2017 Ford Escape introduces FordPass with SYNC Connect
Ford’s 2017 Escape is the brand’s first in the US to offer FordPass with SYNC Connect, allowing owners to control key functions remotely via smartphone.
Ford has brought its FordPass connectivity platform to the 2017 Escape, making it the first US Ford model to offer remote vehicle access and control via SYNC Connect. The system, available from May 2016, allows owners to lock or unlock doors, locate their vehicle, schedule remote starts and check fuel levels using a secure smartphone app.
FordPass and SYNC Connect Arrive on 2017 Escape
- Remote lock and unlock from anywhere
- Vehicle location services for finding your car in large car parks
- Schedule remote starts to pre-condition the interior
- Check current fuel level through the app
The FordPass app, compatible with both iPhone and Android, connects to the Escape through SYNC Connect. Owners can use the app to perform everyday tasks such as checking if the car is locked or starting the engine remotely to pre-condition the interior. The system also provides vehicle location, useful in large car parks or unfamiliar areas, and displays the current fuel level.
SYNC 3 Infotainment and Wider Rollout
The 2017 Escape also marks the first Ford in the US to offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Ford has announced that the Fusion will be the next model to gain these features, with plans to extend SYNC Connect across its US range, including the Fiesta. This move shows Ford’s intention to make connected services available across its line-up, not just on higher-end models.
| Trim Level | SYNC Connect Availability |
|---|---|
| S | Not available |
| SE | Available with Technology Package |
| Titanium | Standard |
SYNC Connect is not standard on every Escape. It is included with the technology package on the SE trim and forms part of the standard equipment on the Titanium version. The system requires a two-step authentication process during setup, with confirmation needed on both the app and the vehicle’s touchscreen to help protect owner data.
For buyers, FordPass with SYNC Connect brings the Escape in line with rivals offering remote connectivity and smartphone integration. The move responds to growing demand for digital convenience in the compact SUV segment, where features like remote start and app-based controls are increasingly expected. The rollout to further models suggests Ford sees connected services as a core part of its competitive strategy.
