shop lugs

Air filters

• Drop-in performance panel filter for Escape airbox Performance filters
• OE style paper or dry synthetic panel filter OE style filters
• MAF safe cleaner if you service an oiled filter MAF cleaner

Seats and wheel

• Seat covers tailored for 2017 Escape rows and airbags Shop seat covers
• Thin stitched steering wheel wrap Shop covers

Hitch and wiring

• Class II or III receiver for 2017 Escape Shop hitches
• Vehicle specific 4-pin wiring harness Shop wiring
• Hitch bike rack, confirm receiver size Bike racks

Stereo and mounts

• Vehicle specific dash kit and harness for head unit swaps Install kits
• Stable phone mount and short braided cable Mounts · Cables

Protection

• Hood bra or acrylic bug deflector for Escape front end Hood bra · Deflector
• Custom fit car cover, breathable and water resistant Car covers
• All weather floor liners and cargo liner Floor liners · Cargo liner

Roof and travel

• Low profile crossbars for factory rails Crossbars
• Aerodynamic roof box sized to your bars and load needs Roof boxes

Dash cams and guards

• Compact capacitor based dash cam with parking mode option Dash cams
• Trim tool kit for clean cable routing and panel work Trim tools

My simple accessory plan for Alice

1. Start with floor liners and a cargo liner to keep things clean.
2. Add a thin steering wheel wrap and a stable phone mount for comfort and maps.
3. Choose wheels after tires. If winter is in your future, set up a separate 17 inch winter package.
4. Install a class II or III hitch if you carry bikes or a small trailer. Wire it neatly and protect the loom.
5. Add a dash cam for peace of mind and a low profile bug deflector if you do lots of highway miles.

Pick a few upgrades that match how you drive. Small changes add up and make the Escape feel more dialed in without complicating maintenance.