CosmeticsThe SEL doesn't really have many cosmetic differences between itself and the SE. The changes it does have though are fairly major. The most noticeable is the interior upgrade from cloth to leather with two color choices Charcoal Black and Medium Light Stone. The steering wheel and center shifter also get the leather treatment. As for wheels the standard wheel is the same found on the SE a 17" Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheel. For $595 you can upgrade to the 18" Ultra Bright Machined Aluminum wheel. The SEL is available in 9 of the 10 color options the only one not to be found is the Oxford White. Those color choices are White Platinum, Ingot Silver, White Gold, Cinnamon Glaze, Ruby Red, Blue, Lightning Blue, Magnetic and Shadow Black.
Safety
The Escape received a 5 out of 5 star overall crash test rating from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) which you can view at Safecar.gov. This gives you the peace of mind to know your family and friends are safe in a Ford Escape. The SEL comes standard with BLIS but also has the option of adding the Safe and Smart package. Included in that package is adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support, BLIS with Cross Traffic alert, Lane Keep System and much more. (Click on the Safe and Smart package for more info)
As with any higher trim you'll get the options found on the S and SE some of those features are Personal Safety System, Front side, Knee and Canopy airbags, LATCH System, MyKey, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and AdvancTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control).
Technology
The SEL has some great tech that comes standard with the vehicle. The tailgate becomes powered but to be clear it's not the kick release one. That is only found on the Titanium which I'll happily talk about in my Titanium review. Like the SE the front seats are heated and you also get the dual climate control. The big Tech add over the SE is the inclusion of Sync 3 with the ability to use Android Auto and Apple Car Play which you really need to come and check out because that alone may sell you on buying a Ford. Also optional is Navigation but with Sync 3 and a smart phone you may decide to pass.
Again standard options of the S will migrate over which include Sync with 911 assist which enables you to have a paired Bluetooth device to your vehicle and unlike Chevys OnStar its completely free. Other features like the available USB port allows you to play music, charge a phone or even use Apps on your phone like iHeart radio or Pandora.
Review
At first I never really saw a need for the SEL as I though consumers would just step up from the SE to the Titanium but for the price jump I understand why Ford brought the SEL to the table. This is a perfect fit for a small family or a downsizing larger family who's kids no longer need to mom or dad to haul them around. I hope this article helps if you have a question please feel free to write a comment in the comment section or email me directly at SuperFordTV@Gmail.com
