2017 Ford Escape Titanium: Used-Owner Guide
The 2017 Ford Escape Titanium is the top trim of the 2017 Escape lineup. It is the version to look at if you want the most comfort and technology, but on a used vehicle I would judge it by service history and condition before getting excited about the options list.
2017 Escape Titanium engine choices
| Engine | Titanium availability | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost | Available | Prioritizes everyday economy while still providing turbocharged torque. |
| 2.0L EcoBoost | Available | Provides much stronger acceleration and is the powertrain I would favor for heavier use or towing within Ford's limits. |
Do not assume every Titanium has the 2.0L. Used ads often treat "Titanium" and "2.0 EcoBoost" as if they mean the same thing, but the 1.5L was also offered. Verify the engine before comparing prices or ordering parts.
What does Titanium add?
Titanium is about equipment more than basic vehicle structure. Compared with an SE, a Titanium is more likely to have premium seating materials, upgraded audio, a power liftgate, more convenience features and additional driver-assistance technology. Some items were optional, packaged or market-dependent, so a VIN/window-sticker check is more reliable than a generic feature list.
2017 Ford Escape Titanium reliability
The Titanium badge itself is not the main reliability question. I would start with which EcoBoost engine is under the hood, then look at maintenance history, cooling-system history, transmission behavior and whether recall work is complete.
1.5L EcoBoost Titanium
Ford published a technical service bulletin for some 2017-2019 Escapes with the 1.5L EcoBoost covering symptoms such as low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running and certain diagnostic codes. The bulletin says coolant intrusion into a cylinder may be responsible. That makes documented engine and cooling-system history especially valuable.
2.0L EcoBoost Titanium
Ford also published service information for some 2017-2019 2.0L EcoBoost Escapes involving coolant in the cylinders, low coolant, white exhaust smoke and rough running. The 2.0L is attractive for its stronger performance, but I would not buy one without paying attention to this history.
See my full 2017 Escape reliability guide for a more complete engine-by-engine discussion.
Recalls matter on a Titanium
Some recall populations specifically include 2017 Escape SE and Titanium vehicles. One example is NHTSA campaign 16V-617 / Ford recall 16C12, covering certain 2017 SE and Titanium vehicles with power windows built during a specified production period. The repair addressed the power-window automatic-reversal system.
In Canada, Transport Canada published a 2026 recall covering certain 2017 Escapes where the earlier 16C12 repair may not have been completed correctly, requiring another software update. That is a good example of why I prefer a fresh VIN check instead of relying on an old printed recall list.
The broader 2022 shift-cable-bushing recall also covers certain 2013-2019 Escapes with the 6F35 transmission. Check the VIN through Ford and the official government database in your country.
What I would test before buying a Titanium
With a base trim, a quick test drive can reveal a lot. With a Titanium, I would spend more time parked and deliberately operate the equipment.
- Start the engine cold if possible and listen for anything unusual.
- Check coolant level and ask about coolant loss or major engine work.
- Verify the transmission selects gears and drives normally.
- Operate every power window and confirm normal auto-up/auto-down behavior.
- Test the power liftgate several times.
- Check the touchscreen, audio, Bluetooth/USB, backup camera and steering-wheel controls.
- Test heated seats and any other fitted comfort equipment.
- Check parking sensors and driver-assistance features if equipped.
- Look at wheel condition and tire age, not just tread depth.
- On AWD vehicles, make sure all four tires are appropriately matched.
Are the bigger Titanium wheels worth it?
They can look great, but larger wheel-and-tire packages usually cost more when replacement time comes and may ride more firmly. I would not reject a Titanium because it has smaller factory wheels. For a daily driver, tire quality and condition matter more to me than having the largest wheel option.
Titanium vs SE: which would I buy?
If two Escapes had identical maintenance histories and condition, I would choose based on the features I would actually use. Titanium is the better fit if premium interior touches and convenience technology matter to you. SE is attractive if you want much of the same basic vehicle with fewer expensive extras to evaluate.
Our Alice is an SE, and I like that middle-ground approach. But I can absolutely understand choosing a Titanium if you find a carefully maintained one with the options you want.
2017 Titanium used-buying priorities
- Identify the engine. Do not shop on trim name alone.
- Run the VIN for recalls. Recall status can change as new campaigns or follow-up campaigns are issued.
- Look for records. Cooling-system and engine history are especially important on the EcoBoost engines.
- Test every feature. Premium equipment only adds value when it works.
- Inspect tires and brakes. Larger wheels can make neglected tires expensive to replace.
- Get an independent inspection. A clean-looking Titanium can still hide deferred maintenance.