In recent months, a number of FoMoCo models have seen various non-critical features removed temporarily in an effort to speed up deliveries as numerous supply chain shortages continue to wreak havoc on automotive production. Now, the 2022 Ford Escape is the latest to join that growing list, as sources familiar with the matter have told Ford Authority that Ford has now added a hands-free liftgate removal option to that particular crossover.
The 2022 Ford Escape SEL and Titanium have both gained what is officially called the “Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Feature Removal” option for Job 1 production. On SEL-trimmed models, that feature is included with the Technology Package, which includes a variety of other features including a 10-way power driver’s seat, the 10-speaker B&O sound system with a subwoofer, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, wireless charging pad, memory driver’s seat, and memory side-view mirrors.
Previously, the hands-free liftgate option was standard equipment on Titanium-trimmed 2022 Ford Escape models. Vehicles impacted by this change are still equipped with a power tailgate, though the hands-free feature removal is apparently a required option moving forward, so for the time being, it seems like these models will not include it. As has been the case with these deletions in the past, this situation is fluid and may change at any time, however.
The 2022 Ford Escape is just the latest in a long line of Blue Oval products to axe certain features in recent months, including the Ford F-150, which previously lost the Ford Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, Connected Navigation, and Connected Built-In Navigation and Max Recline Seats while gaining an Active Park Assist 2.0 removal option, while the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is no longer available with Multicontour seats. Additionally, dealer stock 2022 Ford Bronco models are now being built without Connected Navigation and Connected Built-In Navigation, while the 2022 Ford Expedition also dropped Active Park Assist 2.0 back in late March.
We’ll have more on the Escape soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Good! Can’t tell how often I’ve been hit in the head when the damned tailgate of my wife’s Escape starts coming down because I am standing too close to the bumper.
Dido, I turned it off.
What is next, “Engine Removal Option”?
After 3 1/2 months of waiting g without a whisper, I would just like to know if I am ever going to get mine.
I’m a longtime FORD fan My dad brother and son worked for them. I was an ESCAPE loyal driver but FORD ruined this car I’m 75 and don’t need to crawl on the ground to get in my car and I like sitting high where I can see better. So I switched to an Edge now you are discontinuing it and I can’t afford a Explorer so I may have to switch brands I’m not a happy camper
What is it with Ford Escape deliveries? My 2022 was built a month ago today and it’s still waiting for transportation to my dealership. Can’t even get an answer/update from anyone at Ford and their tracking application doesn’t work. I ordered my car back in March. And my current lease is up this month.