Does the 2025 Ford Escape receive improved intelligent all-wheel drive compared to the previous model?
The 2025 Ford Escape maintains the Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive (i4WD) system with refined software calibration improving coupler responsiveness. Torque transfer to rear wheels now occurs in 80 milliseconds (20 ms improvement over 2024), offering enhanced control feel on slippery roads. Ford recalibrated rear differential management reducing documented understeer tendency from 2022-2024 models during rapid turns on snow. The system now offers five terrain modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and new Snow mode with assist on snowy slopes. The 2025 Escape AWD shows improved documented stability on downtown Montreal streets following first snowfall (critical initial adhesion before packing) thanks to this terrain mode recalibration. For Canadian winter regions, this improvement is relevant; for Toronto with complete snow removal infrastructure, impact remains marginal.