Coming in 2012 is the all-new Ford Escape, touting better fuel economy than its predecessor, 11 exclusive features, two EcoBoost® engines and cutting-edge technology. Hey, we don’t kid around when we say “all-new.”

Let’s start with the EcoBoost, since that’s an engine buyers continue to crave. The new Escape boasts two of ‘em: an available 2.0-liter and a 1.6-liter, which is debuting in America in the Escape. How’s that for another plug under the “all-new” heading? The EcoBoost engines are linked to the SelectShift Automatic® transmission. The standard engine in the Escape will be an updated 2.5-liter, which is also hooked to the SelectShift Automatic six-speed. Projections on fuel economy are estimated at 5 mpg better than the outgoing Escape.

Also aiding in the mpg department is the SUV’s fresh design, which is nearly 10 percent more aerodynamic than the previous generation. There’s also an active grille shutter system on 1.6-liter and 2.5-liter models. The grille slats stay open when extra engine cooling air is needed (like stop-and-go driving), then automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, such as at steady highway speeds. And if your driving will include towing, good news: The Escape maintains a trailer tow rating of 3,500 pounds.

Other driving innovations include advanced software and sensors. For example, the new Intelligent 4WD System analyzes data from 25 external signals (say, wheel speed and steering wheel angle), assessing road conditions and driver input. Intelligent 4WD builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.

In terms of technology, there’s a hands-free power liftgate, while SYNC® with MyFord Touch® has been upgraded with a new look and easier controls for managing info. Know how vile parallel parking can be? The new Escape has Active Park Assist; press a button and the system automatically steers the vehicle into the space. You need only control the gas and brake pedals. There’s also BLIS®, the Blind Spot Information System, which sounds an alert if a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot. And the Escape is the first Ford SUV to combine class-exclusive technology to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control) and the new Intelligent 4WD System, which analyzes data from 25 external signals (say, wheel speed and steering wheel angle), assessing road conditions and driver input. Intelligent 4WD builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.

Now that the Escape has made its world debut in Los Angeles, it’s whipping out its passport and heading to Europe.