Ford Division announced production plans today for a 2001 Escape XLT Sport – a sportier version of its popular Escape SUV – to be available to customers beginning in the spring.

In addition to the equipment offered on the regular production XLT Escape, the new Sport features an industry first, dual-loading rack system, dubbed the No Boundaries Rack System. In addition, the XLT Sport package will include unique 5-spoke, 16-inch wheels and tires, a standard step bar, privacy glass and floor mats. The XLT Sport is available only with four-wheel drive- and V-6 engine-equipped Escapes.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

“The Escape XLT Sport is for the most active Escape customers who appreciate the built-in functionality of Escape, but want the additional innovation provided by the dual-loading No Boundaries Rack System,” says Jim O’Connor, president of Ford Division.

The No Boundaries Rack System offers a unique sliding rail from the roof that customers can pull down vertically across the rear of the vehicle and lock into the bumper. This provides customers with two separate loading surfaces – a more traditional one on the roof and an additional one across the rear.

“Whether carrying skis or bikes or both, active Escape XLT Sport customers will make sure those racks are never empty,” says O’Connor. “But, if their particular adventure doesn’t require that added functionality all the time, the sliding rails can be stored within the conventional roof portion of the rack system.”

The 2001 Escape is the newest and smallest member of Ford’s comprehensive No Boundaries – Ford Outfitters lineup of SUVs. It joins the best-selling Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition and Excursion in the most complete SUV lineup in the industry. To date, customers and dealers have placed more than 75,000 orders for the 2001 Ford Escape, which began to appear in dealerships in August. While pricing is not yet available for the XLT Sport, the regular production XLT Escape prices start at $19,735, including destination and delivery charges of $540.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Ford Escape is built at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant. The XLT Sport will be available in dealerships during the spring of 2001.