2017 Ford Escape Engines: 2.5L vs 1.5L vs 2.0L EcoBoost
The 2017 Ford Escape was sold in North America with three four-cylinder gasoline engines: a naturally aspirated 2.5L, a turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost and a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost. Choosing between them is not just about power. The engine changes which reliability concerns, maintenance items and diagnostic codes matter most.
Our family Escape, Alice, is a 2017 SE with the 1.5L EcoBoost. That gives me firsthand experience with the middle engine, while the specifications and known service information below are checked against Ford documentation.
2.5L: the non-turbo engine
The 2.5L is the simplest engine in the 2017 Escape lineup because it does not use a turbocharger. In the U.S. 2017 lineup it was associated with the S trim and front-wheel drive. If that is the configuration you are researching, see the dedicated 2017 Ford Escape S guide.
Why an owner may prefer it
- No turbocharger or charge-air plumbing.
- Fewer boost-control components to troubleshoot.
- A straightforward choice for owners who value simplicity over maximum acceleration.
What else to check
It is still an older direct-use vehicle with normal ignition, cooling, electrical and transmission maintenance needs. The absence of a turbo does not make it maintenance-free. Spark plugs, fluids, filters, belts, tires and the 6F35 transmission still deserve attention.
1.5L EcoBoost: the engine in Alice
The 1.5L EcoBoost uses turbocharging to produce more low- and mid-range response from a smaller engine. It is pleasant in everyday traffic and is the engine I know best because Alice has one.
The big reliability topic
For a used 2017 1.5L EcoBoost Escape, I would pay close attention to coolant history. Ford published service information for certain 2017-2019 Escapes describing symptoms that can include low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running and misfire codes. See the coolant-intrusion guide for the bulletin details and the historical customer-satisfaction program.
Other other owner topics
- Spark-plug gap and service interval.
- P0300-P0304 misfire codes.
- P0299 turbo underboost.
- Accessory belt vs 1.5L timing belt.
2.0L EcoBoost: the performance option
The 2.0L EcoBoost is the strongest engine offered in the 2017 Escape lineup and was available on higher configurations. It is the better fit for owners who value stronger passing performance or who need the higher towing capability available with the correct equipment.
Reliability context
Ford also published service information covering certain 2017-2019 2.0L EcoBoost Escapes with low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running and coolant entering cylinders. That makes service history and coolant behavior especially important on a used 2.0L.
Because it is turbocharged, the 2.0L can also set boost-related codes such as P0299 underboost. That code should be diagnosed as a system-performance problem rather than treated as an automatic turbocharger replacement.
Which engine has the fewest complicated systems?
Mechanically, the 2.5L is the least complicated because it is naturally aspirated. That does not guarantee a particular used vehicle will be more reliable. A well-maintained EcoBoost with documented history can be a better purchase than a neglected 2.5L. Condition and maintenance history matter more than a simple engine ranking.
Which engine is best for a used 2017 Escape?
I would choose based on your priorities and the individual vehicle:
- 2.5L: appealing if you want the non-turbo configuration and do not need the stronger EcoBoost performance.
- 1.5L EcoBoost: good everyday balance, but check coolant and repair history carefully.
- 2.0L EcoBoost: strongest performance, with the same need to investigate coolant history and turbo-system condition.
Engine-specific maintenance differences
Do not assume one maintenance list fits all three engines. Ford publishes different oil specifications/capacities, spark-plug gaps and cooling-system capacities. The 1.5L also has a timing-belt service item that should not be confused with the external accessory drive belt.
Reference pages include oil type and capacity, coolant type and capacity, spark plugs and the maintenance schedule.
Codes and symptoms by engine
| Symptom / code | 2.5L | 1.5L EcoBoost | 2.0L EcoBoost |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0299 underboost | Not a turbo engine | Relevant | Relevant |
| P0300-P0304 misfires | Relevant | Relevant | Relevant |
| EcoBoost coolant-intrusion bulletin context | No | Yes, certain vehicles | Yes, certain vehicles |
| 1.5L timing-belt service item | No | Yes | No |
What I would check before buying any engine
- Cold start, not just a warm test drive.
- Coolant level and evidence of repeated topping-up.
- Stored and pending diagnostic codes.
- Transmission behavior when cold and fully warm.
- Oil and maintenance history.
- Recall completion by VIN.
- Whether tires match closely in size and wear on AWD models.
For the broader buying picture, see 2017 Escape reliability, common problems and the used buyer's checklist.