The 2017 Ford Escape SE represents a significant evolution in the compact SUV segment, blending refined efficiency with a surprisingly premium interior. This specific trim level moves beyond the base model's essentials, offering a cabin environment focused on comfort, technology, and daily usability. For buyers in the market during that model year, understanding the nuances of the SE's interior was key to appreciating its value proposition against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Design and Material Quality
Walking into a 2017 Escape SE, the first impression is one of thoughtful design rather than ostentatious luxury. The dashboard layout is clean and driver-focused, featuring soft-touch plastics that provide a tactile feel uncommon in vehicles of this class. The color scheme is sophisticated, utilizing darker tones for the base surfaces with metallic or wood-grained accents depending on the specific exterior color chosen. This approach results in a cabin that feels more upscale than its price point might suggest, avoiding the cheap, plasticky aesthetic that plagued many competitors of the era.
Seating and Comfort
Seating comfort is a highlight of the SE trim, upgraded from the fabric used in the base models to durable yet supple cloth upholstery. The front seats offer ample support for long drives, with the driver’s seat typically featuring both power adjustments and a memory function for convenient multi-user households. The front bench seat option, available on certain configurations, provides a surprisingly comfortable seating position for three adults, making it a practical choice for families. Headroom and legroom are generous for the segment, ensuring that taller passengers do not feel cramped, while the rear seat offers a respectable amount of cargo space behind the rear seat for groceries or luggage.
Technology and Infotainment
The centerpiece of the 2017 Escape SE's interior technology is the SYNC 3 infotainment system, a major leap forward from the aging MyFord Touch interface. The system features a responsive 8-inch touchscreen with a clear layout and intuitive menus, significantly reducing driver distraction. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were becoming standard or available features on this trim, allowing seamless integration of smartphones for navigation, music, and hands-free calling. The inclusion of a premium Sony audio system on higher trims, often optional or standard on the SE, further elevated the in-car experience with rich, clear sound quality.
Connectivity and Convenience Features
Beyond the main screen, the SE interior is packed with thoughtful conveniences that enhance daily usability. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows the driver and front passenger to set individual temperatures, a feature that is invaluable in diverse weather conditions. A power liftgate, operated via a button on the key fob or inside the cabin, adds a layer of practicality when loading groceries or packages. The inclusion of ample 12-volt power outlets and USB charging ports ensures that all passengers can keep their devices powered throughout the journey, a critical detail for modern life.
Driving Dynamics and Integration
The interior design is intrinsically linked to the driving dynamics of the 2017 Escape. The SE's available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, and the transmission shifts smoothly to maintain a composed cabin environment. Road noise is well-controlled, contributing to a quiet highway cruising experience, while the steering provides adequate feedback without being overly heavy. This combination creates a sense of confidence and control, making the Escape SE feel planted and stable, whether navigating city streets or winding country roads.
Safety and Practical Considerations
Safety is a cornerstone of the Escape SE's appeal, and the 2017 model year comes well-equipped with Ford's suite of safety technologies. The SE typically includes Ford Co-Pilot360, a comprehensive safety package featuring blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. These systems work seamlessly in the background, providing peace of mind without overwhelming the driver. The interior materials are also chosen with durability in mind, ensuring that the cabin maintains its appearance and functionality over years of use.
