2017 Ford Escape Oil Type & Capacity by Engine
If you only want the oil answer, start with the engine. The 2017 Escape did not use one oil viscosity and one capacity across the lineup. Ford published separate specifications for the 1.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost and 2.5L, which is much better than the old version of this page that gave a broad five-quart estimate.
Oil type and capacity table
| Engine | Ford viscosity | Ford specification | Capacity with filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost | SAE 5W-20 | WSS-M2C945-A | 4.3 qt (4.1 L) |
| 2.0L EcoBoost | SAE 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-A | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| 2.5L | SAE 5W-20 | WSS-M2C945-A | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
Why the Ford specification matters: when shopping for oil, check both the viscosity on the front of the bottle and the specifications/API information on the label. A bottle being 5W-20 or 5W-30 does not by itself confirm that it meets the specification Ford published for the vehicle.
1.5L EcoBoost: 5W-20, 4.3 qt
Ford lists SAE 5W-20 for the 2017 1.5L EcoBoost, with specification WSS-M2C945-A. The published engine-oil capacity with a filter change is 4.3 qt (4.1 L).
This is the engine in Alice, our 2017 Escape SE. The main thing I want this page to make clear is that the 1.5L does not have the same oil capacity as the 2.0L and 2.5L. Buying a five-quart jug may be convenient, but the published fill quantity is still 4.3 qt with the filter.
2.0L EcoBoost: 5W-30, 5.7 qt
The 2.0L EcoBoost is different. Ford lists SAE 5W-30, specification WSS-M2C946-A, and a capacity of 5.7 qt (5.4 L) with the oil filter.
This corrects one of the more important weaknesses in the old article, which suggested 5W-20 as the common choice for the 2.0L. For the 2017 North American owner information, Ford's published viscosity is 5W-30.
2.5L: 5W-20, 5.7 qt
For the naturally aspirated 2.5L, Ford lists SAE 5W-20 meeting WSS-M2C945-A. Capacity with the oil filter is 5.7 qt (5.4 L).
If you are not sure which engine you have, the 2017 Escape engines guide explains the three-engine lineup, and the dedicated Escape S, Escape SE and Escape Titanium guides explain which engines were associated with each trim.
What about full synthetic oil?
Ford's 2017 owner information listed Motorcraft synthetic-blend oil as the recommended product and also listed full-synthetic Motorcraft oil as an option. The important part for an owner is to use the correct viscosity and an oil that meets the applicable Ford/API requirements. Full synthetic can be a reasonable choice, especially for owners who prefer it, but this page does not treat it as a substitute for the published specification.
Extremely cold weather alternatives
Ford also published lower-viscosity cold-weather alternatives for temperatures around -22°F (-30°C) or below: 0W-20 for the engines normally using 5W-20, and 0W-30 for the 2.0L that normally uses 5W-30. That is a special cold-climate provision, not a reason to randomly change viscosity in ordinary weather.
How often should the oil be changed?
The 2017 Escape uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor. Under the normal maintenance schedule, Ford says not to exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between oil-change intervals. Severe use can call for more frequent service.
For the full schedule, see 2017 Ford Escape maintenance intervals. After service, the oil life reset guide explains the reset procedure.
Checking the level after service
The published capacity is the starting specification, but the dipstick is still the final level check. Ford's manual calls for checking on level ground after the engine has been shut off long enough for the oil to drain back into the pan. Do not overfill above the maximum mark.
Oil filter reference
Ford's 2017 Motorcraft parts tables list FL-910-S for the 1.5L, 2.0L and 2.5L engines. If you choose another brand, verify the catalog fitment for your exact engine. Ford also notes that if a Motorcraft filter is unavailable, the replacement should meet the applicable industry performance specification.
What I would verify before buying oil
- Confirm whether your Escape has the 1.5L, 2.0L or 2.5L engine.
- Match the viscosity to the engine, especially 5W-30 for the 2.0L versus 5W-20 for the other two.
- Check that the oil label meets the applicable Ford/API specification.
- Buy enough for the published capacity, but do not blindly pour the entire container into the engine.
- Use the dipstick to confirm the final level.